Dr. Henry Lee's Forensic Files: Five Famous Cases Scott Peterson, Elizabeth Smart, and more...

by Henry C. Lee, Jerry Labriola

Dr. Henry C. Lee is considered by many to be the greatest forensic scientist in the world. His vast investigative experience (over 6,000 cases!) and participation in many high-profile trials have earned him not only the highest respect from the law enforcement community but also widespread public recognition. Here Dr. Lee once again gives avid fans of true crime an intimate glimpse into the real world of crime investigation, combining his unparalleled expertise with a clear and lively narrative.Beginning with the infamous Scott Peterson trial, Dr. Lee vividly recounts his investigation of the case, focusing on the crucial issue of physical evidence. As a criminalist who examined the remains of both Laci Peterson and Conner, he brings a distinctive perspective and unique voice to the case. He also weighs in on the verdict.Next, Dr. Lee considers the much-publicized abduction of Elizabeth Smart from her family's Salt Lake City home. After a fruitless ten-month search, Elizabeth was found alive in a Salt Lake City suburb with Brian Mitchell and his wife, both of whom appeared to be mentally unstable. Dr. Lee―who investigated this compelling case―demonstrates the importance of physical evidence in reconstructing this crime. He also describes the role of brainwashing and outlines distinct similarities with the Patty Hearst case.In the final three chapters, Dr. Lee examines the case of a novelist accused of murdering his wife–who had also been the suspected link to a similar death in Germany―where a woman also fatally fell down a flight of stairs; the murder of a man's wife in which both the husband and her lover are considered suspects (with an outcome that is guaranteed to shock!); and the killing of a witness of an accused arsonist shortly before his trial, with a stunning conclusion that derived from Dr. Lee's intriguing investigative work.In each case, Dr. Lee presents ― in addition to an engrossing narrative ― the scientific details of how law enforcement investigated the crime, using the most recent advances in modern forensic tools. This is a fascinating insider's look by a world-renowned expert into the pursuit of justice in some of the most sensational and intriguing criminal cases of recent times.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Crime

266 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2006

Reviews

[Geena Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was super interesting! Can’t wait to finish school and work in the field!!! First nonfiction and idk how I rlly feel about it!

[Kelly (Maybedog) · Rating 1 out of 5]

So far I'm not impressed. The section on Elizabeth Smart is pointless as none of his forensic evidence was in the least bit useful in finding her and doesn't appear to have been useful in the prosecution, either. He's so falsely modest and pompous it's really hard to read. I just wanted more info about these cases.

I downgraded to a one. He was of no help in the above case and was obviously using it to sell more copies of the book. He brags incessantly, too. ALL of the cases are filled with useless information, really ridiculous minutia is included, like info about three difference pairs of Laci Peterson's maternity pants of three different sizes and brands (who cares?) but relevant stuff is left out (whose blood was actually on a weapon). It was incredibly boring and didn't shed any light on anything. He testified for the defense in the Peterson trial but stopped short of implying that Peterson was innocent. He claimed that the only reason he was convicted was because of his personality and behavior, not "evidence." Personality and behavior ARE evidence! If you show a defendent a picture of his mutilated wife's corpse, for example, and he laughs, that is relevant data and tells an entirely different story than him vomiting at the same photo (not that either one is 100% conclusive but it is still relevent evidence). And Lee's wrong. I have read a lot about that story and there was plenty of evidence tying him to the crime, mostly circumstantial but forensic as well. Plus, he blames a lot on the attorney, even though he claims to be close friends with him. Dr. Lee just doesn't like to lose.

Like in another case in the book, again Lee testified for the defense. I actually read that section before his Peterson section and I didn't know how the case came out. Halfway through the chapter, I was convinced the guy was guilty and Lee was trying to convince me that the evidence was misinterpreted and that there was no proof this guy did it. Yet most of his arguments centered around improper procedures and "errors" by the forensic team. (He was disgusted that it took 30 minutes from the arrival of the first responders to put crime scene tape up, even though the death was believed to be accidental until the *next day*. The goal of the first responders was to try to resuscitate the woman, with a husband hysterical that she'd fallen down the stairs and covered in blood himself, and they did manage to preserve almost everything. But they are supposed to move into crime mode immediately?? Give me a break. That's not what paramedics do.)

YUCK. Give this one a miss.

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bad grammer and writing slows down the pace of the book. At the same time seems a bit narcassistic

[Justin Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars 68/100

Overall, enlightening and well-written. Big points lost were due to: a lack of a standard scheme and way to approach the cases, making moments of it feel all over the place, interrupted flow, and author engagement.

Continuing, there are a few questionable things about the publishing aspects, certain areas traverse into mini-rambling/distracted writing, and I find some of the analytical portion to be both too difficult for non-forensic-based readers and too lazy for familiar readers.

Despite all of that, it is an interesting read. I think it is one of the few books that gives these high-profile cases clear summaries/accounts with relevant perspectives. Lee has a smart, introspective narration style and it is more refreshing than his other works.

Kudos on this one!

[Meg Sprague · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a CT resident and have heard of Dr. Lee’s work so when I saw this book at the library it caught my eye. I found it really interesting to read about some of these famous cases from someone who has actually worked them. The book includes photos from the scene as well as Dr. Lee’s analysis. I would definitely be interested in reading another one of his books

[Greg Parrott · Rating 5 out of 5]

After watching "The Staircase" I had to read one of his books. He is much easier to understand on paper! Great discussion in five cases walking us through the evidence collected and doing their best to keep it scientific.

[Amy Boehm · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thought this would be more about the crime scenes etc. Lots of reading about scientific data of the DNA very dry points throughout just ok.

[Sav]

I met Dr. Lee and he is an incredible man! As a fellow Forensic Scientist, I enjoyed reading his work.

[Muhammad Nizam Bin Mohtar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Marissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very textbook like in my opinion. It wasn't a bad read, but at certain points, I thought it was too technical, and at others, I felt like Lee was trying to "dumb it down" for the average reader. I did like learning about all the different types of blood spatter, and what they mean, how they are caused, and how they are used to determine a number of factor in the actual cases. In terms of the cases presented in the book, I'm still not sure what to think. I was hoping for a little more "inside detail", and not so much forensics. The only case I felt was completely useless/pointless in this book was the Scott/Laci Peterson case. There was really no forensic evidence in this case, so it felt like a wasted chapter. I did find the evidence in the Elizabeth Smart case interesting. Just by looking at a screen, you can determine the direction of the cuts & whether it was cut from the inside or the outside. Amazing! Another thing I liked was the progression and advancement of forensics. The cases range from the 1980s to the 2000s, and it was neat to see how far the science had come. If you're into the actual science of crime scene investigation, this book is for you. If you're looking for a true crime read, pick something else!

[Yibbie · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was so so. It would have been much better if they had omitted the first two cases. They were the big name ones, but they had nothing to do with forensic investigations, and Dr. Lee even said so. There was not enough physical evidence in either the Scott Peterson or the Elizabeth Scott case for him to work on. He was called in, but never testified in either case. So it turned out to be a synopsis of two already well known cases.
The last three chapters were much more interesting. Those cases involved lots of work by forensic scientist. Dr. Lee and Labriola do an excellent job of discussing a very technical field so that everyone can understand it.
I had not understood before just how difficult it can be to interpret physical evidence. In one of the cases he was called in by the defense. They lost the case. It is a rather interesting to read about the case from that side.
If you can get through the first two chapters you'll find the last three very informative.

[Dan Uitti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr Lee and Dr Labriola dig deep into the available forensic evidence on these interesting cases. Sometimes the lack of hard facts do not yield in the answers that we need to pursue these cases; and other means were used to arrive at the historical conclusions. This book represents the study of these cases and relate to the hard and diligent work necessary for future forensic scientists to consider. This is interesting to the novice as well as students of Law Enforcement. What a great book.

[Tiffany Delahunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good read. Many of the things I learned, I sort of already knew (I watch and read a ton of forensic stuff) but it was intelligently presented and never got boring. I like that Lee can set aside his scientist persona and examine more circumstantial or emotional evidence when and where it is needed without sounding preachy or rigid or unintelligible. Kudos to his coauthor as well- I will be reading more of their collaborations.

[The Un-Martha · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an OK read. The case files are definitely interesting but it tended to become monotonous with facts that didn't necessarily pertain to an outcome. It was OK but don't know if I would read another one of it's kind.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

The famous Dr. Henry Lee discusses 5 high-profile criminal cases & all about the evidence.

Although informative and interesting, it often reads like a lecture or a textbook.

[Jocelynne Broderick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book, written by the highly esteemed Henry Lee. At least some of these cases were ones I'd seen him profile on his television show. Good work, Dr. Lee!

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't even get through the first case. I read a lot of true crime and even find forensics interesting, but this book is so dry that I didn't find anything about continuing appealing.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like CSI stuff, and this is nonfiction.