Criminal Poisoning: Investigational Guide for Law Enforcement, Toxicologists, Forensic... by John Harris Trestrail

From the reviews of the second edition: "Criminal Poisoning represents a pioneering work dealing exclusively with toxicants in the hands of those with criminal intent. This is the first book having in-depth discussions of all aspects of murder by poisoning. . .The book is easy reading, succinct and the use of jargon is minimized. . . Dr. Trestrail emphasizes several keys points in his book. Poisons are a stealth weapon, meaning the victim and the crime scene often lacks overt evidence of violence. Maintaining the chain of custody for evidence is another point expounded. The author also argues that many poisoners do not get caught and urges that any sudden death case to be considered a poisoning until proven otherwise. . .Criminal Poisoning is an excellent resource for forensic toxicologists, coroners, medical examiners/forensic pathologists, special agents and consumer safety officers of the Food and Drug Administration, homicide detectives, private investigators, criminalists, and attorneys. Criminal Poisoning is essential reading for pharmacists engaging in work relating to forensic toxicology or death investigations. . .John Trestrail, III provides another great example of how pharmacists are involved in forensics and law enforcement."-Journal of Pharmacy Practice "Trestrail has put together some- 160 pages of easily read and pleasantly understandable data on the use of poisons as murder weaponsintroduces beginning toxicologists to the exciting field of forensic toxicology with insights into the workings of the investigational processthis new publication is an interesting comprehensive overview of criminal poisonings for scientists, law enforcement officers, attorneys, and very likely the vast majority of the reading public."-Veterinary and Human Toxicology "an interesting, browsable, text on the overall criminology of poisoning." - Journal of Forensic Sciences "The book deals with the personality of poisoners and their victims, the crime scene investigation, the forensic autopsy and the difficult problem of proving poisoning. It is well indexed and tabulated with good suggestions for further reading although no internet addresses are given which apparently contain a mine of information on how to poison people."--British Toxicology Society Newsletter "The book is a fascinating read especially if you are, as I am, interested in the history, fiction, and trivia of poisoning. … this is an extremely accessible book for all individuals, lay as well as professionals, and is written in such a way that it could be easily digested by anyone capable of reading a daily newspaper." (Daryl J. Mayers, Canadian Society of Forensic Science Journal, December, 2007)

Owner Reviews, Ratings, Comments and Criticism
This book should be in the library of anyone interested in toxicology whether a professional or a reader or writer in this area. The book is a meticulous reference for an area which is covered only in scattered locations. Descriptions of historical poisoners as well as more modern cases are concise and clear. The author bases this book on his extensive lecture series at the FBI academy. Investigations through testimony in court is covered. The author provides detailed information on key poisons and an extensive bibliography. The information presented will clear up many myths perpetuated in various novels and on the internet.