Colin Beavan is a magazine journalist writing for ‘Esquire’ and ‘Atlantic Monthly’. He gained his Ph.D in applied physics from the University of Liverpool.

'As entertaining as it is well-researched and informative.' Scotland on Sunday 'Full of such fine small stories. Beavan has added another splendid book to the canon of non-fiction classics.' Dea Birkett, Independent 'As gripping as any crime novel.' Simon Singh, Sunday Telegraph 'By sparse intelligent use of detail Beavan has created an engrossing, tight drama spanning the latter part of the 19th Century. His research is impressive and he seems to have a genuine feel for the period.' Daily Telegraph * 'Beavan skilfully interweaves an absorbing tale with a fine cast of colourful and eccentric characters to provide a compelling account of the origins of forensic science.' Deborah Cadbury, author of THE DINOSAUR HUNTERS

Colin Beavan is a magazine journalist writing for ‘Esquire’ and ‘Atlantic Monthly’. He gained his Ph.D in applied physics from the University of Liverpool.

'As entertaining as it is well-researched and informative.' Scotland on Sunday 'Full of such fine small stories. Beavan has added another splendid book to the canon of non-fiction classics.' Dea Birkett, Independent 'As gripping as any crime novel.' Simon Singh, Sunday Telegraph 'By sparse intelligent use of detail Beavan has created an engrossing, tight drama spanning the latter part of the 19th Century. His research is impressive and he seems to have a genuine feel for the period.' Daily Telegraph * 'Beavan skilfully interweaves an absorbing tale with a fine cast of colourful and eccentric characters to provide a compelling account of the origins of forensic science.' Deborah Cadbury, author of THE DINOSAUR HUNTERS