Crime solving is as painstaking as ever but modern methods and technological advances have forever altered the field of criminal investigation. Clues to crimes both spectacular and ordinary can now be found in the tiniest bits of evidence -- a drop of blood, a follicle of hair, a speck of dirt, a shard of bone -- thanks to cutting-edge forensic techniques. Crime Scene Investigations examines the fascinating world of the criminal investigator and other professionals who are on the frontline of solving today's (and some of yesterday's) most notorious crimes. Sidebars offer crime statistics, information about careers in criminal investigation or law enforcement, descriptions of unusual cases, or step-by-step explanations of scientific and legal processes. Others facilitate critical thinking by presenting crime-busting facts versus fiction. Also included are bibliographies for further research; full-color photographs, charts, and graphs; and a detailed index.