DH is an entomologist and I am a CSI junkie. Got the book for him, and he really enjoyed it. Well written with accurate details, etc. My turn is next!
I am not one to enjoy death and crime scenes; however, I found it hard to put down "A Fly for the Prosecution" because each case drew me in with its interesting puzzles and unique details. The author Lee Goff writes in first person describing over 20 cases in which he explains with further detail exactly how he tries to solve each crime; each model has its own distinctive characteristics about solving the various stages of insect larvae. Once a person dies and is exposed to the outdoors, insects especially flies will lay their eggs on the body so evidence from insects can help establish the time of the murder and where it happened.
Moreover, there are numerous insects that feed off one another creating a diverse pool of insects to classify. The standard procedure it seems is to preserve half of the insects found in their larval stage and grow the other half to determine the type of species it has become. This will greatly improve results in finding the time of death depending on the growth cycle of that particular insect. This author and Professor of Entomology at University of Hawaii has been called upon to decipher the forensic evidence of many crimes collaborating with the FBI. In addition, Mr. Goff explains his observations and data in understandable terms making it easy for the first time reader of biological information.
Something to note is that insects are unique in that they do have common blueprints of development, yet there is always variability in their specific developmental trajectory and behavior. Take for example a crime scene observation where bow flies began activity at night when they are normally not functioning at night. Another big factor effecting evidence is climate of the surroundings where a body might be found: temperature, weather conditions such as snow, rain, humidity, etc. The decomposition of the body attracts maggots and other insects that are analyzed for forensic purposes. Slight changes in temperature can affect the habits of life cycle and increase or decrease any certain stage for the eggs and larvae; since maggots are hard to classify when they are still in their larval stage, they are often reared to determine the type of species.
Certain species of flies are attracted to a post-mortem body instantly whereas other flies need time for the body to decompose before harvesting their eggs. Many times wounds and open areas present great conditions for infestation making it easier for the various flies to feed on the moist skin tissues as their source of food. An extremely fascinating fact uncovered by Goff proved that diverse conditions in which the body is discovered plays a key role in forensic entomology. A body that is found on the ground, in the air, covered up, buried, or other possible ways have a variety of influential factors that impact the timing insects will colonize a body. He investigated the importance of environmental conditions by experimenting with 50-pound pigs because they most closely simulate the environment created by humans. I recognized this instantly before it was mentioned for the reason that I had viewed a CSI television show creating exactly the same procedures using forensic entomology (as also stated by M. Lee Goff himself). Although his main focus was on maggots and other Diptera larvae, he does devote a chapter to other various "bugs" which prey on flies and can be found on bodies.
Burned victims represent an unusual challenge for forensic entomology. Goff describes how burning increases postmortem interval timing of insect colonization and decay. What's more, drugs consumed by the human were seen to be evident in the maggots and maggot casing left behind during the pupal stage. Similar to the pig experiment, rabbits were used for the experimental use of drug reactions in insects (post-death of the animal). In rare cases, insects will begin to harvest while the body is still living though usually they do not infest until after decomposition has begun. The author contemplates almost all possibilities of body location and their entomological effects on it. Goff has a wonderful approach in discussing an unpleasant subject of crimes. This author is very credible and has had quite an experience in the forensic entomology field.
This book raised my curiosity with each new sentence in wanting to know more about how the cases are solved (and sometimes left unresolved unfortunately). I would highly recommend Forensic Entomology to anyone wanting to learn more about this field or even simply just to have a new perspective on insects and their importance on human life. One of many distinguishable features this book offers is that it speaks to you on a personal level unlike what is expected, not bland at all. I highly enjoyed this fantastic book.
A True Forensic Lover's Dee-Light
A wonderful triumph for M. Lee Goff! Yet another forensic masterpiece that I did not want to end. His comforting, empathetic, thorough coverage of the material was engrossing and tantalizing. I hope he will grace us with another treasure such as this. His success is well worth the "gross-out" factor (others - not moi). Very readable and yet mesmorizing.
a "must read" in the category
This book succeeds at all levels. He has hard science a layperson can follow. He has history as he was in on the process of forensic entymology becoming a recognized field. He has case histories. He has thoughts on being a forensic entymologist. ("I know a life can be radically changed, even ended by my testimony.") And he has funny parts (really) that you can buttonhole your family to read to them aloud. Goff seems an honorable and compassionate man. I want to read his thoughts. I've read any number of books on forensic science for the lay reader so it isn't often anymore that I learn so much new. I had not read one on bugs before and recommend this one with enthusiasm.
Autobiographical explanation of forensic entomology
Goff is a forensic entomologist, basically someone who figures out how long someone has been dead by the insects on, in, or under the body. The book is a tale both historical and technical about the subject: historical in that it provides many examples of his work over the years, and technical in that he provides a good overview of just what he's looking for-which insects he expects to appear at what time.
His style is clear and frequently understated, as when he relates that some of his colleagues were somewhat put out when it was found that one of his labs did not vent to the outside as it was supposed to.
Anyhow, this is a fascinating if somewhat grisly read about an unusual but surprisingly significant subject. Just don't read it when you're eating!
