Murder Under the Microscope: Serial Killers, Cold Cases and Life as a Forensic Investigator

Description

How is murder investigated and what role does forensic science play in solving cases? In this gripping book Jim Fraser gives a unique insight into forensic science and examines in detail some of the UK's most high-profile murder investigations in recent decades, including the deaths of Rachel Nickell, Damilola Taylor and Gareth Williams the GCHQ code breaker. Drawing on his personal experience as a forensic scientist and cold case reviewer, Fraser reveals how each of these cases unfolded as a human, investigative and scientific puzzle, and how some were solved and why others remain unsolved or controversial even today.

Jim Fraser is a Research Professor in Forensic Science at the University of Strathclyde. He has forty years' experience in forensic science and has worked on many high profile cases, in various roles, including as an expert witness, case reviewer, senior police manager, policy adviser and researcher. He has also advised many public agencies including police organisations in the UK and abroad, the Home Office, the Scottish Parliament and the UK Parliament.

Powerful... Fascinating * Independent, 'Books of the Month' * Jim Fraser has been at the forefront of forensic science in the UK for decades... A fascinating insight into complexities of real-life criminal investigations from their start, often at a blood-stained scene, through the complex laboratory processes to their conclusion in the court room... Totally enthralling. -- Dr Richard Shepherd, bestselling author of Unnatural Causes In this fascinating account of what really went on behind the scenes of Britain's most famous murder cases, Fraser slides not just the evidence, but the whole criminal legal system, squarely under his forensic microscope. Everyone interested in justice - how it works, and how it fails - should read this compelling book. -- Sarah Langford, bestselling author of In Your Defence In this engrossing and accessible professional memoir, Jim Fraser opens his forensic files and offers the reader a fascinating insight into some of the most notorious cases that he has worked on during his lifetime. -- David Wilson, Emeritus Professor of Criminology Birmingham City University This is a page-turning read but also an educational resource: the public, police, lawyers, judges, scientists should all read it. It is a raw account of the fragility of justice: a concept many talk about but few understand. And it is about truth: the limitations of our own judgments, science and the law. It is probably one of the most important criminal justice texts of our time... For those working in the criminal justice system, it should be mandatory reading. -- Simon McKay, Barrister This "personal history of homicide" is the latest in a recent spate of excellent books from the forensic profession... Fraser microscopes in on the information contained in tiny details, explains the correct way to handle it, and shows how it can affect an investigation's outcome. * Strong Words * Absolutely fascinating... Murder Under the Microscope should be on every crime writer's shelf. -- Sam Blake, bestselling author of The Dark Room