For all those who want to know what real death scene investigators do, this book is your chance. Dr. Wagner intends his work to be used by professionals in the field, not as an object of ghoulish curiosity by the general public. However, it is a good corrective to the information disseminated by television, films and thriller novels. Wagner covers all areas from the discovery of the body, documentation at the scene through autopsy and the roles of forensic specialists. Wagner deals with death by natural causes as well as injuries caused either by accident or intent. The book has many color photographs that are not for the squeamish but are informative rather than horrific. There is a useful glossary of medical terms as well as a bibliography of other reference works. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)