Every Contact Leaves a Trace: Crime Scene Experts Talk About Their Work from Discovery Through Verdict

There is no "story" here, no unifying theme or grand scheme. It's just bits and pieces about the underlying premise that every contact at a crime scene leaves a trace of itself. Broken into nine chapters, the book covers crime scene processing, crime scene interpretation, trace evidence, evidence from bodies, DNA, what goes on in the crime lab, the reality of cold cases and the rigors of tesifying at trials.

In a way, the treatment is almost too light, not really providing detailed information about the various forensic disciplines examined. However, that may be a blessing since many of the disciplines are very, very complex.

Instead, Fletcher allows the real-life players to talk about their work, how it fits into the criminal justice show more process and their own feelings about being confronted with death and mayhem. Some of the interviewees were apparently not very articulate and the excerpts could have benefited from some editing.

On the whole, Fletcher provides a solid overview of forensics in the real world and demolishes without trying the myths perpetuated by CSI and other television concoctions. show less

This is so far the best book on forensic science I've read so far! I loved the personal accounts from the scientists, detectives, prosecutors, etc and what they really have to go through with their jobs. The humor was great too - loved the part about family pets eating their owners and why a cat will stare at you from across the room! Excellent book if you're into this stuff and I highly recommend it!

An interesting book.
This book gives first a counterbalance to the TV series with the same name as the book, which it is very pleasant, I must say.
Not that I'm dealing with police, forensics, etc., but still. The image you get from the series is biased and without you wanting it, you take those images along to what you hear about or see in the news about criminal cases.

So much for the comment on the background of the book.
The book is built logically, starting with the call to a crime scene and then further narrative about the steps that are taken. The people in the field are usually doing the talking in this book, preceded by an introduction. Although the stories are anonymous, they do voice the professional pride, frustration and even show more anger the reseachers and other people professionally connected to a case feel. Disruption of a crime scene by well-meaning police officers, lawyers, who make life hell for researchers when they are asked to present their findings in court.

Although the topic can not be classified as 'fun, I found it a very readable'and enjoyable book. A must for those interested in the subject. show less

Great book! I loved learning about forensic science in the words of the people who do it.

Excellent book. I feel like it gave a "human" side to the professions. I will be reading her other books soon!

Just skimmed through