At the Crime Scene!

* Reviews *

With the popularity of such TV shows as NCIS, Bones, and CSI, interest in forensics has reached a peak. Part of the Solve That Crime! series from Enslow Publishers, this book shows readers how scientists collect and analyze forensic evidence in the process of crime solving. Written in easy to understand language with each subtopic covered in a few short paragraphs, accompanied by information-packed sidebars, it is ideal for the reluctant reader. Only forty-eight pages long, it covers fingerprints and bite marks; environmental clues such as soil, plants, weather, tides and currents; clues from weapons and tools; biological evidence such as blood, hair, and DNA; how the presence of insects on a dead body can help investigators determine time and place of death; and finally, covers the training required to become a forensic scientist. The layout is very appealing with its use of color-coded sidebars to present supplemental information. Of particular interest are the True Crime sidebars which show readers how forensic techniques were used in solving actual crimes, and Examine The Evidence sidebars which ask readers to perform their own forensic experiments such as collecting soil from various locations and examining samples for differences, or making their own fingerprints. Full color photos accompany the text. Also included is a comprehensive table of contents and index, glossary, and suggestions for further reading, both on the internet and in print. It all adds up to a quality product and a welcome addition to library shelves., Children's Literature