Solving Crimes with Physics

School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up-These books can be used for research or personal-interest reading by most students regardless of their science background. Science procedures are nicely interwoven with true-crime cases, and topics explored include finding hidden information on computer hard drives that exposes criminal activity (Computer Investigation) and the use of pollens in crime solving (Entomology and Palynology). Careers in the forensic science fields are also discussed. Occasionally, a term is defined within the text, but the meaning is still not clear until the glossary is consulted. While the layout makes theses titles look accessible, the illustrations are often so general that they add nothing to the texts. Some of the more specific pictures, particularly those of blood spatter (Physics), are confusing because they don't clearly illustrate the concept being discussed. The caption is also vague, so no useful information is imparted. Aside from that, these readable titles will provide initial research material.-Lynn Evarts, Sauk Prairie High School, Prairie du Sac, WI Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.