Sue Black

Written in Bone is a novel written by the British crime fiction writer Simon Beckett, first published in 2007. It is the second novel to feature Dr. David Hunter. Set in the Outer Hebrides, this crime novel features forensic anthropologist Dr. David Hunter. In this volume, he is called in to examine a badly burned body found in a deserted house on a small island while contending with both personal and professional obstacles. It received positive reviews as being better than Beckett's first novel, with satisfying plot twists and well-implemented scientific details. Preceded by [The Chemistry of Death]( Followed by [Whispers of the Dead](

Criminal Dismemberment is the first book to examine dismemberment as a phenomenon in the context of criminal acts. While the number of such dismemberment cases in any given country is often small, the notion of dismemberment captures the imagination, often leading many to question the motivations as to why anyone would perpetrate such an unnatural act. The act of dismemberment, in its original form, referred to cutting, tearing, pulling, wrenching or otherwise separating the limbs from a living being as a form a capital punishment. In today’s society, it has become associated most frequently with the criminal act of sectioning the remains of the dead in an attempt to conceal the death and dispose of the remains or make the process of identification of the deceased more difficult to achieve. Drawing on expertise from leading forensic anthropologists, pathologists, and forensic materials engineers, the book brings together much of the literature on criminal dismemberment—viewing it from the investigative, forensic, and social science perspectives. Key features include: - Psychological analysis of the perpetrator - Detailed examination of case studies, anonymized from recent investigations - Difficulties encountered in a dismemberment investigation - Tool mark analysis, including knives and saws, accompanied by over 120 detailed, full-color illustrations and photographs - Serves as a unique and useful resource in the investigation of dismembered human remains The diverse backgrounds of the contributors offers a thorough account of such topics as the history of dismemberment, the forensic pathology in such cases, the importance of developing a common vocabulary in terminology used, the legal admissibility in dismemberment cases. As such, Criminal Dismemberment will serve as a comprehensive reference for students and practitioners alike.

Federal Agent Lucas Beaumont has an agenda — get himself assigned to the case of the apparent serial murders at Lancaster Falls, find out who the murderer is, and then lay the ghosts that haunt his grandfather to rest. In the midst of a horrific murder investigation, the only peace he gets is from simple moments in a warm kitchen, talking to hotel owner, Josh. Attraction to the easygoing man is something he didn’t expect; in doing so, he opens himself to hurt, but at the same time, he begins to fall in love. Josh is struggling to keep the Falls Hotel, even with every cent he has invested in its upkeep. The one thing keeping him above water is the not entirely legal work he does on the side—a steady income that not even his son knows about. When the FBI takes over his hotel for the duration of the Hell’s Gate serial killer case, Josh is faced with the real possibility that Lucas will not only discover his secret but also steal his heart. When tragedy hits Josh and his son, and when it seems all hope is lost, can Lucas rescue them both?

Identity theft, criminal investigations of the dead or missing, mass disasters both by natural causes and by criminal intent - with this as our day-to-day reality, the establishment and verification of human identity has never been more important or more prominent in our society. Maintaining and protecting the integrity of out identity has reached levels of unprecedented importance and has led to international legislation to protect our human rights. This book examines the variety of biological indicators that are available to investigators and illustrates the basic principles of each discipline. While DNA and fingerprints are clearly the favored methods of identification, they require a prior record and verifiable baseline for comparison. When these tools cannot be used it is necessary to employ those biological factors with higher variation and lower diagnostic probability. This reference introduces a number of different specialties such as, foot- and earprinting, dental interventions, skeletal anomalies, tattoos, facial reconstruction, personal effects, and handwriting. While recognizing that no single factor is an absolute indicator of identity, the contributors explain how a multitude of factors taken into summative consideration can establish a probability for confirmation. They discuss the difference between positive and probable identification and the use of exclusion to confirm identity. Using three high profile case studies, the book addresses the context of human identification in today's society and illustrates the use of techniques described in the text. Heavily referenced and using more than 120 charts, figures, photographs, and tables, it provides detailed introductory and extended information to newcomers and experts alike on the wide range of identification techniques in international practice.