8 Entertaining Books about Forensic Science
If you’re a lover of crime fiction, chances are the science of death and murder interests you at least a little bit. I love to read all kinds of nonfiction, from history to theology, but my favorite nonfiction science books have been the ones I’ve read about forensics and the science of death.
As I’m currently reading one of the books I’m about to recommend, I thought I’d put together a list of the very best books about forensic science. Everything listed here is written in an entertaining way! No one wants to read a text book if they don’t have to, so these books are here because they’re downright interesting. I’ve personally read about half of them, am currently reading two others, and the rest are on my to-be-read list with the highest recommendations from other mystery lovers like myself.
Whether you’re a mystery novel fan, or enjoy the true crime genre and are looking for some great nonfiction books to read, you’ll love this list!
Ariadne’s List of the Best Books about Forensic Science
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The Science of Murder: The Forensics of Agatha Christie
This is the book I’m currently reading that inspired this book list! Agatha Christie had forensic knowledge that was often ahead of her time. Loving it so far.
Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers
This is literally the most fascinating book I’v ever read and that is not an exaggeration! This book is extremely entertaining; humorous, but respectful. You’ll learn some very interesting things about what exactly they do with bodies donated to science. I couldn’t shut up about this book for months after I read it, I couldn’t help myself!
The Butchering Art: Joseph Lister’s Quest to Transform the Grisly World of Victorian Medicine
This one might not fit the forensic science genre per se, but I’m including it anyway, because it’s along the same vein. I was so intrigued by this story! Don’t read while eating, but definitely say a prayer of thanks for Joseph Lister’s work next time you have to have a medical procedure done, or need to stay in a hospital and actually walk out alive.
A is for Arsenic: The Poisons of Agatha Christie
First of all, isn’t the book cover dreamy? Perfection. I enjoyed the Audible version of this book and loved it. Agatha Christie fans know she had extensive knowledge of various poisons and put that knowledge to work in many of her novels!
All That Remains: A Life in Death
Written by a forensic anthropologist this book promises to be both entertaining and educational. This one is new to my to-be-read list I’m looking very forward to starting this one!
Maggots, Murder, and Men: Memories and Reflections of a Forensic Entomologist
I cannot wait to read this book! I’ve read a few science books about bugs and they are eternally fascinating to me. It’s incredible how ONE tiny bug can make or break an entire ecosystem. Combine that with forensic science and I am here for it.
Death’s Acre
Having enjoyed Stiff so much, including it’s chapter on The Body Farm, I was excited to find this book about the very place where bodies are positioned and encouraged to decompose in all kinds of ways in order to advance forensic knowledge and experimentation of human decomposition. Written by the Body Farm’s beginner himself, this book is sure to be a page turner.
Traces: The memoir of a forensic scientist and criminal investigor.
Another memoir and the last on my current to-read list in the forensic science genre, I look forward to reading about how Wiltshire’s microscopic world helps solve crimes.
Have I missed any great books about forensic science? Do tell if you’ve read some great ones!
Until next time,
Ariadne
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