Forensic Analysis and DNA in Criminal Investigations: Including Cold Cases Solved

Fans of the CSI TV series and other popular cop shows probably think that forensic analysis of crime scenes is something new, a 20th century innovation in police work. In fact, examining trace evidence dates back to the ancient Greeks and Chinese. It was only with the discovery of DNA that police forensic work became as pervasive, and sometimes accurate tool for solving crimes, or proving innocence.Forensic Analysis and DNA in Criminal Investigations by R. J. Parker and Pete Vronsky is an examination of forensics, with extensive chapters on the ancient history of criminal investigation. Most of the book, though, focuses on the use of DNA to catch the guilty and free the innocent. The authors trace forensics from its ancient roots, looking at methods that were groundbreaking, and some that were tantamount to torture, moving to the current era and the use of DNA in crime scene forensics. In addition to pointing out its value, they also discuss failures.Several sections are devoted to cold cases, some solved through analysis of DNA trace evidence. This is a fascinating book for anyone interested in studying criminal cases, or for understanding how criminal investigations are conducted. Technical terms are explained in laymen’s terms. I assure you that you’ll come away from reading this book with a better understanding of how crimes are investigated—and, it’s not like on TV.

Having purchased and read over a year ago, I had literally forgotten how great this book is and what an excellent overview of the history of DNA and forensic analysis. Informative and a must have for the forensic minded. This book was one I couldn't put down, in fact, it was so engrossing I also purchased the audiobook and listen to it repeatedly to keep me knowledgeable of the science. I find that when thinking about preservation for a case this is a great reminder that there are a number of sciences that work together to permit law enforcement the tools needed to tie up a case for prosecution. It is definitely one I will continue to both read and listen to as an ongoing endeavor in my profession. Liza Catron

I am blown away by this book. Most of the world has heard of DNA but few people understand it. To those who watch CSI-type programs, it seems more like magic than science.This book explains DNA and its history in understandable terms. It shows how DNA is collected and tested as an investigative tool. It clears up some common misconceptions people have about DNA.Forensic science is also traced to its roots and explored at various stages of its advancement and development. There are a few surprises along the way which influenced the acceptance and utilization of forensic science in criminal investigation.Examples are given of people exonerated and cold cases solved with DNA and forensic science. All in all, this book is both interesting and informative.

This book proved a very interesting read. At first I thought "oh oh. A book only for want to be forensic want to be CSI people." As I read this very well researched book I found it quite educational. Most people today hear Forensic Analysis and think (a) it is a new science and will solve every crime in 45 minutes. Mr Parker shows that Forensic Analysis far from a new subject - I did not know Archimedes used Forensic Analysis to solve a crime or an investigator named Song Ci in the 12th century solved a murder using forensic analysis. Mr. Parker takes the reader through the multitude areas of that forensic investigators use in current times. It isn't just looking in the microscope. In the end I learned a lot and was glad I bought the book. Thanks for the education RJ Parker.

If you watch shows like Criminal Minds, CSI, and NCIS, you probably have some understanding of how a forensics team gathers evidence and uses things like fingerprints and hair samples for DNA to solve a crime. This book is so much MORE than what we see on our little one hour crime solving shows!! Authors RJ Parker and Peter Vronsky help us understand more by teaching is the history of Forensic Analysis and DNA from its beginnings up to current times! They also tell us how some of these methods were used to solve cold cases! Even though the "read time" on the Kindle said 3hours 51 minutes, and I normally read fairly quickly, this was by no means a short read! It was very well written and packed full of information! I also liked the end notes at the back of the book.

Okay, I was expecting a novel, not a textbook. But this tells the history and gives a non-technical view of DNA forensics. Maybe if the OJ jury had read this book, the verdict would have been different. Or maybe not, since the verdict seems to have had more to do with prejudices than with evidence. Anyway, if you want to know what DNA is all about, give this book a try.

Good if you like true crime a little hard to start off but once you get into it it’s a good book , great if you want to know the ins and outs of how a case is solved

This book reads like an extended high school essay by an average student. My advice to the authors would be to do a lot more reading of high-quality writing and rewrite, rewrite, rewrite. A few quotes follow. If these excerpts are not like nails down the chalkboard to you, then perhaps you will enjoy the book. Ph. D. 's are evidently not what they used to be."In those days, forensic experts were not certified or accredited; many were self-proclaimed charlatans... ""Spilsbury first came into the public eye when he successfully identified the unidentifiable remains of a human body by analyzing a piece of scar tissue." "Another common misconception that has become common as a result of depictions of forensic analysis on TV is that all evidence obtained at a crime scene is absolutely pristine and can be undoubtedly used to tie a suspect to the scene of the crime and later be used in court to convict the perpetrator of the crime that has been committed."

I wasn't sure about this book but I'm glad my cruriosity got the better of me. Fascinating insight into procedures that we take for granted. I hadn't realised how relatively new some of the forensic sciences were, although according to some TV programs, it is all second nature. Definitely read this book if you are at all interested in any of these sciences - it will open your eyes.

I found this fascinating, despite it's having been written by someone with only a passing acquaintanceship with the English language. There are mistakes throughout in both syntax and punctuation, and there are no signs of the work having been edited. Nevertheless I learned a great deal.

I found this book totally fascinating and informative. A real must for all the forensic geeks out there! I would have given it 5 stars but the writing was very disjointed and doesn't appear to have been near a proof reader. However, I persevered and glad I did.

400 and odd pages and 50 of them was a reference. It was basic brutal to read and quite frankly boring. I normally enjoy books like this but this wasn't much fun to read.

More basic than I expected but good overview of the world of forensics in small bite size chapters. Very easy read