The Bone Detective by Donna M. Jackson

Having a son who is intensely interested in forensic science, has sharpened my eye for books on the subject. Thought since most books on this subject are usually geared towards older readers, I had about given up on finding something that was appropriate for my son to read.

So when I spotted this book in our local library, I snatched it up faster than you can say, "he suffered blunt force trauma before death". Since my son wasn't home when I discovered this book, I decided to see if it was in fact something that he might be interested in reading.

Upon opening The Bone Detective by Donna M. Jackson, I was immediately struck by how well it was organized. With seven sections entitled "Forensic File", the book took pains to explain the different ways forensic scientists can use bone evidence to solve cases.The main case discussed throughout the book was that of a woman's skeletal remains found in Missouri.

The book goes on to explain how through forensic science including reconstruction of the woman's facial features, that law enforcement discovered that her husband in fact had killed her during a domestic argument and then disposed of her body in a nearby wooded area, to be undiscovered for nearly 20 years.

The details are amazing in this book, and they are presented in such a way that the youngest of scienctists can appreciate the information yet those on the older end of the spectrum find intriguing details within it's pages as well. In this day and age of CSI and Law and Order, there is bound to be one child somewhere in your life that would enjoy this journey into the world of forensic science.

The information presented on evidence, preservation of clues and how the simplest bits found on a scene can lead to an arrest and conviction are just enough to peak the interest of the youngest of investigators and urge on the older ones as well. In fact, I found much information in this book that I didn't know and was pleased to discover how easily understood the information within this books covers was to digest and apply to real life cases.

Though this book proved to be too elementary for my teenage son, I would recommend it for children from ages 9-12 who are interested in forensic science. Detailed, yet tasteful pictures take the young reader through the case, clue by clue until the woman's identity is revealed and her murderer brought to justice. The information within it's pages and the way in which the subject of forensic science would easily get Gil Grissom's seal of approval for starting young scientists off on the right footprint, so to speak.

The Author, Donna M. Jackson's website tells about this book and lists other non fiction books she has written for young readers as well. She is quite the author and I highly reccomend a trip to her website to see what other books she has authored. There are quite a variety listed within.

You can purchase this book online at Amazon.com: and Twbookmark.com for under $20, a great price for that budding CSI in your life. And remember, Christmas is just around the corner. A book such as The Bone Detective, is sure to be a hit with any young reader who dreams of "breaking the big case!" Good luck and remember, the good guys always win! :-D