Bugliosi, Vincent and Curt Gentry. Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders. New York: Norton, 1974. (Grades 10+)
Considered a classic of the “true crime” genre, Helter Skelter, was written by Vincent Bugliosi, the prosecuting attorney in the Manson trial. The book details Tate-LaBianca murders executed by Charles Manson and four members of “The Family” and the subsequent arrest and the trial of the Manson Family. For independent reading, Helter Skelter is a riveting page-turner. As a basis of students’ research in Behavioral Science, the work facilitates an analysis of Manson’s background, childhood, and psychiatric issues in relation to the murders. The book includes a detailed index and black-and-white photographs.
Capote, Truman. In Cold Blood: A True Account of a Multiple Murder and Its Consequences. New York: Random House, 1965. (Grades 10+)
In Cold Blood is a brilliantly written narrative of the savage murders of the Clutter family of Holcomb, Kansas, and the investigation, arrest, trial and execution of the killers, Perry Smith and Dick Hickock. In vivid prose and startling detail, Capote examines the background and impulses of the killers, as he reconstructs the life of the murdered farm family, the scene of the crime, and the reaction of the town. The new genre invented by Capote with this book, the “nonfiction novel,” continues to influence the true crime writing. As a result of the acclaim for Capote, a film which reconstructs the writing of In Cold Blood, there has been a resurgence of interest in the book which we recommend for independent reading.
CourtTV. Crime Library. 2006. Courtroom Television Network. 14 Apr. 2006 <http://www.crimelibrary.com>.
The Crime Library is a valuable resource for forensics and criminal profiling, crimes, criminals and trials. While the focus is on recent crimes, the collection is expanding to include crimes dating back to the fifteenth century and can be searched by keyword from the home page. Students who are browsing can access information through the Crime Library organizational tree with the categories “Notorious Murder Cases,” “Serial Killers,” “Gangsters & Outlaws,” and “The Criminal Mind.” Many stories include a list of sources for additional information on a topic.
Dolan, Robert W. Serial Murder. Philadelphia: Chelsea House, 1997. (Grades 10+)
Part of the Chelsea House “Crime Justice and Punishment” series, Serial Murder, presents the historical background of serial murder, discloses the pathology of serial killers and the seven ritual phases of serial murder. The book describes the efforts to trace and capture serial killers. Be aware that the descriptions of the crimes committed and the criminal’s background include graphic details, necessary given the nature of the topic. Because the index lists names, locations, aberrations and types of crime, students can access the information needed for research projects. Also included are black-and-white photographs and a bibliography for further reading.
Evans, Colin. The Casebook of Forensic Detection: How Science Solved 100 of the World’s Most Baffling Crimes. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1996. (Grades 9+)
Colin Evans examines 100 cases summaries from around the globe based on the preponderance of the evidence for each case. DNA typing, serology, fingerprinting and time of death are just a few of the types of physical evidence that solve these cases. Students studying forensic science can acquire a broad range of knowledge on detecting the evidence, applying the findings to the investigation and trying the evidence in court. Cases end with a conclusion which may or may not answer all the readers’ lingering questions. The Casebook of Forensic Detection is a resource that all students should consult regardless of whether their specific case is included, since it is critical for understanding the importance of physical evidence in a case.
Ferllini, Roxana. Silent Witness. Buffalo, New York: Firefly Books, 2002. (Grades 9+)
Roxana Ferlini’s expertise and research in forensic anthropology, coupled with her creative writing style, informative photographs and visually appealing format have resulted in an incredible resource for students. Through a series of case studies on various topics including; Exhumations, Altered remains and Air disasters to name a few, students are drawn into the particulars of each case and their value to other forensic anthropology cases. Silent Witness is not only the textbook used for our school’s Forensic Science class but is also a valuable resources for other curriculum areas studying human rights and genocide. A case study from Silent Witness is required for our students’ Forensic Science Anthropology Project.
Frasier, David K. Murder Cases of the Twentieth Century: Biographies and Bibliographies of 280 Convicted or Accused Killers. Jefferson, NC: McFarland, 1996. (Grades 10+)
Frasier, a reference librarian at Indiana University, has produced the definitive reference source on murder. The downside is that the copyright is 1996; the volume needs updating. The alphabetical entries of those profiled in this volume, include an annotated reference list of films, plays and books, along with information on the subject’s early life, crimes, victims, arrest, and conviction. For students’ research in Behavioral Science, the information is useful, as it provides students with the background to discuss the criminal’s modus operandi, physical defects, and psychological problems.
Innes, Brian. Bodies of Evidence. Pleasantville, New York: The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc., 2000. (Grades 10+)
Case summaries and methods of gathering crime scene evidence, along with photographs of physical marks and bruising, and microscopic images of hair and blood, provide the reader with a better understanding of the “Marks of Death” and how analyze them. Included is information on early forensic science and historical advances, adding value for students studying forensic science.
________. Major Unsolved Crimes. Broomall, PA: Mason Crest Publishers Inc., 2003. (Grades 7+)
A research biochemist turned writer, Brian Innes introduces the reader to historical unsolved crimes such as Jimmy Hoffa’ dissappearance and the “Black Dahlia,” as well as the more contemporary unsolved crimes of Karen Silkwood and Chandra Levy. Compelling photographs introduce the cast of characters associated with each unsolved crime and, in the case of Hollywood’s version of Karen Silkwood, visually drive home the disturbing facts of the case. Nuggets of information reinforce key terms [example?]. While Major Unsolved Crimes profiles only seven cases, they provides valuable parallels to other cases students may be researching.
________. Serial Murders. Broomall, PA: Mason Crest, 2003. (Grades 7+)
Part of Mason Crest’s “Crime and Detection” series, this title presents an easy-to- read, somewhat superficial, account of serial murders accompanied by photographs, a chronology, a glossary, an index, and suggested further reading materials including Web sites. Both independent readers and students doing research assignments are attracted to the engaging layout, striking graphics and explanatory captions. High school students with special needs or students reading below grade level will appreciate this readable text.
Larson, Erik. The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America. New York: Random House, 2003. (Grades 10+)
The Devil in the White City is an extraordinary account of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. Larson, a former Wall Street Journal reporter, juxtaposes the story of Daniel H. Burnham the architect and planner of the fair, with the story of Dr. Henry Howard Holmes, a.k.a. Herman Webster Mudgett, who used the fair as a means to commit serial murders. Painstakingly researched and brilliantly written, The Devil in the White City, balances the promise of Burnam’s vision with the depravity of Holme’s activities. The book contains extensive notes and sources, a bibliography and excellent index. The work is a good fit with Behavioral Science curriculum because of its analysis of the background and modus operandi of Holmes/Mudgett.
Neff, James. The Wrong Man: The Final Verdict on the Sam Sheppard Murder Case. New York: Random House, 2001.
Through exhaustive research and countless interviews James Neff, an investigative editor at the Seattle Times, has woven the pieces of the Dr. Sam Sheppard murder case into one cohesive resource. The Wrong Man offers the readers an introduction to DNA analysis within the context of a gripping story. Blood evidence and negligent police work play a key role in this in-depth dissection of a horrific crime. Readers sit front-and-center in the courtroom, watching journalists cover the event and gaining insight into both crime reporting and the judicial process. Students will find The Wrong Man eye opening and, perhaps, a springboard to further forensic science investigations.
Owen, David. Hidden Evidence. Buffalo, New York: Firefly Books, 2000.
David Owen proves that, in order to see where you’re going, you need to understand where you’ve been. Hidden Evidence traces the history and evolution of techniques used in forensic science. Brief histories of forty cases, both familiar and obscure, illustrate forensic science in its earliest form while later chapters stress the importance of investigating not only the crime but the crime scene. Owen challenges readers to look carefully and scientifically at the unpredictable, messy crime scene where, unlike the well-defined evidence within the forensics classroom, nature plays a major role. Hidden Evidence is a resource that all students studying forensic science should consult regardless of their case.
Powell, Phelan. Major Unsolved Crimes. Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishers, 2000.
The reader must sift through the known facts of six major crimes: five unsolved and a famous political crime. Chapters include Jack the Ripper, The Zodiac Murders, Cash to Go, The Tylenol Murders, The Sunset Limited Sabotage and the Assassination of President Kennedy. Primary-source photographs and documents reinforce the importance of using sources created by eye-witnesses - critical to the study of forensic science, anthropology and, indeed, all history. The text is easy to read and heavily illustrated with photographs. A list of additional books encourages the reader to investigate further.
Rosinsky, Natalie M. Jack the Ripper. Farmington Hills, MI: Lucent, 2004. (Grades 8+)
Part of the Lucent’s “Mystery Library” series, Rosinsky’s work presents a well-researched examination of the unsolved Jack the Ripper case. The author examines the Whitechapel murders, the subsequent investigation and the possible suspects, and considers what might be learned about the Ripper’s identity using present-day forensic investigative techniques. The inclusion of notes, sources, a bibliography and index pages further its usefulness for research projects in forensic science and behavioral psychology classes.
