Dawson, Kate Winkler

"Kate Winkler Dawson tells the . . . story of Edward Rulloff--a serial murderer who was called 'too intelligent to be killed'--and the array of 19th century investigators who were convinced his brain held the key to finally understanding the criminal mind"--Provided by publisher.

Explores the life and career of Edward Oscar Heinrich, dubbed the "American Sherlock Holmes," who some consider the father of forensic science in America. Explains how, through a forty-year career, Heinrich helped solve more than 2,000 cases using techniques that are still used, such as blood splatter analysis, ballistics, and fingerprinting.

"In winter 1952, London automobiles and thousands of coal-burning hearths belched particulate matter into the air. But the smog that descended on December 5th of 1952 was different; it was a type that held the city hostage for five long days. Mass transit ground to a halt, criminals roamed the streets, and 12,000 people died. That same month, there was another killer at large in London: John Reginald Christie, who murdered at least six women"--Provided by publisher.

Highlights the life and career of Edward Oscar Heinrich, dubbed the "American Sherlock Holmes," who some consider the father of forensic science in America. Through a forty-year career, Heinrich helped solve over 2,000 cases using techniques that are still used today, such as blood splatter analysis, ballistics, and fingerprinting.

Discusses the birth of criminal investigation in the twentieth century, including the life of America's first forensic scientist, Edward Oscar Heinrich.