Book Reviews

True Stories of CSI: The Real Crimes Behind the Best Episodes of the Popular TV Show

By Katherine Ramsland, PhD

True Stories of CSI answers the question every fan of the TV show asks from time to time: “Could that really happen?”  Katherine Ramsland takes us case-by-case through episodes that not only could happen, but did, detailing the real-life crimes that inspired some of the more shocking episodes of the show.

Each chapter opens with a brief description of an episode of CSI, then goes on to reveal the story of an actual crime that is disturbingly similar.  Ramsland’s work is notable not only for making the connection of fact to fiction that satisfies the curiosity of so many viewers, but also for her own natural storytelling ability. 

Ramsland often lays the crime out chronologically, allowing her readers to experience the same twisting journey that police and forensic investigators took.  Often, the revelation of new evidence points an investigation in a different direction or sows doubt in what seemed to be an open-and-shut case.

Ramsland brings us face to face with the cruel and calculating criminals that perpetrated such heinous crimes.  These are not the creations of a team of writers, but actual people—liars, narcissists, psychopaths—dangerous criminals who once walked freely in our society. 

Ramsland also brings to light the actual practice of forensic science.  She examines the methods that brought these criminals to justice—technology that has been evolving at a break-neck pace these past decades, criminal justice procedure that determines the pace of the investigation, and even the coincidences that led police to the evidence that would name a killer and put him behind bars for life.  These cases do not wrap up in a neat package in 60 minutes minus commercial breaks, but they definitely open the reader up to the real world of crime scene investigation.

Katherine Ramsland’s multiple degrees include a master’s in forensic psychology.  She is the author of more than two dozen books and currently teaches forensic psychology as an assistant professor at DeSales University in Pennsylvania.  Visit her Web site at www.katherineramsland.com.

Ramsland has been a member of the ACFEI since 1999, is a Certified Medical Investigator, and was a presenter at the 2007 ACFEI Conference.
Disaster Archaeology

By Richard A. Gould

“Closure … is a universal human experience in which emotions surrounding uncertainties about the fate of a relative or friend lost in a disaster are resolved to some degree by identification of the victim through physical evidence.” 

Richard A. Gould, author of Disaster Archaeology, has produced a work that not only acts as a primer on disaster archaeology and its many applications, but that also communicates his passion for the truth—a passion with which all forensic professionals are familiar.

Gould opens with a chapter defining disaster archaeology and goes on to discuss the prominent role of this demanding but important work during an era in which massive natural disasters and horrifying terrorist attacks have befallen our nation. Disaster archeology is particularly difficult because the task requires identifying remains while the physical and emotional effects of the disaster are still being felt. There are not thousands of years buffering scientist from subject—the deceased are members of the same society as the investigators.

Additional chapters discuss cases in a variety of locations—including the United States, Russia, even underwater—under a variety of circumstances: the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, an investigation in human rights violations from decades ago, a fire in a nightclub, and even prehistoric cannibalism. Gould samples the vast range of applications for forensic archaeology. Beyond simply educating his readers, Gould inspires with his dedication of bringing closure to those who have already been through too much. 

Richard A. Gould is a professor of anthropology at Brown University and led full recoveries at the Station nightclub fire scene in Rhode Island. He is the author of Recovering the Past and Archaeology and the Social History of Ships. He is currently vice president and treasurer of Forensic Archaeology Recovery (FAR), a volunteer team based in Rhode Island.

Gould has been a member of the ACFEI since 2007 and is currently serving on the Commission on Forensic Education.

The Exam Cram 2: CISSP   

By Michael Gregg

The Exam Cram 2: CISSP is a fast-paced presentation of facts—excellent in assisting any information systems security professional with the review he or she needs to perform well on the Certified Information Systems Security Profession, CISSP, exam. 

Chapter topics run the gambit from physical security to cryptography, telecommunications to business continuity planning.  In addition to the important facts that comprise the chapters, each chapter also contains various teaching tools including “hot lists” of crucial terms and concepts; alerts regarding the actual exam; tips, notes, and sidebars for additional information; and a “Need to Know More?” section that references additional sources of information.

Exam Cram 2 will prepare you not only with the information you’ll need to answer the questions correctly on the test, but also information regarding the exam itself with tips that will help test-takers reach their full potential on this exam, as well as practice questions in each chapter and two full practice exams at the end of the book.  There is even a tear-out cram sheet that lists the most important facts for last-minute preparation and a CD with the preview edition of exam-simulation software.

Exam Cram 2: CISSP is the perfect marriage of a thorough presentation of information and tried and true education practices.  Anyone preparing for the CISSP exam and anyone looking to expand their knowledge in the Information Security Systems field would do well to pick up this book.

Michael Gregg has more than 20 years of experience in the IT field.  He holds multiple degrees and many certifications, including CISSP.  He has consulted and taught for many Fortune 500 companies.  He is a member of the ACFEI as well as the Texas Association for Educational Technology, and he has been a member of the ACFEI since 2004.


Witness Preparation for Deposition
and Witness Preparation for Trial

By Jan Mills Spaeth, PhD

Perhaps more than in any other field, forensic professionals are called upon to contribute to courtroom proceedings.  For those new to the process of serving as a witness and for those interested in improving the quality of their testimonies, Jan Mills Spaeth, along with the American Bar Association, has produced a two-DVD series to address preparation for both depositions and trials. 

Witness Preparation For Deposition begins with a brief discussion of what can be expected at a deposition, as well as the purpose of the deposition.  Spaeth communicates valuable information to the viewer by expanding on the degree to which a deposition can influence the following trial, or even influence whether a case goes to trial or is settled out of court. 

Witness Preparation for Trial has a similar opening that explores not only what will be expected of a witness, but also what the witness will see and how the witness can expect the lawyers, judge, and jury to act.

Both DVDs cover Spaeth’s method of answering questions that, if followed, will allow the witness to avoid giving incorrect or misleading answers.  Spaeth then discusses the 10 critical qualities all credible witnesses must present, including competence, conciseness, and clarity. 

Throughout the discussion, the DVDs include dramatized examples of witnesses, lawyers, judges, and jurors. Spaeth has produced a program that not only tells, but shows witnesses how to conduct themselves.  This method of presentation makes the learning process more effective.  Spaeth also gives viewers inside information—an expert’s perspective of the courtroom—so that witnesses can understand how their behavior will be perceived by attorneys, judges, and juries.  Throughout the DVDs, Spaeth points out critical missteps that witnesses must not make in order to avoid being admonished by the judge, or, in severe cases, to avoid causing a mistrial.

These DVDs are essential for everyone who is called upon as a witness—both those new to the process and those with experience who want to establish themselves as credible and valuable witnesses.

Jan Mills Spaeth, PhD, has been a member of ACFEI since 1996.  She has written extensively on legal issues, particularly jury selection, trial simulations, witness preparation, and case strategy.  Spaeth has been an educator for the University of Arizona and numerous colleges, and she has been a frequent guest on many television and radio talk shows and news broadcasts. Her Web site is
www.azjuryresearch.com

Courtesy of Dr. Robert O'Block, Founder and Publisher