Beating the Devil's Game

A History of Forensic Science and Criminal Investigation

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First time in paperback essential reading for the millions of fans of CSI and Cold Case Files.

Katherine Ramsland, a renowned expert in criminology, traces the story of the evolution of forensic science from thirteenth-century Chinese studies of decomposition through the flowering of science during the Renaissance and its veritable explosion during the era of Newtonian physics, to the marvels of the present day and beyond. Along the way, she introduces readers to such forensic pioneers as the father of toxicology; the criminal turned-detective who founded the Parisian Sureté; and trailblazers like William Bass whose integrated program in entomology, anthropology, and pathology at the Forensic Anthropology Center has galvanized the field.
Katherine Ramsland began her career as a writer with Prism of the Night: A Biography of Anne Rice, and has since published 59 books, including the bestselling The Vampire Companion: The Official Guide to Anne Rice’s The Vampire Chronicles. She holds graduate degrees in forensic psychology, clinical psychology, criminal justice, and philosophy. She teaches forensic psychology and criminal justice at DeSales University. View titles by Katherine Ramsland
Praise for Beating the Devil's Game

“Once again Katherine Ramsland brilliantly captures the insights and drama of some fascinating cases.”—Dr. Henry Lee

Additional praise for Katherine Ramsland

“If you’re looking for the perfect gift for someone who’s riveted to television shows like CSI, you won’t find a better one...This book is unique in the field.”—Court TV Crime Library

“A fascinating must-read for CSI fans and anyone interested in criminal justice.”—Booklist

“A must read for true crime fans. A beautifully written expert analysis of high-profile killers.”—Ann Rule

“One of the most immensely readable and gripping accounts of serial murder I have ever read.”—Colin Wilson, author of Serial Killers: A Study in the Psychology of Violence

“Fascinating...a must for anyone who wonders how the real crime solvers do it.”—Michael Palmer

“With the mind of a true investigator, Ramsland demystifies the world of forensics with authentic and vivid detail.”—John Douglas

About

First time in paperback essential reading for the millions of fans of CSI and Cold Case Files.

Katherine Ramsland, a renowned expert in criminology, traces the story of the evolution of forensic science from thirteenth-century Chinese studies of decomposition through the flowering of science during the Renaissance and its veritable explosion during the era of Newtonian physics, to the marvels of the present day and beyond. Along the way, she introduces readers to such forensic pioneers as the father of toxicology; the criminal turned-detective who founded the Parisian Sureté; and trailblazers like William Bass whose integrated program in entomology, anthropology, and pathology at the Forensic Anthropology Center has galvanized the field.

Author

Katherine Ramsland began her career as a writer with Prism of the Night: A Biography of Anne Rice, and has since published 59 books, including the bestselling The Vampire Companion: The Official Guide to Anne Rice’s The Vampire Chronicles. She holds graduate degrees in forensic psychology, clinical psychology, criminal justice, and philosophy. She teaches forensic psychology and criminal justice at DeSales University. View titles by Katherine Ramsland

Praise

Praise for Beating the Devil's Game

“Once again Katherine Ramsland brilliantly captures the insights and drama of some fascinating cases.”—Dr. Henry Lee

Additional praise for Katherine Ramsland

“If you’re looking for the perfect gift for someone who’s riveted to television shows like CSI, you won’t find a better one...This book is unique in the field.”—Court TV Crime Library

“A fascinating must-read for CSI fans and anyone interested in criminal justice.”—Booklist

“A must read for true crime fans. A beautifully written expert analysis of high-profile killers.”—Ann Rule

“One of the most immensely readable and gripping accounts of serial murder I have ever read.”—Colin Wilson, author of Serial Killers: A Study in the Psychology of Violence

“Fascinating...a must for anyone who wonders how the real crime solvers do it.”—Michael Palmer

“With the mind of a true investigator, Ramsland demystifies the world of forensics with authentic and vivid detail.”—John Douglas