How to Solve True Crime (Paperback)

This was an interesting take on the true crime genre. The cases examined were engaging, interesting, and were broken down and presented well.

NetGalley, Amber McLain

How to Solve True Crime contains a series of true crime stories. They illustrate how detectives have used Occum’s razor, both successfully and not so successfully, to solve their cases.

Occum’s razor is a scientific theory that encourages looking at the simplest solution first. It doesn’t prohibit expanding the investigation’s scope if the easiest solution is not the correct one. Many of the examples in the book show detectives getting stuck on one suspect, often the spouse, to the exclusion of all others. Others show detectives correctly unraveling complex motives even though a simpler solution was available.

What I loved about How to Solve True Crime is that each case had a full conclusion. Never was I left hanging like on so many televised true crime shows. Each case made a point about how the police’s skill set, doggedness, attitudes, preconceived notions and sometimes pure incompetence can make or break a case. Each case was chosen to make a particular point. None seemed redundant or duplicative. In addition to true crime buffs, this book is intriguing reading for mystery, especially police procedural, readers. 4 stars!

NetGalley, Diane Hernandez

I have never really heard of Occam Razor, before reading this book. Occam Razor means the simplest answer is usually the right answer. This crime book shows that is not always true. Im not going to spoil the book though. There are some heartbreaking crimes in this book. An interesting read.

NetGalley, Sheila Treacy

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This was a very surprising book. It was very informative and I learned much about how crime is solved. Well done.

NetGalley, Mike Michelsen