How to Solve True Crime contains a series of true crime stories. They illustrate how detectives have used Occum’s razor, both successfully and not so successfully, to solve their cases.
Occum’s razor is a scientific theory that encourages looking at the simplest solution first. It doesn’t prohibit expanding the investigation’s scope if the easiest solution is not the correct one. Many of the examples in the book show detectives getting stuck on one suspect, often the spouse, to the exclusion of all others. Others show detectives correctly unraveling complex motives even though a simpler solution was available.
What I loved about How to Solve True Crime is that each case had a full conclusion. Never was I left hanging like on so many televised true crime shows. Each case made a point about how the police’s skill set, doggedness, attitudes, preconceived notions and sometimes pure incompetence can make or break a case. Each case was chosen to make a particular point. None seemed redundant or duplicative. In addition to true crime buffs, this book is intriguing reading for mystery, especially police procedural, readers. 4 stars!
Thanks to NetGalley and Pen & Sword True Crime for providing me with an advanced review copy.