Dead Reckoning: The New Science of Catching Killers

Rating:
Summary: GREAT INFORMATION
Review: For anyone considering the field of forensic pathology, or if you're just curious, this book is thorough and detailed, while maintaining a fast pace. Baden and Roach don't underestimate the intelligence of the layreader, but also don't get bogged down in medical-speak. Although Baden sometimes seems to lose focus from topic to topic, his digressions are always fascinating and educational.

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely riveting, from start to finish!!!
Review: For anyone considering the field of forensic pathology, or if you're just curious, this book is thorough and detailed, while maintaining a fast pace. Baden and Roach don't underestimate the intelligence of the layreader, but also don't get bogged down in medical-speak. Although Baden sometimes seems to lose focus from topic to topic, his digressions are always fascinating and educational.

Rating:
Summary: Awful writing!
Review: I am sorry to disagree with most of the reviewers, but this is one of the most annoying books I have read in my life (42 years!). I am a scientist and I was expecting somewhat more informative. However, the main problem of this book is not that it gives very little information about forensic science, but that the writing is simply AWFUL. To me, it looks like this book was generated from a five-hour interview that Marion Roach later transformed into many pages of bad writing. I was tempted to reproduce a couple of paragraphs here, but I am not sure about copyright infringement issues. Again, this has been the most disappointing book I have read in my life. Stay away from it if you care about decent writing style!

Rating:
Summary: GREAT INFORMATION
Review: I AM STUDYING TO BECOME A FORENSIC PATHOLOGIST AND I FOUND THIS BOOK FULL OF GREAT INFORMATION. I WAS NOT ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN ONCE I PICKED IT UP. I AM AMAZED STILL AT HOW THE SMALLEST THINGS CAN MAKE OR BREAK A CASE. MICHAEL BADEN IS ONE OF THE BEST FORENSIC PATHOLOGISTS AND IT SHOWS THAT IN HIS NEWEST BOOK.

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Summary: Great Book for Future Medical Examinors
Review: I am very glad to have received this book. It has allowed me to get closer to the idea of becomming a medical examinor. This book brings up many great questions and "rules to live by" for forensic pathologists. I like this book because of my personal interests in my future career but feel it would be enjoyable to others also. My overall impression is, it is a great book, and is very well written, it does drag on at times but is definitly worth it.

Rating:
Summary: Run of the Mill
Review: I enjoyed this book, as I find the subject matter fascinating. However, the book does have quite a few technical details that would be more useful in a textbook instead of a lay-persons book. Regardless, if you enjoy books of this nature, you will no doubt find this a good read.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting, but slightly technical...
Review: I enjoyed this book, as I find the subject matter fascinating. However, the book does have quite a few technical details that would be more useful in a textbook instead of a lay-persons book. Regardless, if you enjoy books of this nature, you will no doubt find this a good read.

Rating:
Summary: Dinner time reading
Review: I found that this book was incredibly engrossing. I especially enjoyed the personal experiences from Dr. Baden's life-it makes the science so much more real and clearly shows he is a man doing something he loves. Several passages were so incredible I read them aloud at dinner time! My roommates even asked to borrow the book when I was done. Definitely an exciting book!

Rating:
Summary: The Modern Sherlock Holmes
Review: I have had the privilege of seeing Dr. Baden give evidence in a murder trial. He has a manner of communicating with a jury that brings forensic science to life in a way that is understandable to the layman. I was pleased to see that his book reflects his personal style in that it is informative with a wonderful and sensitive personal touch that allows the reader to see the charachter of the man himself . Baden clearly has a love for his work and a keen sense of Justice in his recognition of the value of forensic science to criminal investigations.
Despite the fact that Dr. Baden details in a number of areas the specific nature of forensic examination the book is written in a manner that holds the reader as the science is wound in with the particular facts of numerous cases, combined with his own personal reflections of his work, attorneys , police, victims and accused.
Dead Reckoning is a must read for anyone who has an interest in forensic science and no professional involved in any facet of criminal justice should be without a copy.
Michael Baden is without question the modern day Sherlock Holmes.

Rating:
Summary: Precise and Accurate account of forensic methods
Review: I have no problem recommending Dr. Baden's books to anyone with an interest in the forensic sciences, as someone who works in the field, I find it refreshing when someone with his experience can relate his work to both the casual and informed reader. He is descriptive in a way that easy to understand and not boring. The book is great and it was hard to put down.