The Science of Cold Case Files

by Katherine Ramsland

The Science of Cold Case Files reveals the absorbing true stories behind the pioneering A&E television series, and the intrepid detectives whose investigations resulted in the resolution of the most baffling of crimes—sometimes decades after they were committed.

From handwriting analysis, facial reconstruction, fingerprints and K-9 detectives, state-of-the-art DNA technology, and old-fashioned perseverance and police work, here is a detailed look at the methods used in forensic detection. Featuring the most fascinating Cold Case Files on record, some of these cases have never been seen on television. Plus, this book offers an inside look at the intriguing clues found in cases that remain unsolved to this day.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Science

288 pages, Paperback

First published September 7, 2004

About the author

I've loved books since I was 3, and the library was a highlight of my childhood. I've been fortunate to be able to find great joy in what others have written and sometimes to give this to readers. I follow my own muse, because it leads me on interesting adventures. I began my writing career with "Prism of the Night: A Biography of Anne Rice." I had a bestseller with "The Vampire Companion." Since then, I've published 69 books and over 2,500 articles, reviews and short stories. I have also been an executive producer for "Murder House Flip" and "BTK: Confession of a Serial Killer." From ghosts to vampires to serial killers, I have taken on a variety of dark subjects, mostly in crime and forensics. I hold graduate degrees in forensic psychology, clinical psychology, criminal justice, creative writing and philosophy. Currently, I teach forensic psychology and criminal justice at DeSales University. My books include "I Scream Man," "How to Catch a Killer", "Confession of a Serial Killer", "The Forensic Psychology of Criminal Minds", "The Mind of a Murderer", "The Human Predator: A Historical Chronicle of Serial Murder and Forensic Investigation", "Inside the Minds of Serial Killers", "Inside the Minds of Sexual Predators", and "Inside the Minds of Mass Murderers". My background in forensic studies positioned me to assist former FBI profiler John Douglas on his book, "The Cases that Haunt Us", and to co-write a book with former FBI profiler, Gregg McCrary, "The Unknown Darkness", as well as "Spree Killers" with Mark Safarik, "The Real Life of a Forensic Scientist" with Henry C. Lee, and "A Voice for the Dead" with James Starrs. I speak internationally about forensic psychology, forensic science, and serial murder, and has appeared on numerous documentaries, as well as such programs as The Today Show, 20/20, 48 Hours, NPR, Dr. Oz, Coast to Coast, Montel Williams, Larry King Live and E! True Hollywood. Currently, I'm working on a fiction series, The Nut Cracker Investigations, which features a female forensic psychologist who manages a PI agency. "I Scream Man" is the first one.

Reviews

[Joyce]

Pretty basic overview of forensic techniques used in cold cases, especially forensic anthropology and DNA. Extremely brief mentions of well-known cases from the TV series.

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

These cases are so brief. I would like to know more details about each one... draw out the images. This reads like a textbook. Disappointing.

[Andi St · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good primer on forensic methods, but quite dated now.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engrossing overview of forensics. I enjoyed learning about the variety of cold cases, histories and methods.

[Melissa Dally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ya know, it's getting harder and harder to commit the "perfect" murder. If you commit some sort of violent act, you pretty much always shed SOMEthing, fingerprints, hair, footprints, carpet fibers or pet hair from your home or car. It's crazysauce. I liked that this had a lot of examples that weren't famous so they were new to me. On the other hand, you have to wonder about the idiots who kept the murder weapon and/or the clothes or shoes they were wearing when they committed their crime. Throw that away! Srsly. Not that I would commit a murder, but the first thing I would do if I did is toss my weapon and everything I was wearing into the river.

[Ellee · Rating 2 out of 5]

This books gives some extra details of the cases behind the popular TV show, Cold Case Files. Many of the cases discussed will be familiar to regular viewers, but there are a few cases that have never been aired on television. Especially written for fans of the show who haven't read much about forensics.

[Christina Sopko · Rating 1 out of 5]

I would give this book more stars on topic alone if it wasn't written down. I'm sure it's done so to appeal to a broader audience, but I thought it took away from the book.

[Sharon Joag · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Book!! I would highly Recommend it for someone who does not have a background in Forensic Science and Unsolved Cases.

[T.M. Carper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basically an overview of forensic science with tiny snippets of cold cases (most of them featured on A&E's Cold Case Files). Nothing too special.

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is so poorly written I couldn't even finish it. Was an editor even involved in its publication?

[Amanda Michelle]

exciting!

[Jennifer Reese Rohr]

Have watched the show for many of cases in the book. I have been aware of many systems/techniques described in the book. I just for some reason have an interest in crime resolution processes and shows.