Maggots, murder, and men

"A great admirer of Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Erzinclioglu compares his own techniques with those of his fictional hero, and takes the reader behind the often gruesome but deeply fascinating scenes of a murder investigation. He also examines the links between the insect world, especially members of the Diptera (the fly family), and the human race from a great range of perspectives - scientific, criminal, medical and philosophical." "This book ranges over cases from history, prehistory and mythology to the present day and is as gripping and readable as a good thriller. From time to time the author makes forays into related forensic but non-entomological matters on the one hand, and into related entomological but non-forensic matters on the other. It is also stimulating and provocative and may well ruffle a few feathers. In the final chapter, the author expresses his disquiet at the present status of forensic science in this country and makes a strong case for it to be funded by the state but, like the judiciary, to be independent of it. His aim is to raise awareness of this obscure science and to give a flavour of the nature of its work." "As Professor Bernard Knight, the distinguished former Home Office Pathologist, says in his Foreword: 'It might seem rather odd that a world expert on the blow-fly should write a book that is informative, intriguing, astonishing a yet show such compassion and not a little anger at deprivation and injustice - yet, for those who know Dr. Zak [as he is affectionately known], it is no real surprise at all'."--Jacket.