Howdunit Forensics [Paperback]

D P Lyle (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 4, 2008 | ISBN-10: 1582974748 | ISBN-13: 978-1582974743

Just because you don't have all the tools and training of a full-time medical examiner, doesn't mean you can't learn your way around a crime scene.

In Forensics, award-winning author and TV show consultant D.P. Lyle, M.D., takes each area of forensics–from fingerprint analysis to crime scene reconstruction–and discusses its development, how the science works, how it helps in crime solving, and how you as a writer might use this technique in crafting your plot. This comprehensive reference guide includes:

• Real-life case files and the role forensic evidence played in solving the crimes
  
  
• A breakdown of the forensics system from its history and organization to standard evidence classification and collection methods
  
  
• Detailed information on what a dead body can reveal–including the cause, mechanism, and manner of death
  
  
• The actual steps taken to preserve a crime scene and the evidence that can be gathered there, such as bloodstains, documents, fingerprints, tire impressions, and more

Forensics is the ultimate resource for learning how to accurately imbue your stories with authentic details of untimely demises.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

D. P. Lyle, MD is the Macavity Award winning and Edgar Award nominated author of the nonfiction books Murder and Mayhem: A Doctor Answers Medical and Forensic Questions for Mystery Writers and Forensics for Dummies. His published fiction includes the thrillers Devil's Playground and Double Blind. He has worked as a story and technical consultant with many published authors and with the writers and producers of several popular television shows, including Law & Order, CSI: Miami, Monk, Medium and House.
www.dplylemd.com

Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Writers Digest Books (April 4, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1582974748
• ISBN-13: 978-1582974743
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.9 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #26,881 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #5 in Books > Law > Criminal Law > Evidence
  • #11 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Crime & Criminals  > Forensic Science
  • #33 in Books > Law > Procedures & Litigation

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More Than I Expected, March 30, 2009

By 

Saluki (Orlando, FL USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Howdunit Forensics (Paperback)

The Howdunit Forensics book covers everything from DNA testing, to forgery, to asphyxia, and it covers it thoroughly.

For testing methods (i.e. paternity, DNA, etc.), the book will give you procedures, uses, how long they take, what kind of materials can be used to carry out the tests, the shortcomings of each test, and more.

For murder situations such as asphyxia and gunshot wounds, "Forensics" covers different types of strangulation and goes into how investigators can tell them apart. It's very specific, very informative, but not so informative that the reference feels like a textbook. There were times when I looked up a couple of things on the internet to supplement the information in the book, but it's a reference book, and in that regard, it does its job extremely well. And it definitely makes research a lot easier.

I really don't have anything to complain about with the book. Great for writers, easy to read/understand, just an all around good reference book.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Getting the Details Right, May 3, 2009

By 

John H. Turney "JHT Writer" (CIncinnati, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Howdunit Forensics (Paperback)

Have you ever read a book, and you know a certain detail is wrong? It can bring the entire story to a quick stop. You may even feel the author has violated that covenant between writer and reader.

DP Lyle has provided a wonderful assest to writers. His book helps a writer get it right. Those pesky forensics details that can bring a story up short are presented herein. No longer do writers have to worry about the process of preparing DNA or what blood splatter should look like from a certain distance.

Even moreso, the book is fascinating to read. It provides just enough of the science for anyone to understand without going so deep a lay person gets lost. This book should be on the bookshelf of every mystery/thriller writer. And if you have a child who has an interest in science, this book can only increase their interest in science.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great reference tool, July 2, 2008

By 

Darian Ray "mystery author" (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Howdunit Forensics (Paperback)

I've been writing and publishing mysteries for over ten years, and this is one of the best reference books I've come across. The index is clear and the book easy to manuver around - I read it cover to cover and now it sits by my computer for easy access. Love it!