Body of evidence

This series incorporates the use of forensic science to solve a crime, rather than old-fashioned sleuthing like we've seen in the past.

Boys and girls will learn the forensic techniques that today's investigators use to locate a criminal, and they will be entertained in the process.

The stories are short and catchy, and will appeal to even reluctant readers.

The series includes a quirky cast of characters led by Crime Scene Investigator Wes Burton.

Together, these funny characters, and others, use forensic science to solve crime scenes that include everything from exploding flour in a restaurant kitchen, to a man who is strangled by a bath towel, to a boy who lies about eating a piece of chocolate cake.

Kids will learn that antique flowers contain poison and can be deadly, that blood splatters against a wall in a different shape from close range, and that the human ear can leave marks just as unique as fingerprints.