Book Note

Cathy Cobb; Monty L. Fetterolf; Jack G. Goldsmith. Crime Scene Chemistry for the Armchair Sleuth. Amherst, NY: Prometheus, 2007. 396 pp. $24.

Reviewed by Maria A. Borda

Crime Scene Chemistry for the Armchair Sleuth approaches the subject of forensic chemistry in a novel and fun way. The authors, two chemists and a reserve police officer, expose the science in a style geared toward chemists and nonprofessionals alike. Each chapter begins with a “minute mystery”—a vignette describing a fictional crime—followed by a description of how forensic chemistry can help solve the case and an experiment that readers can perform with household items to demonstrate the scientific principles. Through twenty-five cases the authors explain basic chemical principles, biological analysis, and how all of this comes together to help solve crimes. While experimentation with household supplies may be reminiscent of childhood forays into chemistry, this book is intended for an adult audience, as some of the experiments can be dangerous for children.