Beating the Devil's Game: A History of Forensic Science and Criminal - Softcover

Ramsland, Katherine

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0425271455 ISBN 13: 9780425271452

Publisher: Berkley, 2014

Synopsis

Today, the basic precepts of criminal investigation—fingerprints, DNA, blood evidence—are 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.

About this title

About the Author

Dr. Katherine Ramsland has master’s 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.

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 you’re looking for the perfect gift for someone who’s riveted to television shows like CSI, you won’t 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

Edition details

• Publisher: Berkley
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 0425271455
• ISBN 13: 9780425271452
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 432