Hidden Evidence: 50 True Crimes and How Forensic Science Helped Solve Them

"This is a monumental work."-- Science Books and Films (on the first edition)

"The writing is lively but succinct, complete without being morbid. The illustrations and photos complement the text and go a long way in explaining sophisticated techniques... Highly recommended for public libraries."-- Library Journal (on the first edition)

This revised and updated history of forensics is expanded to include eight recent high-profile cases. David Owen takes readers to the scenes of 50 infamous crimes and provides detailed accounts of the scientific procedures used to catch criminals.

The high-profile cases range from as early as 1775, when Paul Revere used dentures to identify a slain soldier, to as recent as the tragic disappearance of Madeleine McCann. Most cases will be familiar to readers, such as the Lindbergh kidnapping, the Kennedy investigation and Ted Bundy.

The book describes the established forensic methods -- dental records, ballistics, toxicology, hair sampling and blood typing -- and covers the latest technologies, including:

• Computerized fingerprinting and handwriting analysis
• Mass DNA testing and digital DNA analysis
• Familial searching and DNA screening
• Fiber and paint databases
• Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry
• Compound and electron microscopes.

Hidden Evidence presents the facts and steers clear of speculation. The book is comprehensive in scope, thoroughly researched and expertly compiled -- a timely update of a fascinating book that will attract a wide range of readers.

David Owen writes extensively on military deception, air accident investigations, electronic intelligence and computer crime.

Thomas T. Noguchi, MD, was chief medical examiner-coroner for the County of Los Angeles, where he investigated the deaths of Marilyn Monroe and Robert F. Kennedy. He is professor emeritus of forensic pathology at the University of Southern California.

Kathy Reichs is a forensic anthropologist and the author of many best-selling murder mysteries. She serves on the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.