I've read most of K Reichs' books...bones and dead everything.....the science- forensics (anthropological) mainly is quite precise, I think, to the point of making me yawn but they're definitely worth reading and shld interest Maddie....and Reichs adds that distinctive Quebec flavour which gives more culture and therefore depth to some of the books in the series...

and perhaps as a parallel, I've also read most except the latest one of Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta series...another forensic specialist. The strength of this series is mostly in the character development (or degeneration) and more convoluted plots...and IMO, unlike Reichs' more clinical style, Cornwell's writing is highly evocative, dark and she draws you into her world of crime and violence --and then after you almost fall off the edge of your seat and your blood gets flooded with stress hormones, she'd then bring you back to the safety of her kitchen where you can watch her prepare pasta from scratch......I guess Cornwell's writing is as good as her cooking...

Never read anything by Patricia Conwell...but if her she has a dual degree in cooking and writing, I think I should give it a try Thanks Casey !

gogreen on Dec 10 2009, 03:23 AM said:

You’re welcome, googoo doc. But I have to warn you that I started reading them when I was in high school…I read practical everything back then (my Dad called me an industrial vacuum cleaner ) so please don’t hate me if you hate her books after……or better yet- get her cookbooks first to get you in the mood- Food To die For and Winter Table…

And you shld definitely start off with the first one – Post Mortem, which lays all the groundwork …her books are good considering its genre i.e. crime, mystery, suspense etc. not exactly Ulysses or The Grapes of Wrath but enough to keep you entertained. I actually prefer PD James and Anne Perry's Monk series, still light reading altho unfortunately, not a lot of science there. Happy reading and happy cooking ....and please don't burn the water......

And don't forget Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories. I like all the novels and they are scientifically sound, but from a 19th century view and its knowledge...

Oh man, I missed a lot.
I followed your advise, Pradeep. I am in the middle of Robin Cook "Marker" and so far it's pretty great. I'm looking forward going on which is a good sign.

As for Cornwell, Reich and co...well...I already read them all. Hey I'm the forensic girl, this is business.

Hobglobin, thanks, I will look closely at your list. I LOVE Douglas Preston / Lincoln Child: The Cabinet of Curiosities.
Did I say I love it? Well actually I really love this book. I read all the Preston & Child as well as some Preston (only) or Child (only) and this one is still my favorite.

For the forensic fans, you can try Jefferson & Baas. Baas is the professor who created the Body Farm in TN. His books are very entertaining. The hero is a professor from the body farm so ,as you can imagine, you learn some stuff. For example I found out in his latest book that some people float and some sink !!??? I wonder if it's true and if it is, why (unless all the sinker are above 200 pounds).
You also learn that when you burn, your arm muscles retract, so if you find a burnt body and the arm are straight, you should wonder if you don't have a homicide.

casandra on Dec 10 2009, 10:34 AM said:

Ahhhh oui, PD James. Wasn't she cool? She reminds me of Agatha Christie.