Forensics

Written by one of the world's most respected forensic scientists, this book presents a gripping and fully illustrated study of the techniques that are familiar to us from countless trials, media reports or television dramas. Among the areas discussed are causes of death, including poisons, knife wounds and shootings; the evidence that leads to the conviction of criminals; and how identities of victims and times of death are deduced. As well as setting out the principles that lie behind the forensic process, the author also sets out the limitations of the science, and shows how forensic evidence can somehow lead to wrongful conviction. Many recent and historic cases are discussed in some detail; if you've ever wondered why the "gloves didn't fit" O J Simpson, or whether Rasputin was really poisoned by cyanide, you'll find the answers in this brilliantly researched and illuminating book.

Dr Zakaria Erzinclioglu is a leading forensic scientist who has carried out more than 500 murder investigations in Britain and abroad. A former Senior Research Associate at the University of Cambridge and Director of the Forensic Science Research Centre at the University of Durham, he is currently an Affiliated Researcher at the University of Cambridge and an Honorary Lecturer at the University of London. He was advisor, co-writer and presenter of the TV programme "The Witness Was a Fly", produced by BBC Bristol, and is the author of Maggots, Murder and Men.