Cause of Death (Edge Books, Forensic Crime Solvers)

From Booklist

Reviewed with Barbara B. Rollins and Michael Dahl's Blood Evidence.Gr. 4-8. These Forensic Crime Solvers titles aren't for the faint of heart, but seasoned viewers of television programs such as C.S.I. will love them. Part of the Edge Books umbrella series geared toward reluctant readers, each title is a treasure trove of gruesomely specialized facts--the name of the chemical that makes faded bloodstains glow in the dark (luminol), the distinctive blood-droplet pattern associated with a bullet wound ("small, misty spatters"), and more. The format of these slim, heavily illustrated volumes disconcertingly resembles material published for second- or third-graders, but the disturbing subject matter and occasionally grisly photos limit these to a more mature audience. Middle-graders will thrill to the gross-out aspects and enjoy seeing how facts from science class surface among the more lurid details. Along with a glossary, titles for further reading, and addresses of forensics-related organizations, readers will find a list of well-chosen Web sites, available by visiting the publisher's Fact Hound portal and entering a special code. Jennifer Mattson
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About the Author

Michael Dahl is a Capstone Press author.