Killer at Large: Criminal Profilers and the Cases They Solve! (24/7: Science Behind the Scenes: Forensics)

Grade 3–6—In line with their lurid titles, these concise, high-interest introductions to various branches of forensic science include three case studies each, along with descriptions of methods, necessary gear, interviews with practitioners of both sexes, and even career advice, along with plenty of photos that are more suggestive than icky. Describing how criminal profilers work, Beres shows how the Mad Bomber of the 1940s and 1950s, a later murderer, and a computer hacker were identified through keen observation and psychological analysis, in contrast, as Winchester explains, to serial killer Ted Bundy, who was identified in part by a bite mark he left on a victim. Denega shows how forensic entomologists use insect evidence to narrow down the times of criminal and other deaths. Written to a template but with only minor quantities of boilerplate, these quick scans will both rivet and inform true-crime fans—and may even spark some vocational interest in their diverse specialties.—John Peters, New York Public Library
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