Fascinating Forensic Facts - what every crime writer needs to know about blood pattern analysts
Being a crime writer involves researching some very gruesome things but also some very interesting forensic aspects of crime.
For my crime novels I’ve researched gunshot wounds, death by crossbow, poisons (a favourite of Agatha Christie’s), blunt force trauma, suffocation, fire and more. I am incredibly grateful to all the forensic scientists, Hampshire police officers and the Hampshire Fingerprint Bureau and crime scene investigators who have assisted me.
I thought I would share some information on blood pattern analysis I gleaned for both my Detective Inspector Andy Horton crime novels set in Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight (14) and for my Art Marvik mystery thriller series (3) set along the South Coast of England.
• Where did the blood come from?
• What caused the wounds?
• What type of instrument was used?
• From what direction was the victim wounded?
• Was the victim moving about, standing, sitting, or lying on the floor?
• How were the victim(s) and perpetrator(s) positioned?
• What movements were made after the bloodshed?
• How many potential perpetrators were present?
• Does the bloodstain evidence support or refute witness statements?
Trained bloodstain pattern analysts can examine the blood evidence left at the crime scene and draw conclusions as to how the blood may have been shed. They can use photographs and diagrams to provide additional information about the crime scene. From what may appear to be a random distribution of bloodstains at a crime scene, analysts can categorize those stains by gathering information from spatter patterns that assist investigators in reconstructing the crime, corroborating statements from witnesses, and including or excluding potential perpetrators from the investigation.
A fascinating if not gruesome subject and some interesting background information for crime authors like me.
Dead Passage an Inspector Andy Horton crime novel (14)
Available in paperback, as an ebook and on Amazon Kindle.
A mysterious telephone call sends Horton on a complex and twisted investigation into the death of a local politician twelve years ago and uncovers a trail of lies, secrets and revenge with roots deep in the past.
"A detective novel in the tradition of Rankin and Harvey." Mystery People Magazine
"Pauline Rowson is one of the most talented crime and thriller writers in the UK. By choosing locations and plot lines that are unique to her 'marine mysteries' she has set herself apart from the tried and tested formulae within the genre." Book Depository
Also available as an ebook and on Amazon Kindle, Kobo and for loan from UK, USA, Irish and Commonwealth libraries
For my crime novels I’ve researched gunshot wounds, death by crossbow, poisons (a favourite of Agatha Christie’s), blunt force trauma, suffocation, fire and more. I am incredibly grateful to all the forensic scientists, Hampshire police officers and the Hampshire Fingerprint Bureau and crime scene investigators who have assisted me.
I thought I would share some information on blood pattern analysis I gleaned for both my Detective Inspector Andy Horton crime novels set in Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight (14) and for my Art Marvik mystery thriller series (3) set along the South Coast of England.
What do Blood Pattern Analysts do?
Analysts examine the size, shape, distribution and location of the bloodstains to form opinions about what happened at the scene of the crime. They assist investigators in answering questions such as:• Where did the blood come from?
• What caused the wounds?
• What type of instrument was used?
• From what direction was the victim wounded?
• Was the victim moving about, standing, sitting, or lying on the floor?
• How were the victim(s) and perpetrator(s) positioned?
• What movements were made after the bloodshed?
• How many potential perpetrators were present?
• Does the bloodstain evidence support or refute witness statements?
Trained bloodstain pattern analysts can examine the blood evidence left at the crime scene and draw conclusions as to how the blood may have been shed. They can use photographs and diagrams to provide additional information about the crime scene. From what may appear to be a random distribution of bloodstains at a crime scene, analysts can categorize those stains by gathering information from spatter patterns that assist investigators in reconstructing the crime, corroborating statements from witnesses, and including or excluding potential perpetrators from the investigation.
A fascinating if not gruesome subject and some interesting background information for crime authors like me.
Dead Passage an Inspector Andy Horton crime novel (14)Available in paperback, as an ebook and on Amazon Kindle.
A mysterious telephone call sends Horton on a complex and twisted investigation into the death of a local politician twelve years ago and uncovers a trail of lies, secrets and revenge with roots deep in the past.
"A detective novel in the tradition of Rankin and Harvey." Mystery People Magazine
"Pauline Rowson is one of the most talented crime and thriller writers in the UK. By choosing locations and plot lines that are unique to her 'marine mysteries' she has set herself apart from the tried and tested formulae within the genre." Book Depository
Where to buy
Pauline Rowson's books at The Book Depository (free worldwide delivery)
Pauline Rowson's books USA
Pauline Rowson's books UK
From your local bookshop
Also available as an ebook and on Amazon Kindle, Kobo and for loan from UK, USA, Irish and Commonwealth libraries
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