The book Hidden Evidence contains a large amount of information concerning how to solve crimes. Not only does it help you learn how to solve crimes but it gives specific examples of when certain techniques of things like fingerprinting, facial reconstruction and many other things are used, these are found in the case studies. The case studies show you examples of when they are used plus it shows pictures of real crimes. This book has shocked me in so many ways. I didn't think that this book would be that graphic but it is, i know that may not seem like a good thing but it really is because it makes you think alot more about what they are telling you about.

This work is the perfect nonfiction booktalking book--attractive layout, intriguing subject, and truly gruesome pictures. This book is not for the faint of heart, but most teens will be fascinated by its combination of scientific fact and voyeurism. Owen takes the reader through a brief history of forensic science and then goes through methods of determining a victim's identity, from physical evidence to fingerprints and DNA profiling. He discusses various criminal methods, from poison and knives to guns and explosions. He also discusses the uses of forensic science in uncovering less violent crimes, such as fraud and forgery. The individual sections are lavishly illustrated. Interspersed throughout the book are forty case studies, ranging from the story of how Paul Revere identified the body of a friend killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill from the dentures Revere had made for the friend, to the story of the DNA evidence at the O. J. Simpson murder trial. Many of the cases are British and thus probably less familiar to American readers, but they are all fascinating and show the uses and abuses of forensic science in the solving and prosecuting of crimes. Junior high students are sure to thumb through this book, poring over the illustrations. High school students interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement also will be intrigued, and the book can supplement chemistry, biology, or other projects addressing forensic medicine. This reviewer's only quibble is that names and places in the numerous captions are not included in the index. VOYA CODES: 3Q 4P J S (Readable without serious defects; Broad general YA appeal; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2000, Firefly Books, Glossary. Index. Illus. Photos. Biblio. Trade pb, $24.95. Ages 12 to 18. (Sarah Flowers, VOYA, February 2001 (Vol. 23, No. 6))

Won ALA Best Books for Young Adults, 2002 and YALSA's Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults, 2007. Was nominated for the Kentucky Bluegrass Award, 2003.

Hidden Evidence gives an overall introduction to the methods of forensic science, the application of science and engineering to the solution of crimes and mysteries. The techniques discussed range from the simplest attempts to describe the scene of a crime to the complex application of DNA testing. Some history is given for most of the techniques described, including a few that were misguided (e.g., attempts to use measurements of the head to predict criminal behavior). The descriptions of the methods are brief and easy to read and understand. Using this as a standard, the book would be suitable reading for anyone from junior high school and up. However, Owen has chosen to dwell on violent crimes almost exclusively. He begins his book with the case of Jack the Ripper, including a detailed description of his last victim. Of the other 40 cases, all but eight involve murder. In his discussions of many of the techniques, he uses other examples involving violent crimes, often with graphic descriptions.
Chuck Weber (KLIATT Review, January 2001 (Vol. 35, No. 1))