Description
How did King Tut really die?
The mystery of the young pharaoh’s death is only one of the puzzles that modern science has helped solve. Thanks to forensics—the science of examining physical evidence—we now know that King Tut died of malaria. We also know that stomach cancer, and not arsenic as suspected, killed Napoleon.
Seven intriguing stories about historical royal figures whose demise was suspicious, and hard scientific facts about crime-solving techniques make each event seem like an episode of CSI rather than a history lesson.
Kids will be fascinated to find out how scientists use autopsy results, DNA testing, bone fragments, and even insects to determine the cause of death.
At times a gripping whodunit, at others an exercise in deductive reasoning, this book will be hard to put down for any kids who love mysteries, murder, and suspense.
Author Bio
Elizabeth MacLeod has written more than 80 books, including biographies, picture books, cookbooks and other nonfiction titles. Dinosaurs, royal murder, forensic science, horses that changed history—she’s written about them all. Liz is a Member of the Order of Canada and has won the Sharon Fitzhenry Award for Canadian Children's Non-Fiction, the Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction and the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Juvenile or Young Adult Crime Book. She has also won children’s choice awards across the country, including the Hackmatack, Red Cedar, Red Maple and Silver Birch. Liz's most recent books include How to Become an Accidental Activist and Get Out and Vote!. She lives in Toronto.
Prizes
- Best Books for Kids and Teens, starred selection, Canadian Children’s Book CentreJoint winner 2013
- Independent Publisher Book Award, SilverRunner-up 2013
- Arthur Ellis AwardWinner 2013
- EUREKA! Nonfiction Children’s Book AwardJoint winner 2013
Review Quotes
“If your child loves mysteries, history or CSI this book will enthrall them.”
— SMS Nonfiction Book Reviews, 03/24/20“Like reading a series of thrilling whodunits: seven true crime stories drawn from history, each with a generous amount of gore, treachery, and suspense uncovered in dramatic detail.”
— Crime Writers of Canada, Arthur Ellis Award Committee, 06/05/14“A must-have for middle school libraries and science classrooms.”
— Mrs. Readerpants, 06/21/13“The topic is great for the intended age group; the discussion . . . is realistic and accessible.”
— Resource Links, 06/13“Young readers . . . will be intrigued by the book’s “whodunit” style, and the many photographs, sidebars and glossary of terms, all of which contribute to the mystery-solving.”
— Guelph Mercury Record, 04/13/13“An exceptionally handsome book with clear color photos and intriguing sidebars focusing on scientific techniques.”
— Canadian Teacher, 11/13“Great writing, spectacular science and all wrapped up in a story that is well-told and forever fascinating!”
— Sal’s Fiction Addiction, 05/13/13“Curious readers will devour this book.”
— CM Reviews, 06/14“This is the sort of book that will appeal to all readers.”
— Dewey Divas, 12/06/13“With colorful photography, excellent graphic images, poignant questions and a fast-paced writing style, this intriguing book will fascinate young readers.”
— Reading Online Today, 05/22/13“Readers will find plenty to enjoy in the clearly written chapters, and they’ll pick up lots of information about history and forensics along the way. An appealing introduction to some intriguing mysteries from history’s cold cases.”
— Booklist Online, 04/19/13“Reads like a thriller. Both science geeks and history buffs will find entertainment here.”
— Library Media Connection, 11/13“A fully fleshed and crisply told story of forensics at its romantic best.”
— Kirkus Reviews, *starred review, 02/13