This text will be of immediate value to anyone who wants to know more about forensics than they’re likely to get from an introductory book, or even an basic course in the subject. The text is divided into three areas: general concepts in forensic science, laboratory analysis of physical evidence, and the legal aspects of forensic science. Each section is dealt with thoroughly and in an extremely orderly manner.

The first section, general concepts in forensic science, is an introduction to the discipline with many clear examples and definitions. It also lays the groundwork for the proper frame of mind one needs to engage in the collection of forensic evidence, and the later analysis and use of that evidence.

The second section, laboratory analysis of physical evidence, is a detailed description of exactly how to collect and analyze various types of physical evidence. The list of topics is exhaustive: arson and fire evidence, bite marks, blood, body fluids other than blood, bombs and explosives, chemical substances, computers as evidence, DNA analysis, documents, drugs and controlled substances, fibers, fingerprints, firearms, glass, gunshot residue, hair, imprint and impression evidence, pains, pattern evidence, plastics, semen, serial number restoration, soil, tape, toolmarks, video evidence, and voice identification. Keep in mind that each chapter discusses what the evidence is, how to collect it, and how to analyze it. There is no discussion of the history of the science in each case, or of famous cases where this type of evidence proved crucial. This is the information you want and no more if you’re interested in identifying, collecting, and analyzing each type of evidence. And, while it may not make for compelling summer-on-the-beach reading, it will prove invaluable when it comes to making sure your content is correct for your students, that they’re collecting and processing it in a recommended fashion, and that they know what to do with it.

The third section deals extensively with the law, specifically search and seizure, but manages to remain interesting to read. The appendix gives recipes for many of the reagents used in the book, and a comprehensive index follows.

The title of this book says it all: this one is just about everything you want to know about finding, collecting, and processing each kind of physical evidence. Photographs are liberally sprinkled throughout. If you want a storybook or a sensational account of killers and criminals look elsewhere. Everyone else, especially teachers, will appreciate the material between its covers.