Murder, he wrote
19 April 2008 | forensic science, Reviewing | Post a comment
In the 19th century, English juries and judges were notoriously sceptical about scientific evidence. According to the historian of forensic science Colin Evans, there was “a visceral distaste for the laboratory as a crime-fighting tool”. But in the 20th century, a real-life Sherlock Holmes emerged whose “almost supernatural deductive gifts” won the confidence of lawyers and public alike. He was Home Office pathologist Sir Bernard Spilsbury.
I’ve just reviewed The Father of Forensics, Evans’ new biography of Spilsbury. It’s a compelling but gruesome read. My review is in today’s Guardian. Be warned: it’s not for the squeamish…
Read it here.
