📖 Overview
E.J. Wagner is a forensic science historian and author best known for her book "The Science of Sherlock Holmes," which won the 2007 Edgar Award for Best Critical/Biographical Work.
As a scientific lecturer and crime historian, Wagner has presented at numerous medical schools, universities, and forensic organizations throughout the United States and the United Kingdom. Her expertise spans the history of forensic medicine, scientific detection methods, and the intersection of science and criminal investigation in Victorian-era literature.
Beyond her award-winning book, Wagner has contributed articles to publications including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Scientific American. She has served as a consultant for Court TV and the History Channel on matters related to historic criminal cases and forensic science development.
Wagner's work frequently explores how early forensic techniques influenced detective fiction, particularly focusing on the scientific elements in Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories and their relationship to real-world criminal investigations of the period.
👀 Reviews
Readers praise Wagner's ability to connect historical forensic science to Sherlock Holmes stories in clear, engaging ways. Comments highlight her skill at making complex scientific concepts accessible while maintaining historical accuracy.
What readers liked:
- Clear explanations of Victorian-era forensic techniques
- Balance of Holmes references with real criminal cases
- Well-researched historical details
- Engaging writing style that avoids academic dryness
What readers disliked:
- Some found the organization jumps between topics too frequently
- A few noted repetition of certain case examples
- Some wanted more direct Holmes story connections
Ratings averages:
Goodreads: 3.9/5 (2,800+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.3/5 (200+ ratings)
Specific reader comments:
"Makes forensic history fascinating without sensationalizing" - Goodreads reviewer
"Perfect blend of true crime and literary analysis" - Amazon reviewer
"Occasionally meanders but always returns to interesting points" - LibraryThing reviewer
The Science of Sherlock Holmes remains Wagner's most reviewed and discussed work.
📚 Books by E.J. Wagner
The Science of Sherlock Holmes: From Baskerville Hall to the Valley of Fear - A historical examination of how Victorian-era forensic science methods influenced the Sherlock Holmes stories and their connection to real criminal cases.
The Hand of Death: The Henry Lee Lucas Story - A study of serial killer Henry Lee Lucas, including interviews with the killer and analysis of his crimes and confessions.
Fatal Evidence - An overview of historic criminal cases that shaped the development of modern forensic techniques.
Science Against Crime - A technical exploration of forensic science methods used in criminal investigations, including ballistics, toxicology, and trace evidence analysis.
The Hand of Death: The Henry Lee Lucas Story - A study of serial killer Henry Lee Lucas, including interviews with the killer and analysis of his crimes and confessions.
Fatal Evidence - An overview of historic criminal cases that shaped the development of modern forensic techniques.
Science Against Crime - A technical exploration of forensic science methods used in criminal investigations, including ballistics, toxicology, and trace evidence analysis.
👥 Similar authors
Douglas Starr examines historical forensic science cases and criminal investigations, focusing on scientific breakthroughs and their impact on solving crimes. His book "The Killer of Little Shepherds" parallels Wagner's approach by combining true crime with the development of forensic techniques.
Colin Evans writes about the evolution of forensic science through historical criminal cases and investigations. His work documents the progression of investigative methods and includes detailed accounts of early forensic pioneers.
Katherine Ramsland combines her background in forensic psychology with historical research to explore criminal investigations and scientific methods. She writes about both historical and contemporary forensic science topics, examining how investigative techniques developed over time.
Val McDermid analyzes forensic science through both non-fiction works and crime novels, with particular focus on the development of forensic techniques in the UK. Her book "Forensics: The Anatomy of Crime" covers similar territory to Wagner's work, examining the history and application of forensic methods.
Lisa Black draws from her experience as a crime scene investigator to write about forensic science in both fiction and non-fiction formats. Her work provides technical detail about forensic procedures while explaining the historical context of scientific methods.
Colin Evans writes about the evolution of forensic science through historical criminal cases and investigations. His work documents the progression of investigative methods and includes detailed accounts of early forensic pioneers.
Katherine Ramsland combines her background in forensic psychology with historical research to explore criminal investigations and scientific methods. She writes about both historical and contemporary forensic science topics, examining how investigative techniques developed over time.
Val McDermid analyzes forensic science through both non-fiction works and crime novels, with particular focus on the development of forensic techniques in the UK. Her book "Forensics: The Anatomy of Crime" covers similar territory to Wagner's work, examining the history and application of forensic methods.
Lisa Black draws from her experience as a crime scene investigator to write about forensic science in both fiction and non-fiction formats. Her work provides technical detail about forensic procedures while explaining the historical context of scientific methods.