“Howdunit Forensics” by D.P.Lyle, M.D. If you write mystries, you have to get this book!
I bought "Howdunit Forensics" from Writer’s Digest Books to use as a reference tool when writing my own mysteries. No one was more surprised than me when I wound up reading it like a novel. Why? Because it’s fascinating. The book is broken down into three large categories: The Forensics System, The Coroner and the Body, The Crime Scene and the Crime Lab. There are numerous sub-categories under each main heading and believe me, Lyle covers everything you would ever need to know when writing a mystery. Even if you’re not a writer, but simply a lover of good mysteries, you’ll enjoy this book.
Lyle writes in a style that is easy for anyone to understand and not too technical. Who else but a mystery writer or reader would enjoy reading the steps in doing an autopsy? You can in this book, Chapter 3, The Autopsy: A look Inside the Body. Want information on trace evidence? Chapter 15: Trace Evidence: Sweating the Small Stuff. I especially liked the blue-back grounded side bars citing real cases and telling how forensics helped solve the crime and convict the bad guys.
Lyle writes in a style that is easy to read and not too technical Besides being a working doctor, he has published mysteries, and worked as a consultant to several television crime shows including Law & Order, CSI:Miami, Women’s Murder Club and Homicide,
If you write mysteries this is the one reference tool you must have on your shelf.
Tags: coroner, crime lab, CSI, Forensics, mystery, reference
July 4th, 2008 at 6:54 am
I’ve seen this book listed but hadn’t bought it. It’s nice to know it would be worth the money. I like one that is easy to read and not so technical that it makes me feel inadequate.
FYI, I’ve been to this blog before but today this review came to me in my google alert. Pretty neat.
July 4th, 2008 at 7:32 am
Wow- yes, pretty neat! My hubby is the computer expert. I’ll have to ask him how he did that!
Get the book, Mary, I know you’ll like it.
Carlene
July 4th, 2008 at 11:29 am
To do a google alert is easy. Just go to the google page and hit advanced search. Enter in key words that you want like: Forensics, murder, homicide etc. Every day I get a google alert that shows me articles with those subjects in the story. It comes directly to your email. I thinkyours came in under the forensic keyword.
And I think I will get the book.
July 4th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Let me know how you like it!
Carlene
July 6th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
I didn’t know that Doug had another book out. I have his Forensics for Dummies book and his Forensics and Fiction book (I have a question published in it).
He’s very approachable and answers most everything. D Lyle’s a terrific resource.
July 6th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Hi Norm.
I ordered his Forensics and Fiction Book and can’t wait until it arrives. I’ll look for your question. Yes, he is VERY nice.
Carlene
August 15th, 2008 at 11:02 am
computer forensics tool…
I can’t believe I missed this! I’m going to have to do some more reading me thinks….