Considering how quickly I read this book, I'm surprised I didn't give it more stars. But I think this is an example of expectations not meeting reality. First the good: this was an interesting history of forensic science, focusing on the late nineteenth/early twentieth century. I like the author's writing style and her vocabulary is prodigious. Unfortunately, as a Sherlock Holmes fan, I was disappointed that the book didn't deliver more Sherlock. He was mentioned usually at the beginning and end of each chapter. I was expecting an analysis of the forensic science Sherlock uses in some of his cases. Instead, this felt more like the author had written a history of forensic science, and then some publisher felt it wouldn't sell as is, so she was asked to go back and add some Sherlock Holmes stuff in to draw in readers. Sherlock Holmes was an afterthought in this book, not the focus.

A must read for anybody interested in crime generally and the stories of Sherlock Holmes in particular!

Written with humor and based on thorough research this is a very enlightening background into the methods of the great (if fictional) detective Sherlock Holmes. Many of the forensic components Doyle incorporated into his stories had a strong basis in true science and were a century ahead of his time. Such things as preserving the crime scene in situ, observation, note taking, photography or drawings of the murder scene all were practiced by a variety of those brought to a crime scene. In many cases, the investigators were medical men rather than "police."

If you are a lover of the great Holmes, this book adds to your understanding and appreciation of his mastery of the "art of the clue."

An easy and interesting look not so much at Sherlock Holmes, but more the history of forensics, detectives and science. The author makes a few connections to Sherlock Holmes stories, but you really don't need any knowledge of his cases. If you're interested in the history of forensics and medicine, this is good read.

This book was an excellent, informative look at the history of the era of Sherlock Holmes! It managed to include science that was informative without being way over my head, and every chapter was interesting. Additionally, the incorporation of quotes from the Holmes canon was flawless--not overdone, but very appropriate. Recommended to: Baker Street Irregulars, CSI fans, history buffs who love a good crime.

This book had very little to do with Sherlock Holmes, but was interesting anyway if you like books about forensic science.

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Somewhat of a disappointment, only because I HATED the repetitious use of a certain Sherlock Holmes title: namely, A Study in Scarlet.

I did like the sections entitled, "Whatever Remains:" interesting morsels and tidbits of information.

Interesting read on the development of some forensic techniques and linking them into the Sherlock Holmes stories. Not a linear history of forensics but looks at developments that tie into Holmes's methods.

A fairly interesting book about the contemporaneous science that helped form Holmes as a character. This is definitely one for the science nerd and/or Sherlock Holmes fan.

Interesting non-fic - not great narrative but fun anecdotes about turn of the century crime and investigation - made me want to read some Holmes

A nice addition to Sherlock Holmes' literature as well as an introduction to the history of forensic evidence.