Rating: 
Summary: Dead Reckoning....the dead speak.
Review: Michael Baden is one of the most captivating and interesting indivduals you could ever listen to. His insight into the world of forensic science is captivating and terrific. I got interested by seeing his HBO specials on autopsies. If his shows were this good, his book must be good to, I thought. That was so true. This book is a real page turner. If you like a good non-fiction book about something that everyone must face someday, death, then this is it. I loved this book so much that I bought a copy for my father and he loves it too. There are things in the book that you may have never known and he presents it with class. He has a great respect for the dead and I enjoyed his book. I highly recommend it.
Rating: 
Summary: Name dropping and inaccurate data
Review: My reason for reading the book was to learn some of the ins and outs of forensic medicine and science. If one can manage to wade through the celebrity lists and name dropping, it will fulfill this purpose.
Having been born in and am still familiar with the town of Rensselaer, Indiana, I was surprised to see that it was featured in the chapter about bugs. The authors, for some reason, choose to provide detailed descriptions of the town and its surroundings even though they have little or nothing to do with the subject of forensic science. This interlude from the main topic would not have been so bad except that many of the descriptions were erroneous. He describes the town's people as drinking red pop, Mr. Pibb, and a lager called Old Scratch. Red pop went out in the 50's. Mr. Pibb, although not unknown, is hardly a popular drink. No one I could find had ever heard of Old Scratch. (For this and the following, I queeried a group of 8 contemporaries who have lived in Rensselaer for an average of 67 years each.) Like me they have never heard of a political affiliation or designation of any bank. The author's talk of picking up a "Republican" (newspaper) heading north out of town. The newspaper office is a short stone's throw from the center of town. The Ritz theater has been closed for over 25 years. (Actually the theater now called the Ritz was the Palace when it was open.) Lastly they talk about the car dealerships dispaying the owner's names being on one end of town and Bazz's roller rink on the opposite.
The rink is on the north outskirts along highway 231, and there are no car dealerships on the south end.
The apparent ficticous account of the town make one wonder about the veracity of the rest of the book.
Rating: 
Summary: Fascinating reading!
Review: OK, I'll admit to already being a fan of Dr. Baden's from HBO's Autopsy series. He truly loves what he does and his ability to convey intricate scientific details in layman's terms is greatly appreciated.I purchased this book after seeing him lecture, and let me tell you, this is a fascinating aspect of criminology. The 'clues' that no one would ever think of that are left behind will amaze you in their ability to accurately point to a murderer or a cause of death. He recounts some of him numerous consultations on cases, hi and low profile (O.J. Simpson's case for one. That alone will explain how he may have gotten away with it) and brings it home in a way that any reader can understand. Another thing that I found very helpful, is Dr. Baden's sincere respect for the dead. He's not simply recounting tales to be goulish, but to illustrate how crimes can be solved when it seems there is nothing to lead to. It's not for everyone, granted. But Dr. Baden's book is fascinating if you have even the slightest interest in criminology.
Rating:
Summary: Dead Reckining Baden
Review: On this subject, a fine text. Found some of the time it was a bit deep for this amature but I really liked getting to know Dr. Baden which I think the book did. sorry that a previous reviewer saw this as a deficit - I liked this book, if you are new to the subject I think you will like it and if you are not I am sure you will be impressed. Kept me going and made me aware of so much in this newer science that TV shows etc. just can't quite do.
Rating:
Summary: Decent Detail Book
Review: One of the better reads for those who delve into the science of forensics. The author leads you through even the most trivial details of an autopsy, gives readers an insightful glance into why the forensic pathologist must remain focused on the subject (in this case a dead body), despite pressure from external sources such as the DA, police, and others. Good book if you have no knowledge base of medicine or forensic law enforcement. For those who have a more detailed background, this book may have some dull spots. Overall, well written and a great read!
Rating:
Summary: Pathological Humor
Review: People contrive some very peculiar ways to die, and Dr. Baden, who was once the chief medical examiner of New York City seems to have seen or heard of them all. For instance, there was the airline pilot who stripped down and chained himself to a moving--well, I don't want to spoil the story for you. But if you have a mordant sense of humor, try attending a convention of pathologists and forensic scientists--especially if Dr. Baden is scheduled to speak. They usually meet near Reno and book Wayne Newton in to entertain them. (I don't know why medical examiners are so endeared with Wayne Newton. This might be one of those deep philosophical conundrums that ordinary mortals should not speculate upon lest they go blind). Did you know that it is possible to special-order a pair of diamond-studded handcuffs? This is just one of the fascinating tidbits that Dr. Baden and Marion Roach share with us in "Dead Reckoning." This book is more of an overview of modern forensic pathology than was their previous volume, "Unnatural Death," which was primarily a series of Dr. Baden's criminal cases. In "Dead Reckoning" we are introduced to other famous (in their own circle, at least) forensic scientists such as the bug man, Dr. Neal Haskell (his specialty is my least favorite part of crime solving) and Dr. Henry Lee, the American 'Sherlock Holmes' whose Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory was involved in the infamous 'wood chipper' case (there was a very thorough murderer, indeed). The authors also illuminate criminal cases where Dr. Baden had no direct involvement, such as the O.J. Simpson murder trial. It was shocking to learn how badly the crime scene was handled in this particular case. "Dead Reckoning" is a must-read for true crime buffs. It also helps to have a peculiar sense of humor.
Rating:
Summary: DEFINITELY A FIVE-STAR PLUS!
Review: Readers interested in crinimology, law enforcement, psychology, forensic pathology and climatology will be particularly intrigued by "Dead Reckoning". The book is not for everyone, particularly if the reader has a low tolerance level for the conceiveably gruesome topics of autopsies and blood-splatter analysis. From studies in psychology, the criminal mind has always been of interest to me, and the evidence and psysical analysis leading up to the conviction of those individuals is equally as fascinating. For those who are up to the challenge and have a desire to learn more, the book is mind-absorbing and consumes the reader from start to finish. In regard to the use of DNA, DNA can often mean the difference between setting one free from incarceration and being absolved of their crimes or, in the case of guilt, being put to death. The information contained on the Jon Benet Ramsey murder case and the death of Princess Diana was of particular interest. The book is not as lengthy as others I have read of a similar nature, but there is a wealth of information contained among the pages. The book has clearly been well researched and documented. "Dead Reckoning" is deserving of a five-star rating and highly recommended reading material if you are up to the subject matter.
Rating:
Summary: Fascinating overview of the forensic science community.
Review: The authors of this book were not looking to write an in-depth, step-by-step list of how to determine cause of death, but more of an overall glance at forensic science in recent years; who the major players are, what the current technology is and what it can do; and what forensic science should and should not be. In this sense they did an excellent job. They mention several recent big-name cases, such as the OJ case, and lesser-known but just as interesting cases, many involving death row. It does tend to drag in some parts where details are given, but those details for the most part end up being relevant to understanding the overall case. All in all, it's an excellent book for what it wants to cover, though if you are looking to find out a definition and to-do list for forensic science, this isn't the book for you.
Rating:
Summary: VERY COMPELLING!!!
Review: THE INSIGHT OF DR. BADEN, COUPLED WITH HIS UNIQUE EXPIRIENCES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE SUBJECT MAKE THIS BOOK A MUST READ. VERY COMPELLING STUFF.
JAMES CADY
Rating:
Summary: Not bad....
Review: This book is good for someone that has only a basic understanding of forensic science and wants a broad overview of some cases. Baden's high opinion of himself comes through loud and clear in this book which is irritating. That aside, the book takes you through some very interesting cases and introduces you to key players in the forensic world. Even with his ego I still highly recommend the book.
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