Digging up Bones

Forensic-mystery authors descend on the Biltmore

Comments (0) By Wynter Holden Thursday, Aug 27 2009

Lawyers call it the “CSI Effect.” Since everyone and their mother started watching behind-the-scenes forensics shows, juries expect to see crap like mitochondrial DNA and holographic reenactments or they won’t convict. Crime labs process evidence overnight, right? And shoeprints or skin flakes are found at every scene. Suuuure.

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It’s no surprise that mystery readers, miffed at these small-screen inaccuracies, have glommed onto the realistic writings of forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs, who will be signing her latest novel, 206 Bones, as part of the Poisoned Pen Bookstore-sponsored CSI: Phoenix event. The event also includes discussions with Phoenix cop turned crime writer Jack Ballentine (Murder for Hire) and Camille Kimball, author of Sudden Shot: The Phoenix Serial Shooter.

A noted professor and forensic consultant, Dr. Reichs uses her personal experiences as a basis for her novels. Then again, the TV show Bones -- based on Reichs’ character Temperance Brennan -- features the aforementioned magical holographic reconstruction program.

Sigh.

Tue., Sept. 1, 6 p.m., 2009