Description

Forensic TV shows such as Sherlock Holmes, Bones, Forensic Files, Crime Scene Investigation (CSI, CSI Vegas, CSI New York), Law and Order, Dexter, Autopsy, Forensic Factor - continue to capture our attention and to multiply. Why? We find the application of science to solving crimes, and the amazing creativity of the criminal mind, fascinating. We enjoy a good puzzle, a good challenge that forces us to think, it is clear. In life we rarely find all the pieces of a puzzle, but we can develop skills to dig deeper into those we find. This is a unique book, part workbook, part textbook. We will focus on one case, the 1932 kidnapping and murder of aviator Charles Lindbergh's 20-month-old son. Lindbergh selected a retired teacher, John Condon, to serve as his contact with the five-person gang of kidnappers. Only one person, Bruno Hauptmann, was ever connected with the case. He was found guilty and executed in 1936.The reader works with the author, a trained scientist (chemist), to take a fresh look at some of the evidence in this case. Develop your investigative skills through quantitative aspects of the case. Together we will ask questions and pursue answers, make measurements, and consider their meaning. The book can be used in a high school or college classroom, or by an individual who wants to learn more about the case, related topics, and themselves. It's also written for those interested in this famous story, and the many hobbyists who debate the case in dedicated blogs and forums. Since this is a cold case, we will go back in time to define aspects of life in 1932 that must be understood. The author shares his thoughts and ideas and works with the reader in this interactive book to develop personal investigative skills. The book covers traditional and logical approaches, showing the reader how much more can be learned with simple tools, and a healthy curiosity.