Top Forensic Books on my Bookshelf
Recently, a few people have asked me about non-fiction books that I would recommend for reading more about crime scene investigation and serial killers. Here are some of the top books that I refer to often in my work and I also find them extremely interesting.
Case Homicides: Practical Investigative Techniques
By Richard H. Walton
This is a great book that outlines actual cases and how to conduct cold case investigations. You really view homicides in a different light. I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to write about a fictional cold case detective.
Crime Reconstruction
By Jerry Chisum & Brent E. Turvey
This is by far one of the more interesting books I've read about crime scenes. The book talks about staged crime scenes and actually reconstructing a crime scene for an investigation.
Criminal Profiling
By Brent Turvey
I love this book. There is so much information about profiling to digest that it makes a wonderful reference book for writing in the crime fiction genre. This is definitely not a light read, but it is worth your time.
Serial Killers
By Joel Norris
This was one of the first books I read about serial killers. It talks about the how and why serial killers do what they do. It really piqued my interest to learn more about this phenomenon. Norris has some interesting theories and I've incorporated some of them into my novel "Compulsion".
Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation
By Barry A.J. Fisher
This is a perfect overall academic book for anyone interested in the various areas of crime scene investigation and forensics. This book is often used in college course work and it is a great beginning book on crime scene investigation. This book is informative and I highly recommend it.
Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths Among Us
By Robert D. Hare, PhD
I found this book to be one of those you casually pick up to read and then you can't put it down! It's frightening, but enlightening at the same time. If you're interested in the psychology of a psychopath, I would recommend this book. It's an easy to read paperback.
Do you have any favorite forensic or crime scene investigation books? Please feel free to leave your selection in the comments. I would love to hear from you.
Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist
Blog: http://www.authorjenniferchase.com/
Website: http://www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Book & Crime Talk: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase
Books: Compulsion = Dead Game = Silent Partner = Screenwriting
