LAW & CRIME

American Sherlock: Murder, Forensics, and the Birth of American CSI

by Kate Winkler Dawson
Putnam. Feb. 2020. 336p. ISBN 9780525539551. $27;. CRIME
COPY ISBN
Dawson (Death in the Air) uses five decades worth of files to tell the story of Edward Heinrich, who in the first half of the 20th century, solved some of the most mysterious and high-profile criminal cases in the United States. The case files presented include the page-turning stories of a high-profile Hollywood actor accused of murder, the kidnapping and murder of a Catholic priest, and the baffling case of a Stanford professor accused of killing his wife. Readers will learn about a man with a difficult past being led to an exciting, yet demanding career never pursued; the birth of forensic science; and law enforcement’s and the public’s shifting views of forensics to solve crimes.
VERDICT A fascinating book worthy of being associated with the title’s literary sleuth. Readers will want a follow-up so they can discover more of Heinrich’s cases as told through Dawson’s great storytelling. For fans of Michelle McNamara’s I’ll Be Gone in the Dark and other true crime works.
Reviewed by David Miller, Farmville P.L., NC , Dec 01, 2019
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

REFERENCE

Family, Friends and Neighbors: Stories of Murder and Betrayal
by Estep, Richard
NONFICTION

The Disquieting Death of Emma Gill: Abortion, Death, and Concealment in Victorian New England
by Biederman, Marcia
NONFICTION

American Black Widow: The Shocking True Story of a Preacher’s Wife Turned Killer
by Olsen, Gregg
MEDIA

Behind the Door: The Dark Truths and Untold Stories of the Cecil Hotel
by Price, Amy
NONFICTION

The King of Diamonds: The Search for the Elusive Texas Jewel Thief
by Pederson, Rena
MEDIA

Pain Hustlers
by Hughes, Evan
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?