Forensics and Crime Scene Investigation

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An Introduction to Forensic DNA Analysis - Keith Inman and Norah Rudin
This is probably the EASIEST textbook on DNA on the market and it ain’t that easy! Mostly because the topic is rather involved for those without a scientific background. However, this is a very good book and if you use a little patience and read and reread the information and think about it, you will get a good basic understanding of DNA. Knowledge Solutions offers a class on-line using this book and the teachers are the authors themselves. You might want to take advantage of this opportunity to be ‘taught’ the information, ask questions and get involved in some interesting discussions.
   
Bones: A Forensic Detective's Casebook - Dr. Douglas Ubelaker and Henry Scammell
   
Cause of Death - Cyril Wecht, M.D., J.D. with Mark Curriden and Benjamin Wetch
   
Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science - Richard Saferstein
This is well-written, clear introduction to forensic science that even scientifically challenged can handle rather pleasantly. It would be my choice of the books on the market.
   
  The Crime Laboratory: Case Studies Of Scientific Criminal Investigation - James W. Osterburg
This is a nice book for a little experience in crime scene analysis. The author presents a number of case exercises to study with big pictures of the trace evidence. A good opportunity to see how the theories of evidence actually work.
   
  Criminal Investigation: a Method for Reconstructing the Past - James W. Osterburg and Richard H. Ward
   
Crime Scene - Larry Ragle
   
  DNA In The Courtroom: A Trial Watcher's Guide - Howard Coleman and Eric Swenson
Now, if you want an EASIER book on DNA (at a fifth of the cost) with less detailed information but a comfortable and interesting introduction to the topic, this book is REALLY intended for the layperson. You might want to pick up this book first, acquaint yourself with the basic concepts of DNA and then move on the Inman and Rudin’s book for a deeper study.
   

Forensic Pathology - Dominick J. DiMaio and Vincent J.M. DiMaio
This is a giid starter book. This excellent textbook is a very understandable introduction to the field of medicolegal investigation of death. Even if you bought the other two, it would not’t hurt to have this book around for its clear explanations of the how death occurs and how someone helped it along.

   
Grave Secrets - Cyril Wecht, M.D., J.D. with Mark Curriden and Benjamin Wecht
   
  Medicolegal Investigation of Death - Werner U. Spitz
This is a huge volume covering the application of pathology to crime investigation. This book is an absolute for anyone in the field. Many don’t buy this book because it IS very expensive, but that is no excuse. Get a paper route and put it on your shelf. This book is currently out of print. Please, look for it anyway!
   
  The Pathology of Homicide - Samuel R. Gerber
You thought Spitz’s book was expensive. This book is a much worse! But,it also has very excellent information. Nobody covers every issue in one book, so this would be a nice addition to your library when you have gotten over the trauma of buying Spitz’s book and you’ve come into a little money. Again, another good book out of print, keep an eye out for it.
   
Practical Homicide Investigation: Checklist and Field Guide - Vernon J. Geberth
   
Practical Homicide Investigation: Tactics, Procedures and Forensic Techniques - Vernon J. Geberth
This is the absolute top of the list book for all criminal profilers and investigators. Geberth has written a book that is beautifully organized, clearly written and very, very intelligent and thorough. Consider it your bible and keep it nearby. Very thorough information on serial homicide and a surprisingly detailed section on Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome (MBPS) which is quite often ignored and misunderstood.
   
  Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation - Barry A.J. Fisher and Sherman Block
   
Unnatural Death: Confessions of a Medical Examiner - Michael M. Baden, M.D. with Judith Adler Henessee
   
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis: With an Introduction to Crime Scene Reconstruction - Tom Bevel and Ross M. Gardener
   

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