How To Solve a Murder is an easy to read (for the most part), fascinating insight into the lives of forensic scientists as told by now husband and wife team, Derek, and Pauline Tremain. Both experts in their field they each tell stories from when their careers began and how they developed over the years. With often gruesome detail we learn about certain specimens they have collected and stored over the years. They share the techniques they have used as well as those they have developed themselves, making it easier for police to convict the guilty of their heinous crimes.
We also learn a little about them both personally and how their relationship developed from purely professional to eventual marriage.
There is no doubt they have had and continue to have a successful career, one they both seem to thrive on and excel in.
My only criticism would be that throughout the whole book it was difficult to distinguish which one of them was ‘talking’ at any one time, unless they mentioned the other at some point. This did make it confusing at times.
Still, an interesting read for anyone even remotely interested in forensic science.

** Many thanks to the author and publisher for my review copy via NetGalley **

A riveting exploration of how forensic science can help get to the bottom of deaths and murders using tried and tested methodology that has shed light on many cases with unusual circumstances where go-to methods of figuring out how a person died or was killed are simply are not sufficient or sensitive enough. The Tremains walk us through the tremendous array of details that can be discovered by employing some of these scientific methods in order to find the most accurate answers as possible in each individual case they are tailored to. Fascinating; thought-provoking and right up my street. A top read for crime buffs.

I loved this book. I'm from this background so it ticked all my boxes. It's written by two authors and each take it on turns to write. If your interested in forensic based facts this is your book to read!

I thought this was a very interesting and factual book. I particularly liked Derek's sections and the discussion of science and investigation into finding new ways to get to the cause of things. Brilliantly written

I have always had a fascination with forensics and just knew I would enjoy this book. It’s so interesting. I loved it from beginning to end.
Recommend this book to any forensic fan.

I found the two authors and their narratives very confusing and conflicting.
I was really interested in the forensics but not in what the wife had to say which i felt offered little to the book other than filling space and adding frustration as a reader.
I would have preferred more facts and less fiction.
I was interested in the work involved and would have liked to hear more

I found this book very interesting. Given my day job, I particularly enjoyed certain elements that were linked to that and I found it really interesting to see how a forensic team would work to resolve particular issues to assist in conviction or identification of a perpetrator of violence or injuries. I enjoyed both authors views. I did find Pauline’s slightly more engaging, as Derek’s were more dense in content. It was none the less, really informative!

A fascinating insight into forensics. I wasn't expecting the sort of biographical start, and I'm not sure that it was quite what I was looking for with this book. It's clear the authors know their stuff.

Following the lives and careers of Derek and Pauline Tremain as they follow their dreams in the world of criminology an, above all, forensics.

The cases they worked on are intermingled with their own personal experiences in life and their interactions with the people who helped shape and shared knowledge to mold them into the people they are today.

Very interesting and engrossing but I, personally, would like more information about certain cases, especially the Marchioness Disaster in 1989.

*Huge thanks to Derek and Pauline Tremain, HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for this copy which I chose to read and all opinions are my own*

Derek and Pauline tell the story of their careers and their eventual connection as husband and wife. This focuses on both their forays into the forensic world and the cases they've helped to solve along the way.

I really enjoyed this. Despite the dark subject its actually quite funny at times. It's a look at their careers through both their eyes and how they intersected together. It's a fascinating read for a true crime fan.

I think this book is marketed wrong as at first glance with the title, you would think it tells you more about the actual job and how they do what they do when in reality it's little of that and more a biography with random stories and then some "hey look what we did, we're great" moments. At times I felt a bit patronised too, but that may have been the narrators more than the actual people. Overall, if I had been heavily told this was just stories of this couple's life, I may have enjoyed it more.

I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher, in return for an honest review. This review is based entirely on my own thoughts and feelings.

Overall:5*
Writing : 4*
Information : 5*
Uniqueness : 4*
Science: 4*
Gory Details:5*

Oh I loved this book from start to finish. This is my now go-to genre for non fiction. I secretly want to work with dead people, not a secret anymore then. I like how its a weird subject to be fascinated in, so far from anything I know or see. The authors took turns in writing chapters and passages which was super cool to see how they both saw the scene. If you like a medical non fiction I can highly recommend this one.

A really interesting look into a career I've been interested in but never fully had much knowledge about. It was great to take a peek at what it's like in real life, not on shows like CSI. I found the husband and wife relationship so interesting and loved seeing how their careers progressed and the impact that had on their lives.

I really struggled to get into How to Solve a Murder by Derek and Pauline Tremain. The title and subtitle made me think this book would be a fascinating read and an insight into solving murders and crime, but it wasn’t. Instead it’s a book on short stories by a husband and wife of working with dead bodies and mortuary jokes. Not what I was looking for.

What an entertaining read giving the reader some background information and perhaps tips if you are so inclined... of how to solve and perhaps commit the perfect murder. It was a great read, and I can't wait to read some more by this duo.

Good read, very interesting.

This type of book really interests me. The finding out; the piecing together. It's probably not everyone's idea of a good read, but for me, so interesting, fascinating, and totally my cup of tea.

The book is written by a husband and wife-they met whilst working at the Department of Forensic Medicine at Guy's Hospital. Derek was a Forensic medical scientist, Pauline was in a more Secretarial/PA capacity to the pathologists. They were friends first, and got together much later.

Shortish chapters, yet they're packed with fascinating info; it's not dragged out. Some black & white pictures are included, and there is also a colour picture section at the end- very interesting.

Many crimes and causes of death are covered, eg: Murder, suicide, death by drowning, finding which wepons used etc. Also, Derek tells of some of the drug trials he has participated in. So it's not just forensic stuff and murders. Very interesting. Absolutely right up my street!

It's easy to read and understand; you can enjoy it; it's not too technical or overdetailed. It swaps between Derek and Pauline; sometimes you're not always certain who is talking at first, then it becomes clear a couple of sentences in. It may have been better for them to put Derek or Pauline at the start of their segments, just to improve reading flow, but I don't really think it matters that much.

A fascinating subject, and an interesting read.

I was really looking forward to reading this and I was very disappointed.

The cover blurb made it sound like the reader would be taken in depth into forensic cases.

However this was not the case. Rather it felt like I had sat down for a chat over coffee with the authors for a general chit chat about their lives.

I actually feel mean saying this as they both come across as very likeable but it just wasnt what I was expecting.

Also there was no distinction between who was telling which story so sometimes it was confusing!


Thanks for NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.

With a criminology degree in hand I was so excited to read this book and it was so readable, accessible and weirdly, easy to read. Really enjoyed reading this and found it very interesting and even learnt new things!

A thoroughly good read and well produced audio. It's fascinating to hear the real-world goings on of pathology, pulling back the sheet, as it were, on the less palatable side of crime investigation. Fascinating stories and intriguing voices - wonderful!

How to Solve a Murder: True Stories from a Life in Forensic Science by Derek and Pauline Tremain.
Raring 4/5
Not exactly what I thought it was going to be as it did involve part of the Tremains personal lives. However, saying that, it really added substantial depth to the novel. I found it amazing to find how both the Tremains fell into their career paths. How Forensic Science evolved and took over their lives.
A fascinating insight of how dedication, long hours and sometimes luck led to many of the forensic procedures being part of the tools used today to bring criminals to justice.
A number of eminent scientists were mentioned. Particularly enjoyed the inclusion of the world-renowned anthropologist and anatomist, Dame Professor Sue Black.
Some of the cases in the novel were quite horrific, how can humans sink so low.
A worthwhile read, recommended.
Thank you Derek and Pauline Tremain, HarperCollins and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this novel. In return I have written an honest and unbiased review.