... A meticulously researched introduction to an important subject. VERDICT: Thoroughly readable with extensive source notes, this succinct exploration of the subject will appeal to academic and lay readers alike.
Library Journal
A profile of a CSI investigator reveals a calm, focused observer who is not influenced by the sensationalism of the crime. This book is primarily for ... Read morethose with a serious interest in the mechanics of forensics and crime-solving, and wish to seek detailed knowledge of this fascinating field. Aficionados of crime and mystery literature will also find this an entertaining read. Recommended.
Choice
A profile of a CSI investigator reveals a calm, focused observer who is not influenced by the sensationalism of the crime. This book is primarily for those with a serious interest in the mechanics of forensics and crime-solving, and wish to seek detailed knowledge of this fascinating field. Aficionados of crime and mystery literature will also find this an entertaining read. Recomended.
Choice
Murder and the Making of English CSI is a thoroughly detailed and meticulously argued scholarly work focusing on the surprisingly neglected history of crime scene investigation. Although a nonspecialist audience would be engaged by this fascinating and highly readable book, its significant contribution to the (small but growing) academic literature on the history of forensic analysis is welcome.
Annals of Science
Their [Burney and Pemberton's ] book is timely and instructive.
Criminal Law and Criminal Justice Books
This informative study will no doubt attract a varied readership, including many of my undergraduates who are addicted to CSI television programs. They will be impressed by the book's thorough chronicling of modern forensics...
Bulletin of the History of Medicine
It is the noteworthy achievement of Murder and the Making of English CSI that readers will realize there was nothing linear in the professionalization of crime scene detection. It is instead the story of strong personalities, opportunistic career moves, and the challenging effort undertaken to integrate the celebrity pathologist into a police team in the effort to uncover the most recondite traces of crime.
Metascience
Burney and Pemberton have produced an effectively illustrated (there are nearly 40 images), engaging and persuasive analysis which should become required reading for anyone interested in the history of twentieth-century forensic practice.
English Historical Review
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