Written in Blood

Description

The remarkable casebook of one of Britain's top forensic scientists As one of the UK's leading forensic scientists, Mike Silverman has helped to identify and convict dozens of murderers, rapists, armed robbers, burglars and muggers, thanks to the evidence they - or their victims - unwittingly left behind at the scenes of their crimes. Mike Silverman started his career in the days when fingerprints were still kept on card files and DNA profiling was just a pipe dream, so Written in Blood is more than just a casebook - it is also a definitive history of the development of forensic science over the course of the past thirty-five years. From collecting blood samples at gangland executions to investigating forensic science failings, including in the murders of Rachel Nickell and Damilola Taylor, Mike Silverman's unique career provides a fascinating insight into the ways forensic science is used to help solve real-life crimes. Packed with genuine crime scene photographs and original sketches, Written in Blood is the ultimate insider's account of the fascinating world of forensic science.

Mike Silverman began his career as a biologist with New Scotland Yard's Forensic Science Laboratory, specializing in blood pattern analysis, murder and sexual assault investigations. He became one of the first civilian heads of scientific support (CSI and fingerprints) and introduced the first automated fingerprint identification system. His career took him abroad as Head of International Services for the Forensic Science Service and finally to the Home Office as the first Forensic Science Regulator. Tony Thompson is widely regarded as one of Britain's top true-crime writers. A former crime correspondent of the Observer, his major works include Gangland Britain, Bloggs 19, Gangs, Reefer Men, Gang Land and Outlaws. He has twice been nominated for the prestigious Crime Writer's Association Gold Dagger for Non-Fiction, winning the coveted title for his book The Infiltrators. He regularly contributes articles to various newspapers and magazines and appears on both television and radio as an expert on crime-related matters.

This is a book that every crime writer should have in their library. * Lynda La Plante * Prepare to be shocked as Silverman reveals what went on behind the scenes and demonstrates that scientists, even forensic scientists, are only human. If you like science, forensics, modern history and politics, or just a good read, you will enjoy this book. * The Biologist * Mike Silverman goes after the guilty - it's in his DNA. And it's not just criminals who are brought to book by his finely honed forensic skills. Written In Blood is an apt title. There's bucket-loads of it here. Silverman's special field of expertise is blood pattern analysis and he's very good at it. * Daily Express * Silverman gives fascinating insight into many of the cases that have dominated the headlines from 1974 until his retirement - cases such and Damilola Taylor, Rachel Nickell, Stephen Lawrence, Sally Clark and Jill Dando. -- Alisdair Logan, The Justice Gap This book is not for the faint-hearted. Don't expect to tiptoe into the shallow end and ease yourself into the gory details. From the first page, Silverman gives you a sharp shove between the shoulderblades and sends you face-first into the pool. -- Dr Anna Williams * BBC Focus Magazine *