Forensic science has developed by leaps and bounds in the last thirty years and has aided the detection of crime in a remarkable way.Indeed it is now possible to convict criminals solely on forensic evidence without the need for a confession or for the dtective to actually solve the case. 

This is excellent for real policing, less so perhaps for the fictional form. DNA does not have much of a character and does not create pathos, tension or humour as does the hero or heroine of a detective mystery.

Certainly forensic science as it now stands tends to sideline investiagtor in crime fiction. However, in its early days, when the method was crude and less assured. This is nicely illustrated by Alan Taman in our lead feature... 

Contents

1. EXAMINING THE EVIDENCE 
   Alan Taman on Sherlock Holmes and forensic science
2. BODY OF EVIDENCE 
   Calum McCleod samples Lauren Henderson’s Tart Noir in his regular look at contemporary crime writers
3. UNDER THE GASLIGHT 
   This issue, Roger Forsdyke goes on the beat, in his usual foray into Victorian crime and criminals
4. SHERLOCK ON SCREEN 
   Gavin Collinson investigates The Mystery of the Leaping Fish
5. THE OTHER DETECTIVES 
   M J Elliott is on the case with the fast-talking, fast-thinking Perry Mason
6. THE CASE OF THE WHITECHAPEL VAMPIRE 
   Alan Wightman reviewqs the latest Holmes movie starring Matt Frewer
7. CANONICAL INTRODUCTIONS 
   Introducing The Red Circle, which first appeared in The Strand in April 1908
8. THE INTERVIEW 
   Mark Campbell talks to Sparkle Hayter, creator of TV reporter-turned-private investigator Robin Hudson
9. NO GHOSTS NEED APPLY 
   Paul M Chapman investigates Holmes and the supernatural
10. OH SISTER, WHERE ART THOU? 
    A Johnny One Eye story by David Stuart Davies
11. BBC’S NEW HOUND 
    A preview of the 2002 version of the most celebrated Sherlock Holmes story of them all
12. SLEUTHING THE SHELVES 
    The latest books, edited by Kathryn White
13. TELLY ’TECS 
    Chris Senior buckles a swash with Edwardian adventurer Adam Adamant
14. SHERLOCK STATESIDE 
    Pat Ward with the latest from the USA
15. GETTING AWAY WITH MURDER 
    Mike Ripley plays spies with plenty of deceit, subterfuge, sabotage and betrayal
16. NEWS DESK
17. MYSTERY: CAUGHT IN THE WEB
    Surfing for Sherlock with Bob Byrne
18. SOCIETIES FORUM 
    Conducted by Roger Johnson with Al Gregory reporting on Mrs Hudson’s Cliffdwellers
19. MORIARTY’S MUTTERINGS