“Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation”, 8th Edition, by Barry Fisher. Published by CRC Press
I have used this book as a required textbook in the Forensic Science classes I teach at universities since it first was published. Now in it’s 8th edition, it continues to be one of the most informative books on crime scene investigation, forensics and forensic laboratory science. Barry Fisher was the former Director of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Crime Laboratory, so he knows what he is writing about. In fact, his book was cited by the O.J. Simpson legal defense “Dream Team” when they attacked the forensic evidence in that trial – they used the book as an example of how evidence procedures were supposed to be followed in crime scene investigations.
As a mystery writer, or a writer of other genres where you may need to introduce some murder and mayhem, this is a good, easy to read book. It has many photos, and yes, there are graphic ones, but these photos help you get an idea of what he is describing. He covers all aspects of forensic evidence, from fingerprints, hairs, fibers, blood spatter and more . . . to all types of crimes – murder, sexual assault, arson, robbery, suicide, computer and cyber crimes, and much more. The book is thoughtfully divided into specialized chapters. It is a excellent read whether you are a writer, or just an aficionado of forensics and criminal investigation. It is so well respected, it is the assigned textbook for hundreds of police academies and universities.
