You've solved crimes alongside your favorite TV shows-- but how real is their "real-life" science? Lyle takes you inside the world of forensics, and shows you how it's really done, from the crime scene to the crime lab, and into the courtroom.

Includes index.

Cracking open the case. Understanding the world of forensic science ; Getting to know the forensics team ; Collecting and protecting evidence ; Delving into the criminal mind -- Analyzing the evidence. Fingerprints : your personal signature ; Painting a gruesome picture : bloodstain analysis ; Leaving impressive impressions : shoes, tires, and tools ; Burning down the house : is it arson? -- Examining the body. Determining the cause and manner of death : forensic autopsies ; Identifying unknown victims ; Estimating the time of death ; Ouch! That hurts : traumatic injuries and deaths ; Gasping for air : Asphyxia -- Utilizing in the crime lab. Analyzing blood and other bodily fluids : serology ; Looking deep inside : DNA analysis ; Testing for drugs and poisons : the toxicology lab ; Picking apart trace evidence ; Bang! Bang! : analyzing firearms evidence ; Questioning the validity of documents -- The part of tens. Ten famous forensic cases ; Ten ways Hollywood gets it wrong ; Ten great forensic careers.