Forensics FD, 2E (For Dummies)

Recently I finished reading Dr. Lyle’s book, Forensics for Dummies. Truth be told, I bought it because I am an author who likes infuse horror with mystery so crime is a mainstay in my genera. When I was in college, I studied law enforcement and had the opportunity to work as a law enforcement officer on the corrections side. This was a good many years ago and when I was writing my last novel, I realized some of my information was somewhat dated.

Dr. Lyle has done a great job in writing an easy to use guide on the basics of forensics. There were a lot of things I already knew. For example, I already knew some basic information on evidence collection. But I still read that section as I found it interesting.

He does a great job explaining some of the basics of pathogens, different types of gunshot wounds, and autopsies. There were a lot of things in the book that I either didn’t know, or had forgotten.

I really found the section on establishing the time of death particularly interesting. As a fiction author, dealing with time lines can be difficult and it is helpful if you can have something particularly gruesome to explain it.

I found this book easy to read, easy to cross reference, and just the right amount of science and places where Hollywood just gets it wrong. It was well written and logically organized. I would highly recommend Forensics for Dummies to anyone interested in the topic of forensics. I know that I will be referencing this book in future writing.

Whenever I take an interest in a subject matter I know next-to-nothing about, I generally look for a “for Dummies” book to build my base of knowledge and it usually satisfies my craving for information. Several friends in law enforcement (as well as all those crime dramas on television these days) sparked a desire to learn more about forensics and I decided to give FORENSICS FOR DUMMIES a try. I found Douglas Lyle’s effectively detailed summarization of a complex scientific field to be fascinating, entertaining and surprisingly easy to consume.

I first sought guidance from a “Dummies” book almost 30 years ago when I purchased my first computer and was trying to get a grip on understanding DOS. While the series has grown exponentially over the years, all the books I’ve read have proven to be a valuable educational resource; FORENSICS FOR DUMMIES is no exception. Lyle’s presentation of forensics is well-organized, succinct and extremely informative. He manages to put a light touch on a rather dark profession (studying the dead) that manages to keep things interesting and relatable from beginning to end. What Lyle clearly wants to defuse is the image of sure-fire high tech methods cranking out details in fancy labs that we see on the myriad of CSI television shows. Step-by-step, Lyle guides readers on a journey that clearly illustrates how the field of forensics relies more on human involvement than any futuristic computer program.

FORENSICS FOR DUMMIES is methodically organized into five parts that progressively build to form a well-balanced tableau of forensics. Lyle serves the “who, how and why” of forensics to give a basic understanding of the field (Part I) before venturing to the crime scene, where readers are informed about analyzing all sorts of evidence, like bloodstains, fingerprints, footprints, tire tracks, tool marks, etc.(Part II). Examining the body (Part III) is where the book gets into the guts of forensics (both literally and figuratively) by way of the medical examiner (ME). This segment of the book is quite fascinating and again illustrates that the human mind is still the most effective tool in finding critical evidence. Part IV visits the crime lab where the more modern methods of examination are practiced (DNA analysis, toxicology testing and analyzation of fibers and firearms evidence). The final segment of the book (Part V) Lyle highlights 10 iconic cases where forensics played a significant role, 10 careers to consider in the field of forensics and 10 ways television misrepresents the field of forensics. Typical with “Dummies” book series, this book is peppered with the “Dummies” icons that inform readers of key points, a closer look at a specific issue, historical and case studies. I felt the case study side-bars both interesting and effective in illustrating forensics methods described being put to good use … the stories, by themselves, are obscure and entertaining (ironically, the DNA benchmark case of OJ Simpson is rarely mentioned in the book).

What I liked most about this book is that the author never makes the science boring or confusing. Lyle does an excellent job simplifying complex information and presenting it in a manner that is not only easy to understand, but oddly enjoyable to read (considering the subject matter). Despite the need to dispel a great deal of scientific minutia, the reader is never bogged down by it … the material flows at a rapid pace. The book has a way of providing answers to issues most have thought, but never asked about, like: how to get footprints from snow and analyzing pieces of a body to determine anything from age and sex to cause of death and estimated time of death. After reading it, I definitely feel I have a better understanding of what I see/hear on television crime dramas or the crime reports I see on the news or read in the paper. I can see FORENSICS FOR DUMMIES being a useful tool for crime book authors and a sure catalyst for anyone considering a career in investigative law enforcement.

FORENSICS FOR DUMMIES is yet another solid installment of the “for Dummies” series. Well-written and concise, anyone with a passing interest in the subject matter will enjoy the details this book offers and how enjoyable it is to read.

We love the “for dummies” series to learn about new information. As with prior books in the series, this one lives right up to expectations.

A little color would make it more user friendly....but then it would probably make it more expensive.

I homeschool my 17 year old son.He will be using this as a resource for his Fornsic Science class next year.It is all I hoped it would be.

I've learned a lot from this book. Would recommend this book to everyone since legaleze is difficult.

Gave book to my Grandson . He likes the book .

Great gift

Other than the book being ripped when I opened the box, the book looks like it contains a lot of really cool information. I just wish it wasn’t damaged. (See photos)

Great but basic!