This book was incredibly fascinating, but also incredibly depressing. The science of forensics is so interesting, but it is sad that it is necessary because of the horrible things that humans can do to one another. Fast and educational read.

I like how the development is explained and then a case where it was used to find and convict the killer was related. Some of the timeline wasn't linear, so it was a little odd to have a case from the early 1900s, followed by a case from the mid 1800s.

Other than that and the rather depressing topic, this was a very good book. This is an instance where I wish there was a half star option, as this is a 4.5 star book, no question. Not QUITE a five star and definitely NOT a 4 star, but 4 stars it must be. I highly recommend this book if you are into the CSI shows and true crime books.

My thanks to NetGalley and Chicago Review Press for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.