Forensics: What Bugs, Burns, Prints, DNA and More Tell Us About Crime by Val McDermid

Book Review

Title: Forensics: What Bugs, Burns, Prints, DNA and More Tell Us About Crime by Val McDermid

Genre: Science/Crime

Rating: 4.5 Stars

In Forensics, bestselling crime novelist Val McDermid steps out of the world of fiction to offer a compelling, meticulously researched, and highly readable exploration of the real science behind solving crimes. Drawing from interviews with forensic scientists, case studies, and historical context, McDermid takes readers through a series of forensic disciplines—from entomology and pathology to toxicology and DNA analysis—demonstrating how each contributes to modern criminal investigations.

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What sets this book apart is McDermid’s ability to blend scientific detail with storytelling. She doesn’t just explain how forensic techniques work; she shows their impact through real-life cases, some chilling, some tragic, and others astonishing in their resolution. Her journalistic background shines through in her clear, engaging prose and in her careful attention to accuracy and nuance.

Far from being a dry textbook, Forensics reads like a crime thriller with real-world stakes. McDermid doesn’t shy away from the limitations and ethical dilemmas that come with forensic science, and she effectively dismantles the myths propagated by television dramas. Her respect for the professionals working behind the scenes of justice is evident throughout.

Whether you’re a true crime aficionado, a mystery reader curious about the science behind the stories, or simply fascinated by how modern criminology works, Forensics is both informative and gripping. It’s a reminder that solving crimes requires not just intuition or hunches, but methodical, scientific rigor.

A fascinating and expertly crafted dive into the real-world science that helps solve crimes, from one of crime fiction’s most intelligent voices.

Buy it here:

Paperback/Hardcover: amazon.co.uk amazon.com

Kindle Edition: amazon.co.uk amazon.com