Bones: A Forensic Detective's Casebook

Forensic anthropology is a relatively new science, and Ubelaker, curator of anthropology at the Smithsonian Institute, is one of its most notable practitioners. Here, with freelance writer Scammel, he explains how those in the field work with police to solve mysteries lacking clues except for a few bones, on the basis of which experts can determine a victim's race, age and sex and often the cause of his or her death. Though the text is somewhat dry and technical, it can be compelling. The authors discuss problems that forensic anthropolists encounter, such as bones scattered over a wide area, false clues planted by killers, bones chewed by animals and inept procedures by local officials unfamiliar with advanced scientific techniques. True-crime addicts won't want to miss the book. Illustrations not seen by PW. (Nov.)