Synopses & Reviews
Today, the basic precepts of criminal investigationfingerprints, DNA, blood evidenceare known among professionals and lay people alike. But behind each of these familiar concepts is a fascinating story of the evolution of science and law, spearheaded by innovative thinkers, many of whom risked their careers for more perfect justice.
Dr. Katherine Ramsland, renowned expert in criminology, traces that development from thirteenth-century Chinese studies of decomposition through the Renaissance and the era of Newtonian physics to the marvels of the present day and beyond. Along the way, she introduces us to forensic pioneers and visionaries who galvanized the field, raised investigative standards, and whose efforts have kept us just steps ahead of increasingly sophisticated criminals.
Review
Praise for Beating the Devil's Game
“Once again Katherine Ramsland brilliantly captures the insights and drama of some fascinating cases.”—Dr. Henry Lee
Additional praise for Katherine Ramsland
“If youre looking for the perfect gift for someone whos riveted to television shows like CSI, you wont find a better one...This book is unique in the field.”—Court TV Crime Library
“A fascinating must-read for CSI fans and anyone interested in criminal justice.”—Booklist
“A must read for true crime fans. A beautifully written expert analysis of high-profile killers.”—Ann Rule
“One of the most immensely readable and gripping accounts of serial murder I have ever read.”—Colin Wilson, author of Serial Killers: A Study in the Psychology of Violence
“Fascinating...a must for anyone who wonders how the real crime solvers do it.”—Michael Palmer
“With the mind of a true investigator, Ramsland demystifies the world of forensics with authentic and vivid detail.”—John Douglas
Synopsis
An authoritative history of forensic science and the evolution of criminal investigation, from the author of The Forensic Science of C.S.I. and The Human Predator.
Today, the basic scientific precepts of criminal investigation-fingerprinting, DNA, ballistics, and more-are widely known among professionals and lay people alike. But behind each of these now-commonplace concepts is a compelling story of the evolution of science and law, spearheaded by innovative thinkers, many of whom risked their careers and reputations for the sake of justice. Dr. Katherine Ramsland traces that development from thirteenth-century Chinese studies of decomposition rates through the flowering of science during the Renaissance, up to the marvels of the present day and beyond.
Synopsis
First time in paperback? essential reading for the millions of fans of CSI and Cold Case Files. Katherine Ramsland, a renowned expert in criminology, traces the story of the evolution of forensic science??from thirteenth-century Chinese studies of decomposition through the flowering of science during the Renaissance and its veritable explosion during the era of Newtonian physics, to the marvels of the present day and beyond. Along the way, she introduces readers to such forensic pioneers as the father of toxicology; the criminalturned- detective who founded the Parisian Sureté; and trailblazers like William Bass whose integrated program in entomology, anthropology, and pathology at the Forensic Anthropology Center has galvanized the field.
About the Author
Dr. Katherine Ramsland has masters degrees in forensic psychology, clinical psychology, and criminal justice, and a Ph.D. in philosophy. She is the author of 47 books including Inside the Minds of Serial Killers, The Criminal Mind: A Writer's Guide to Forensic Psychology, The Devils' Dozen, and The Forensic Science of CSI, as well as biographies of Anne Rice and Dean Koontz. She is also the coauthor, with James E. Starrs, of A Voice for the Dead: A Forensic Investigator's Pursuit of the Truth in the Grave, and co-author, with Henry C. Lee, of The Real World of a Forensic Scientist. Dr. Ramsland currently teaches forensic psychology and criminal justice at DeSales University in Pennsylvania.