Conduct an investigation into the world of forensic science. Understand why the law determines which evidence may or may not be used; discover just how accurate--or inaccurate-- lie detectors are; take a tour of a police crime lab; learn how insects and plants affect a cause-of-death analysis; note the similarities and differences in analyzing fibers and hairs, drugs, soil, glass, and firearms; examine the history behind fingerprinting; remember that an investigator's ultimate weapon is information.

This book is the ideal entry point to learning about criminal investigation and forensics, including both the theoretical and practical aspects of the ways society copes with, and the way law enforcement investigates, crime today.

Offers clues to deciphering popular mysteries, puzzles, and myths, including UFOs, the Loch Ness Monster, Bigfoot, Lizzie Borden, and the Sam Sheppard trial.

“Far superior . . . this uniquely capricious mystery will engage readers from the very first page to the surprising conclusion.” —Publishers Weekly Welcome to Serenity Cove, a peaceful Southern community where the residents like to play dice, play golf and, when foul play moves in, play detective. Kate McCall is an avid fan of detective shows and mysteries. And while she’s always looking for a whiff of trouble, the truth is that she and her friends in the close-knit community of Serenity Cove are more likely to cause it than to find it. But whether it’s their lively, sometimes rowdy bunco dice games or a trip out to the local watering hole, it’s always good fun. Until the round of golf that leads them to the discovery of a dismembered limb—and the realization that three of their friends are missing. With the local sheriff stumped for clues and the list of suspects growing, Kate decides to roll the dice and try a little sleuthing on her own. But when another body part shows up, this dedicated fan of mysteries knows the odds are stacked against her. Relying on her new detective kit, her natural curiosity, and a flare for unearthing clues, Kate has to gamble that she can catch a killer before more heads roll. This book was originally published under the title Whack ’n’ Roll.

A plain-English primer on crime scene investigation that's a must for fans of CSI or Patricia Cornwell Since the O. J. Simpson case, popular interest in forensic science has exploded: CBS's CSI has 16 to 26 million viewers every week, and Patricia Cornwell's novels featuring a medical examiner sleuth routinely top bestseller lists, to cite just a few examples. Now, everyone can get the lowdown on the science behind crime scene investigations. Using lots of fascinating case studies, forensics expert Dr. D. P. Lyle clues people in on everything from determining cause and time of death to fingerprints, fibers, blood, ballistics, forensic computing, and forensic psychology. With its clear, entertaining explanations of forensic procedures and techniques, this book will be an indispensable reference for mystery fans and true crime aficionados everywhere-and even includes advice for people interested in forensic science careers. D. P. Lyle, MD (Laguna Hills, CA), is a practicing cardiologist who is also a forensics expert and mystery writer. He runs a Web site that answers writers' questions about forensics, dplylemd.com, and is the author of Murder and Mayhem: A Doctor Answers Medical and Forensic Questions for Writers, as well as several mystery novels. John Pless, MD, is Professor Emeritus of Pathology at Indiana University School of Medicine and former President of the National Association of Medical Examiners.

Covering such hot topics in psychology as the mind-body connection, drugs and new therapy treatments, new information on the role of genetics in personality development, and the impact of 9/11 on individual mental health, this is the new edition of the popular introduction to psychology-with expanded information on such great thinkers as Carl Jung, Erik Erikson, and B.F. Skinner.

Uncover a digital trail of e-evidence by using the helpful, easy-to-understand information in Computer Forensics For Dummies! Professional and armchair investigators alike can learn the basics of computer forensics, from digging out electronic evidence to solving the case. You won’t need a computer science degree to master e-discovery. Find and filter data in mobile devices, e-mail, and other Web-based technologies. You’ll learn all about e-mail and Web-based forensics, mobile forensics, passwords and encryption, and other e-evidence found through VoIP, voicemail, legacy mainframes, and databases. You’ll discover how to use the latest forensic software, tools, and equipment to find the answers that you’re looking for in record time. When you understand how data is stored, encrypted, and recovered, you’ll be able to protect your personal privacy as well. By the time you finish reading this book, you’ll know how to: Prepare for and conduct computer forensics investigations Find and filter data Protect personal privacy Transfer evidence without contaminating it Anticipate legal loopholes and opponents’ methods Handle passwords and encrypted data Work with the courts and win the case Plus, Computer Forensics for Dummies includes lists of things that everyone interested in computer forensics should know, do, and build. Discover how to get qualified for a career in computer forensics, what to do to be a great investigator and expert witness, and how to build a forensics lab or toolkit. Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.