Bones Never Lie

A history lesson that reads like an episode of CSI!

What killed King Tut at such a young age? Was Napoleon poisoned? How did an entire Maya royal family die? Did Anastasia survive the massacre of the Russian royal family? Thanks to modern crime-solving techniques, we now know the answers to these and many other of the most puzzling questions about the demise of historical figures.

Seven true stories that read like thrilling whodunits lead kids into the fascinating world of forensics. The author starts each chapter by setting the scene, whether it’s deep in the heart of the Guatemalan rain forest or the French court during the revolution. The suspense builds as circumstances around a royal figure’s death or disappearance are described. The only thing missing is information about what actually happened! To solve that mystery, investigators have relied on a variety of tools: autopsies, fingerprinting, dental records, even insects. Modern techniques include DNA testing and medical imaging. But most of all, deductive reasoning is the key to solving each mystery.

MacLeod describes in clear and accessible fashion how the various scientific tools are used. Dozens of photos set the historical context for each story, while others show examples of the science used to uncover the truth.

Complete with time lines, sidebars, glossary, index, and suggestions for further reading, this is a must-have for any kids who love mysteries, murder, and suspense.