non-fiction+reading+assign

I enjoyed Dr. Henry Lee's Forensic Files mostly because I had no previous knowledge of any of the cases included in the text. It was interesting to go through the investigation through the eyes and thoughts of a forensic scientist. The writing is very detailed which is necessary to help the reader visualize the various scenes and moments throughout the book. Each case has its own crucial fact, tool, etc. As in the first, the Scott Peterson case there is a lot of stress with physical evidence and also examining the remains of Peterson's deceased wife and child. In the Elizabeth Smart case he also stresses physical evidence but used in recreating the crime scene. Also in the Smart case it was rather disturbing that the kidnappers had brainwashed Elizabeth convincing her not to try to escape and she also denied that she was indeed missing originally. When using language, information or forensics that the average person would not understand Lee explains how it affects the investigation and what it could mean; or how something like a fire could change evidence from what it seems and actually is. The book really helps you appreciate all the work and time that goes into the profession. Unlike CSI it does not take one episode to solve a murder, and even with advanced methods and technology it takes time and a good brain to do this kind of work. If you are interested in crime investigation, forensics, or any of the cases wrote of, i would definitely recommend this book to you.