The bestselling forensic psychologist examines the true crimes that inspired the television smash hit, C.S.I. Katherine Ramsland follows the evidence and revisits some of the most absorbing episodes of the phenomenally popular C.S.I. television franchise, and explores the real-life crimes that inspired them. She also looks into the authenticity of the forensic investigations recreated for the dramatizations, and the painstaking real-life forensic process employed in every one of the actual cases?from notorious mass-murderer Richard Speck, to the massacre of Buddhist monks in an Arizona Temple, to a baffling case of apparent spontaneous combustion.

Going behind the storylines of the TV franchise C.S.I., a forensic psychologist examines the real-life crimes that inspired some of its most popular episodes as well as the cutting-edge investigative techniques used to solve the cases.

Who is allowed access to a crime scene? What happens when a body is discovered? Will a blood transfusion alter DNA? How can the distribution of gunshot residue inform your plot? The Real CIS - A Forensic Handbook for Crime Writers answers these questions and more in a unique and exclusive insight into crime scene investigation. Using real-life examples and case studies, experienced CSI Kate Bendelow shines a light behind the yellow tape and debunks the myths popularized by the 'CSI Effect'. Each chapter explores the latest procedures in contemporary practice including: Crime Scene access and preservation; fingerprints and DNA profiling; footwear; trace evidence; fire scenes; drugs and toxicology and, finally, firearms. Packed with insider knowledge, handy tips and compelling storylines, this is the definitive guide for all crime writers who wish to write with authenticity and authority."Every crime writer should have a copy of this book on their desk." Lynda La Plante. Illustrated with 59 colour images.

Inspired by the popularity of the CBS television show "C.S.I.: crime scene investigation," the author, who has a master's degree in forensic psychology, goes behind the crime-solving techniques dramatized on the show to examine the reality of these cutting-edge procedures.

Welcome to the world of a real life Crime Scene Investigator (CSI). These are a collection of true stories about what it is actually like to be a CSI working in the UK. Funnily enough it's not quite like the TV shows and most definitely not as glamorous. From covering 365 days a year (yes including Christmas Day), being on-call, never seeing friends or family, missing key celebrations, and obviously the multiple visions of death; we deal with and see it all! This is a first-hand account of everything you wanted to know, plus a whole load more you really didn't, about what really happens when CSI's investigate crime scenes. Have you any idea what they actually have to see, smell and touch? Many people may think that this is a job they would love to have. However, could you really do what is asked of you? Could you cope with the most gruesome of sights and perform under pressure? Will you feel the same after having read this honest account? Uncover the truth about one of the most popular jobs on the planet! Welcome to the Secret Life of a CSI.

Ten true stories of real-life crime scene investigators!

A retired judge has been found brutally murdered on the outskirts of Las Vegas, complete with a macabre yet masterfully intricate tattoo on his face . . . the third seemingly random victim of the mysterious kidnapper dubbed by law enforcement as the “Tattoo Man.” The judge wasn’t the first person to have been abducted, drugged, and permanently altered with tattoos and body modification . . . but he was the first to wind up dead. At the same time, several other deceased are turning up all over Sin City with their body art mercilessly removed—and the timing would seem to suggest to those in authority that all of these crimes are somehow related. But Las Vegas’s top crime scene investigators—Catherine Willows, Ray Langston, Nick Stokes, Sara Sidle, and Greg Sanders—aren’t jumping to any conclusions, as they attempt to connect the dots by entering the secretive and tight-knit body art community—one that is intensely wary of outsiders. . . .