Val hears about the use of Anthropology, Facial Reconstruction and Digital Forensics in Crime Scene Investigations – from ‘The Sausage King of Chicago’ in 1897 to the investigation of contemporary war crimes.

Bestselling crime author Val McDermid is fascinated by forensic science - the secrets it can reveal and the way it has altered the processes of justice. She delves into medical archives including interviews with scientists, exploring as far back as the murder of Julius Ceasar and early recorded forensic science in 13th century China as well as famous modern cases.

Read by Val McDermid

Abridged by Sian Preece
Producer: Allegra McIlroy

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2014. Show less