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The Natural History of Crime
AS SEEN IN THE SUNDAY TIMES, THE UK'S NO.1 FORENSIC ECOLOGIST LOOKS AT HER MOST HIGH-PROFILE AND INTERESTING CASES...'I love puzzles, and finding answers is the only truly enjoyable part of what I do.'Professor Patricia Wiltshire is a forensic ecologist, her days spent at crime scenes collecting samples, standing over dead bodies in a mortuary, or looking down her microscope for evidence.Working at the interface of where the criminal and natural world interact, Patricia has been involved in some of the most high-profile murder cases. Now, through a study of her most infamous, and fascinating cases - including the murder of Sarah Payne, and the Soham murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman - Patricia will show us how she finds the answers to some of the worst crimes imaginable. Not only does she help the police solve crimes and give answers to the most bemusing circumstances, she can help to exonerate the innocent and enable confessions from the guilty.In The Natural History of Crime we join Patricia in putting the puzzle together, teasing the evidence out of her cases and showing us all how life and death have always been, and always will be, intertwined. Nature has given us a messy, imperfect world, but her job is to help make sense of it when we need it to most.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2023
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August 21, 2024DNF @ 25%
This just isn't holding my attention. It was more interesting in some sections than in others for me. But when it was interesting, it was *really* interesting. Those parts were just few and far between for me. This book recounts specific cases showing off Wiltshire's abilities to use the natural world and her training as a forensic ecologist to help solve crimes, often violent ones.
I think the disconnect for me was that the book felt a little too detached from the events being investigated. This makes sense, as Wiltshire outright states in the introduction that in most of the work she does the body she is working on is just an object to her, although there have been a handful of bodies over the years that got to her and that she will never forget. But overall, you can tell it's the science she's interested in, and that comes off in the overall tone of the book.
The audiobook was very nicely produced, and I really liked the narrator's voice. This was also a double-sided sword, though, because I found her voice so soothing that I kept drifting off while listening.
I might try reading the author's previous book, TRACES, as several reviews of this book note that one is excellent and they liked it better.
This just isn't holding my attention. It was more interesting in some sections than in others for me. But when it was interesting, it was *really* interesting. Those parts were just few and far between for me. This book recounts specific cases showing off Wiltshire's abilities to use the natural world and her training as a forensic ecologist to help solve crimes, often violent ones.
I think the disconnect for me was that the book felt a little too detached from the events being investigated. This makes sense, as Wiltshire outright states in the introduction that in most of the work she does the body she is working on is just an object to her, although there have been a handful of bodies over the years that got to her and that she will never forget. But overall, you can tell it's the science she's interested in, and that comes off in the overall tone of the book.
The audiobook was very nicely produced, and I really liked the narrator's voice. This was also a double-sided sword, though, because I found her voice so soothing that I kept drifting off while listening.
I might try reading the author's previous book, TRACES, as several reviews of this book note that one is excellent and they liked it better.
August 18, 2024
Patricia Wiltshire has been an idol of mine since like 2002 and inspired me to pursue a career in science. She is a truly exceptional woman and *brilliant* scientist that has given so much to the discipline. However, this one was really strange, self-congratulatory, wildly tangential, and on multiple occasions, in terrible taste. What is more, most of this is information regurgitated from Traces (which was brilliant), but here, indulgently rehashed, seasoned with vulgar detail about crimes involving children with surviving, devastated families that have already been subject to the most intolerable and intrusive harassment in the media. There are myriad semi-biographical books by forensic scientists that achieve much more without speaking so glibly about the victims (Angela Gallop and Sue Black are notably excellent).
With the lack of professional discretion in this book, combined with the peculiar and potentially compromising political views she has expressed on social media, it would aggrieve me greatly if this bilge were the last word in her legacy. Patricia girl, you done really fell off with this one.
With the lack of professional discretion in this book, combined with the peculiar and potentially compromising political views she has expressed on social media, it would aggrieve me greatly if this bilge were the last word in her legacy. Patricia girl, you done really fell off with this one.
April 21, 2024
I saw this book and loved the sound of it. The author is a forensic ecologist and she gives us an insight into some of the cases which she has been involved in over her career. Many of the cases have been high profile ones, such as Sarah Payne and the Soham murders, and are etched into the memory of so many people.
This was such an interesting read. I have to admit though that a lot of it was very "scientific" in it's descriptions and most of this went straight over my un-scientific head! However, the bits I did understand were fascinating and it's amazing how much evidence and proof can be found in the tread of a shoe or on a muddy bank. Of course, particularly in the cases of Sarah Payne, Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, you feel the emotion coming from the author herself, and you can understand how distressing these cases would have been. The book has been sympathetically and sensitively written, particularly with the evidence found, in respect of the families of the victims.
Each account of the cases worked on was well written and full of, not just information and facts, but explanations as to what, why and how things were done. It was like a real life episode of Silent Witness but in written format!! A very interesting read into the behind the scenes work of a forensic ecologist. Would recommend!
This was such an interesting read. I have to admit though that a lot of it was very "scientific" in it's descriptions and most of this went straight over my un-scientific head! However, the bits I did understand were fascinating and it's amazing how much evidence and proof can be found in the tread of a shoe or on a muddy bank. Of course, particularly in the cases of Sarah Payne, Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, you feel the emotion coming from the author herself, and you can understand how distressing these cases would have been. The book has been sympathetically and sensitively written, particularly with the evidence found, in respect of the families of the victims.
Each account of the cases worked on was well written and full of, not just information and facts, but explanations as to what, why and how things were done. It was like a real life episode of Silent Witness but in written format!! A very interesting read into the behind the scenes work of a forensic ecologist. Would recommend!
September 8, 2024
Ever since I took a forensics course in school I have been fascinated by the science behind crime. I thought it would be interesting to read about how the natural aspects of the world play into it. There were many moments when this was true but equally as many where it seemed to drudge on endlessly. A factor that plays into that is the very scientific lingo that went over my head. However, in addition to that she would go on tangents often that seemed to have nothing to do with the chapter.
I listened to the audio book thanks to early access from NetGalley. I did really enjoy the narrator and thought she did a great job.
I listened to the audio book thanks to early access from NetGalley. I did really enjoy the narrator and thought she did a great job.
August 16, 2024
audio-ARC from NetGalley
I'm quite mixed on this. I requested an ARC because the topic sounds fascinating: botany being used to solve crime? I thought that was the kind of thing that only happened on Bones!
And, indeed, nature's vital role in forensic investigation was a subject that I definitely wanted to learn about. Wiltshire's exploration of her cases, her observations, and the science behind determining plant types, botanical subtypes, locations, proximity, etc, were utterly captivating. I was especially intrigued by the story of the missing girls and the case of the man found dead in his bed. The fact that dust and pollen could prove time of death, who was where, and whether something had happened? I was mindblown!
I just think this could/should have been shorter. While I understand - and, at times, even feel! - her passion for the details of her life's work, some details began to feel repetitive. It seemed like every case had her reiterating the same points about the need for specialists to communicate in an investigation and the importance of certain steps being taken in a specific order until it started to feel like she was beating me over the head with it. She did a fantastic job of communicating her own constant frustration, but the paragraphs upon paragraphs in each chapter could easily have been cut down to a few sentences each.
There were also parts of this book that were, essentially, the narrator reading a textbook out loud. While I appreciate the knowledge the author wants to impart to the reader, it's very dense for someone like myself, who is not in the same field. It seemed like Wiltshire wasn't 100% sure how to balance the writing for scientist readers vs. more casual readers, thus alternating between university-level overviews and the overexplanation of simple concepts.
I am, however, glad to have listened to this audiobook. I learned a lot and am definitely looking forward to seeing what forensic botany can uncover next! Also, if Netflix or Hulu or Prime wants to make her life into a TV show a la Mindhunter, I would definitely watch it.
I'm quite mixed on this. I requested an ARC because the topic sounds fascinating: botany being used to solve crime? I thought that was the kind of thing that only happened on Bones!
And, indeed, nature's vital role in forensic investigation was a subject that I definitely wanted to learn about. Wiltshire's exploration of her cases, her observations, and the science behind determining plant types, botanical subtypes, locations, proximity, etc, were utterly captivating. I was especially intrigued by the story of the missing girls and the case of the man found dead in his bed. The fact that dust and pollen could prove time of death, who was where, and whether something had happened? I was mindblown!
I just think this could/should have been shorter. While I understand - and, at times, even feel! - her passion for the details of her life's work, some details began to feel repetitive. It seemed like every case had her reiterating the same points about the need for specialists to communicate in an investigation and the importance of certain steps being taken in a specific order until it started to feel like she was beating me over the head with it. She did a fantastic job of communicating her own constant frustration, but the paragraphs upon paragraphs in each chapter could easily have been cut down to a few sentences each.
There were also parts of this book that were, essentially, the narrator reading a textbook out loud. While I appreciate the knowledge the author wants to impart to the reader, it's very dense for someone like myself, who is not in the same field. It seemed like Wiltshire wasn't 100% sure how to balance the writing for scientist readers vs. more casual readers, thus alternating between university-level overviews and the overexplanation of simple concepts.
I am, however, glad to have listened to this audiobook. I learned a lot and am definitely looking forward to seeing what forensic botany can uncover next! Also, if Netflix or Hulu or Prime wants to make her life into a TV show a la Mindhunter, I would definitely watch it.
August 31, 2024
3.5⭐
I actually found this to be an extremely intriguing book. I learned a lot in here! It's making me want to do more research behind the different forensic methods that are out there! While the book is full of very interesting information and experiences, I did find it to be a little repetitive in some areas, which did make me loose focus. With that said I did enjoy it!
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for an audio arc in exchange for an honest review!
I actually found this to be an extremely intriguing book. I learned a lot in here! It's making me want to do more research behind the different forensic methods that are out there! While the book is full of very interesting information and experiences, I did find it to be a little repetitive in some areas, which did make me loose focus. With that said I did enjoy it!
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for an audio arc in exchange for an honest review!
August 5, 2024
My thoughts
- Extremely interesting explanation of a field of forensics I really knew nothing about
- Some lovely descriptions and explanations of British botany and geography
- Each chapter uses a single case from the author's career to weave together the above content
- Extremely sensitive and tactful handling of the case material to avoid true-crime sensationalism
However, it could have used some additional editing:
- Although I could see what was being attempted, at times the tangents away from the main argument were extremely long, which hurt readability.
- The key principles of the author's work were restated repeatedly. It was well-explained the first time and didn't need that degree of repetition.
Overall this was very interesting, but at times actually reading it was a bit of a slog.
- Extremely interesting explanation of a field of forensics I really knew nothing about
- Some lovely descriptions and explanations of British botany and geography
- Each chapter uses a single case from the author's career to weave together the above content
- Extremely sensitive and tactful handling of the case material to avoid true-crime sensationalism
However, it could have used some additional editing:
- Although I could see what was being attempted, at times the tangents away from the main argument were extremely long, which hurt readability.
- The key principles of the author's work were restated repeatedly. It was well-explained the first time and didn't need that degree of repetition.
Overall this was very interesting, but at times actually reading it was a bit of a slog.
August 17, 2024
I requested the audio ARC of Patricia Wiltshire's The Natural History of Crime because I was curious about botanical sleuthing and this part of the audiobook is very interesting. Wiltshire details her experiences and provides significant background to give the reader grounding. It did, occasionally, become repetitive, going over the same details that appear in previous chapters, but overall it was a fascinating peak at her work.
I did, however, not enjoy the frequent "kids these days" asides about mental health or education or that we "seem to live in a blameless society" or whatever it may be. This came to a head for me when she started a chapter by saying that "wokeism" might have deadly consequences, but ultimately ends the chapter by saying, "who know if there was any meaningful link between the two incidents." It was a big reach and it just didn't pan out.
Finally, there were a few small errors that should have been caught, especially by someone who's whole deal is attention to detail (e.g. the "Body Farm" is not at Knoxville University, but rather the University of Tennessee, in Knoxville).
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I did, however, not enjoy the frequent "kids these days" asides about mental health or education or that we "seem to live in a blameless society" or whatever it may be. This came to a head for me when she started a chapter by saying that "wokeism" might have deadly consequences, but ultimately ends the chapter by saying, "who know if there was any meaningful link between the two incidents." It was a big reach and it just didn't pan out.
Finally, there were a few small errors that should have been caught, especially by someone who's whole deal is attention to detail (e.g. the "Body Farm" is not at Knoxville University, but rather the University of Tennessee, in Knoxville).
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
September 15, 2024
I found this book very interesting. It's a series of case studies and is more or less a field guide into botanical ecology and forensics. For those looking for something that reads like NCIS or Bones, this isn't it. I did find it dry in a few places, but overall I liked it quite a lot.
October 3, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.
The Natural History of Crime: Case Studies in Death and the Clues Nature Leaves Behind by Patricia Wiltshire, narrated by Charlotte Strevens, is a fascinating and insightful exploration into the world of forensic ecology. This audiobook takes listeners on a journey through some of the most intriguing and high-profile criminal cases, revealing how nature itself can provide crucial evidence in solving crimes.
Wiltshire, a renowned forensic ecologist, shares her extensive experience and expertise in examining the natural clues left behind at crime scenes. Her narrative is both educational and gripping, offering a unique perspective on how plants, soil, and other natural elements can be pivotal in criminal investigations. The book delves into various case studies, including infamous cases like the Soham murders, showcasing how forensic ecology has been instrumental in uncovering the truth.
Charlotte Strevens’ narration adds a compelling layer to the audiobook. Her clear and engaging voice brings Wiltshire’s detailed descriptions and scientific explanations to life, making complex concepts accessible and interesting. Strevens’ ability to convey the tension and drama of each case enhances the listening experience, keeping the audience hooked from start to finish.
This audiobook excels with its blend of scientific rigor and storytelling. Wiltshire’s passion for her work shines through, as she explains the meticulous process of collecting and analyzing ecological evidence. Her ability to translate scientific data into compelling narratives makes this audiobook not only informative and highly engaging.
The book also highlights the broader implications of forensic ecology in the justice system. Wiltshire discusses the challenges and triumphs of her career, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the intersection of science and law. This perspective adds depth to the narrative, illustrating the critical role that forensic ecology plays in modern criminal investigations.
The Natural History of Crime is a must-listen for true crime enthusiasts and anyone interested in the intersection of nature and forensic science. Patricia Wiltshire’s expertise, combined with Charlotte Strevens’ captivating narration, makes this audiobook a standout in the true crime genre.
The Natural History of Crime: Case Studies in Death and the Clues Nature Leaves Behind by Patricia Wiltshire, narrated by Charlotte Strevens, is a fascinating and insightful exploration into the world of forensic ecology. This audiobook takes listeners on a journey through some of the most intriguing and high-profile criminal cases, revealing how nature itself can provide crucial evidence in solving crimes.
Wiltshire, a renowned forensic ecologist, shares her extensive experience and expertise in examining the natural clues left behind at crime scenes. Her narrative is both educational and gripping, offering a unique perspective on how plants, soil, and other natural elements can be pivotal in criminal investigations. The book delves into various case studies, including infamous cases like the Soham murders, showcasing how forensic ecology has been instrumental in uncovering the truth.
Charlotte Strevens’ narration adds a compelling layer to the audiobook. Her clear and engaging voice brings Wiltshire’s detailed descriptions and scientific explanations to life, making complex concepts accessible and interesting. Strevens’ ability to convey the tension and drama of each case enhances the listening experience, keeping the audience hooked from start to finish.
This audiobook excels with its blend of scientific rigor and storytelling. Wiltshire’s passion for her work shines through, as she explains the meticulous process of collecting and analyzing ecological evidence. Her ability to translate scientific data into compelling narratives makes this audiobook not only informative and highly engaging.
The book also highlights the broader implications of forensic ecology in the justice system. Wiltshire discusses the challenges and triumphs of her career, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the intersection of science and law. This perspective adds depth to the narrative, illustrating the critical role that forensic ecology plays in modern criminal investigations.
The Natural History of Crime is a must-listen for true crime enthusiasts and anyone interested in the intersection of nature and forensic science. Patricia Wiltshire’s expertise, combined with Charlotte Strevens’ captivating narration, makes this audiobook a standout in the true crime genre.
August 19, 2024
This is the most British book on forensic science I’ve ever read. I don’t mean that negatively. I just mean that reading this book feels like you got invited to tea with someone’s great aunt who’s telling you all about her life fighting crime as a forensic scientist. Picture a real-life Bones with a splash of Miss Marple.
The narrative style feels like a conservation and often veers into tangents and/or the author’s personal opinions. The cases discussed were varied and interesting. They don’t always have a satisfactory ending, but unlike TV shows and mystery novels, sometimes real-life crimes just can’t be solved.
Trigger Warning: The author has worked on many criminal cases over the years and some of them were quite violent, heartbreaking, and/or disturbing. I wasn’t expecting some of the cases to emotionally hit me as much as they did. I think it was a combination of me not knowing of these British cases along with the fact that several of them involved children in the early 2000s when I was also a child. I think it just hit a little too close to home.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an Advanced Reader Copy audiobook.
The narrative style feels like a conservation and often veers into tangents and/or the author’s personal opinions. The cases discussed were varied and interesting. They don’t always have a satisfactory ending, but unlike TV shows and mystery novels, sometimes real-life crimes just can’t be solved.
Trigger Warning: The author has worked on many criminal cases over the years and some of them were quite violent, heartbreaking, and/or disturbing. I wasn’t expecting some of the cases to emotionally hit me as much as they did. I think it was a combination of me not knowing of these British cases along with the fact that several of them involved children in the early 2000s when I was also a child. I think it just hit a little too close to home.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an Advanced Reader Copy audiobook.
August 26, 2024
**Review of *The Natural History of Crime* by Patricia Wiltshire (2 stars)**
I had high hopes for this audiobook, but unfortunately, I couldn't finish it. The stories often felt meandering, lacking focus, and at times, the author came across as pompous and self-congratulatory. Repeatedly, she dwells on her grievances with coworkers and lawyers, which becomes tedious.
What turned me off, though, were the frequent asides lamenting the state of society today—whether it was about mental health, education, or her view that we live in a "blameless society." These tangents added little value to the narrative and instead felt like unwelcome interruptions.
On a positive note, the audiobook seemed well produced, and I enjoyed the narrator's voice, which made the content more bearable.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. Unfortunately, despite the promising premise, *The Natural History of Crime* didn't deliver the engaging or insightful experience I was hoping for.
#TheNaturalHistoryofCrime #NetGalley
I had high hopes for this audiobook, but unfortunately, I couldn't finish it. The stories often felt meandering, lacking focus, and at times, the author came across as pompous and self-congratulatory. Repeatedly, she dwells on her grievances with coworkers and lawyers, which becomes tedious.
What turned me off, though, were the frequent asides lamenting the state of society today—whether it was about mental health, education, or her view that we live in a "blameless society." These tangents added little value to the narrative and instead felt like unwelcome interruptions.
On a positive note, the audiobook seemed well produced, and I enjoyed the narrator's voice, which made the content more bearable.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. Unfortunately, despite the promising premise, *The Natural History of Crime* didn't deliver the engaging or insightful experience I was hoping for.
#TheNaturalHistoryofCrime #NetGalley
August 21, 2024
Thank god I finally finished this horrible book. It’s never taking me this long to finish a book. I’m giving it 2 stars but only because the subject matter was actually interesting.
The writer is very full of herself and has to keep bragging about how special and great she is every few pages. She talked about plankton being present in certain layers of soil and that it can help to determine locations. But she somehow tied that to plankton being eaten by whales, to then connect that to whales being murdered for the fashion trade. Then she proceeded to say how she’s vegetarian, and how she’s better than everyone because she doesn’t eat meat. It was completely unrelated to the subject, and only used to paint herself as some superior human being.
Whenever there are things actually related to the subject she omitted them with the excuse that it has already been describes in detail by the media so she won’t go into details actually relevant to the subject.
The writer is very full of herself and has to keep bragging about how special and great she is every few pages. She talked about plankton being present in certain layers of soil and that it can help to determine locations. But she somehow tied that to plankton being eaten by whales, to then connect that to whales being murdered for the fashion trade. Then she proceeded to say how she’s vegetarian, and how she’s better than everyone because she doesn’t eat meat. It was completely unrelated to the subject, and only used to paint herself as some superior human being.
Whenever there are things actually related to the subject she omitted them with the excuse that it has already been describes in detail by the media so she won’t go into details actually relevant to the subject.
September 5, 2024
I requested this audiobook because the subject matter sounded fascinating and it is! When Wiltshire sticks to the science, this audiobook was great. There are a few parts where it feels like being read to from a text book but for the most part you can really feel her passion for palynology when she talks about her cases. However, there were far too many unrelated tangents for me and Wiltshire clearly feels very strongly that she is the smartest person in the room at all times (even when in a room filled with scientists equally accomplished in their own specific field, scientists who have also been chosen to assist with an investigation). I am all for confidence in yourself but Wiltshire spends so much of the book talking about how everyone else she encounters (investigators, police officers, other scientists, morgue technicians, etc) are absolutely useless. It was quite distracting and unnecessary.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.
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August 26, 2024DNF
Unfortunately this book just didn’t hold my attention and was a bit of a struggle for me to listen to other than in very short spurts.
While this book focuses on specific cases and the author’s training as a forensic ecologist, it felt too scientific and even detached from the crime itself for someone other than a criminal investigator, or some similar profession, to enjoy. Almost too in the weeds to keep the attention of a lay person.
The audiobook is very well produced and the narrators voice is soothing (like, lull me to sleep at work, soothing). This book would’ve been better, for me as a reader, in a print or digital format rather than as an audiobook.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this ARC.
Unfortunately this book just didn’t hold my attention and was a bit of a struggle for me to listen to other than in very short spurts.
While this book focuses on specific cases and the author’s training as a forensic ecologist, it felt too scientific and even detached from the crime itself for someone other than a criminal investigator, or some similar profession, to enjoy. Almost too in the weeds to keep the attention of a lay person.
The audiobook is very well produced and the narrators voice is soothing (like, lull me to sleep at work, soothing). This book would’ve been better, for me as a reader, in a print or digital format rather than as an audiobook.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this ARC.
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August 30, 2024 The Natural History of Crime is Patricia Wiltshire’s accounts of cases she worked on and helped solve using nature. She has worked some of the most high profile murder cases.
Honestly I DNF’d this one. I was listening to the audiobook. I thought the idea behind this book would interest me, and it does to an extent. Personally, I don’t know if it was the writing or the narrator that couldn’t captivate me. I found it hard to stay focused on listening to it. But, that doesn’t mean you won’t like it. It just wasn’t for me. Parts of it were more interesting than others.
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a review. Thank you Negalley!
Honestly I DNF’d this one. I was listening to the audiobook. I thought the idea behind this book would interest me, and it does to an extent. Personally, I don’t know if it was the writing or the narrator that couldn’t captivate me. I found it hard to stay focused on listening to it. But, that doesn’t mean you won’t like it. It just wasn’t for me. Parts of it were more interesting than others.
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a review. Thank you Negalley!
September 6, 2024
As someone who works in a crime-adjacent field, I decided to pick up this book. It was pretty dull, so I stopped listening after about 20%. As many of the more negative reviews note, the author feels very pompous, and the British accent of the narrator does not help. It didn't really feel like she was actually using case studies to discuss how nature helps in solving crimes, but to discuss her own life and accomplishments. I did not know who this woman was, so I wasn't interested in her. I was interested in how nature is used to solve crimes. Alas, this was a boring read to me.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media for this audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media for this audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2024
The Natural History of Crime: Case studies in death and the clues nature leaves behind is a memoir by Patricia Wiltshire of her involvement as a forensic ecologist in several major investigations in the United Kingdom.
I really enjoyed learning about how Wiltshire performs her job and is able to identify signs to help the police. Charlotte Strevens did an excellent job narrating the audiobook. This book is science-heavy, so I would recommend it to those interested in the science behind her work, rather than just those interested in true crime.
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an audio ARC of this book.
I really enjoyed learning about how Wiltshire performs her job and is able to identify signs to help the police. Charlotte Strevens did an excellent job narrating the audiobook. This book is science-heavy, so I would recommend it to those interested in the science behind her work, rather than just those interested in true crime.
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an audio ARC of this book.
August 20, 2024
3 stars
When this book sticks to discussing the cases and science, it is reasonably enjoyable. I can appreciate that this topic might be difficult to explain to a general audience, but I would have preferred to be a little lost than to hear the author’s opinions about every co-worker and her thoughts on lawyers for the third time. I feel mixed about some of the tangents because the book does have a strong voice, and you do get to know the author. However, there were moments when I just wanted them to end.
Copy provided by NetGalley.
When this book sticks to discussing the cases and science, it is reasonably enjoyable. I can appreciate that this topic might be difficult to explain to a general audience, but I would have preferred to be a little lost than to hear the author’s opinions about every co-worker and her thoughts on lawyers for the third time. I feel mixed about some of the tangents because the book does have a strong voice, and you do get to know the author. However, there were moments when I just wanted them to end.
Copy provided by NetGalley.
August 22, 2024
You can tell that Patricia Wiltshire is an ecobiologist. Her clear enthusiasm for all plant life and nature exudes in her writing to the point where we go on many incredible, fascinating tangents as she delves into specific true crime experiences in this book.
Listening to this audiobook felt like a super-depth episode of Forensic Files with my best friend narrating. I think this book could have been better organized, but everything I heard and learned from this book was incredible. I thoroughly enjoyed this experience foraging and investigating with my Welsh ecobiologist guide.
Listening to this audiobook felt like a super-depth episode of Forensic Files with my best friend narrating. I think this book could have been better organized, but everything I heard and learned from this book was incredible. I thoroughly enjoyed this experience foraging and investigating with my Welsh ecobiologist guide.
August 20, 2024
This book was about ecological forensics, which involves such things as plants, trees, flowers, etc. So many years ago no one knew such a thing could exist, now, it does and it is a growing field. In the UK where the author lives, she is the expert. She is the one who had to create the tests for so many of these leaves and plants. She worked on many of the high profile cases they had. It was very interesting to hear her story. I would love to hear more. I personally love forensics.
August 25, 2024
The stories were pleasant and the narrator's voice was pleasant and posh but I never connected with the presentation. It just felt like it was more about how Wiltshire reacted to the cases than the cases themselves. There is a lot to learn here though for people interested in forensic science. Thanks to NetGalley fore letting me listen to this audiobook.
September 7, 2024
3.5
Interesting to listen to while in the car and driving, definitely learned some cool things. This is something that you won't be able to get into if you aren't heavily invested in the subject material, and even then I think the book was just a little bit too long. Super interesting though! I would recommend this to another forensics nerd.
Interesting to listen to while in the car and driving, definitely learned some cool things. This is something that you won't be able to get into if you aren't heavily invested in the subject material, and even then I think the book was just a little bit too long. Super interesting though! I would recommend this to another forensics nerd.
September 18, 2024
Wow, the author of this has an ego the size of a planet. When she actually talks about the actual crimes and the evidence discovered the book gets a little more interesting but so much time is spent on lauding her own cleverness, complaining about everyone else, the state of society and lots of rambling discussion about irrelevant subjects that the interesting stuff gets totally lost.
August 29, 2024
Thank you Netgalley for the advance audiobook copy of The Natural History of Crime by Patricia Wiltshire in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed reading this book and found Wiltshire's history and knowledge fascinating.
April 8, 2024
Real good read
August 5, 2024
sometimes quite technical, not a good introductory read, but incredibly interesting nonetheless
Read
September 3, 2024I really love forensics and the natural sciences but this book didn't hold my attention and I was turned off by the author's tone, which seemed very superior.
September 4, 2024
Not my personal cup of tea, very intriguing book. Describes how insects effect a body and it's decomposition, a very naturalistic approach to forensics (obviously) :3
October 1, 2024
This seemed like it would be so good… But it’s not. Abandoned at the 17% mark. So much pontificating and little science or case studies.
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