Written in Blood
As one of the UK’s leading forensic scientists, Mike Silverman has helped to identify and convict dozens of murderers, rapists, armed robbers, burglars and muggers, thanks to the evidence they – or their victims – unwittingly left behind at the scenes of their crimes.
Mike Silverman started his career in the days when fingerprints were still kept on card files and DNA profiling was just a pipe dream, so Written in Blood is more than just a casebook – it is also a definitive history of the development of forensic science over the course of the past thirty-five years.
From collecting blood samples at gangland executions to investigating forensic science failings, including in the murders of Rachel Nickell and Damilola Taylor, Mike Silverman’s unique career provides a fascinating insight into the ways forensic science is used to help solve real-life crimes.
Packed with genuine crime scene photographs and original sketches, Written in Blood is the ultimate insider’s account of the fascinating world of forensic science.
Mike Silverman began his career as a biologist with New Scotland Yard’s Forensic Science Laboratory, specializing in blood pattern analysis, murder and sexual assault investigations. He became one of the first civilian heads of scientific support (CSI and fingerprints) and introduced the first automated fingerprint identification system. His career took him abroad as Head of International Services for the Forensic Science Service and finally to the Home Office as the first Forensic Science Regulator.
Tony Thompson is widely regarded as one of Britain's top true-crime writers. A former crime correspondent of the Observer, his major works include Gangland Britain, Bloggs 19, Gangs, Reefer Men, Gang Land and Outlaws. He has twice been nominated for the prestigious Crime Writer's Association Gold Dagger for Non-Fiction, winning the coveted title for his book The Infiltrators. He regularly contributes articles to various newspapers and magazines and appears on both television and radio as an expert on crime-related matters.