Perhaps no other television show captures our innate fascination with crime and criminals better than the original Forensic Files. Including murders, insurance fraud, hit-and-runs, and kidnappings, all cases featured on the show are solved in large part with the help of forensic science like DNA evidence.
In Forensic Files Now: Inside 40 Unforgettable Cases, author Rebecca Reisner shares her own gripping retellings — adapted from her popular blog, ForensicFilesNow.com — of 40 favorite cases profiled on the show along with fascinating updates and personal interviews with those directly involved. Featuring classic cases like the Tennessee brothers who terrorized locals for years until the feds rode into town, the Texas lovebirds who robbed a grave in an insurance fraud plot that made international headlines, the Ivy League-educated physician who attempted a fresh start by burying his wife in the basement, and some cases so captivating that they have sparked spinoff miniseries or documentaries of their own, this book will enthrall readers with its vivid recaps and detailed updates.
Also featuring an in-depth interview with Forensic Files creator Paul Dowling and a profile on the show’s beloved narrator, Peter Thomas, Forensic Files Now is a must-read for diehard Forensic Files fans and a welcome find for true crime readers looking for more riveting and well-told stories.
Rebecca Reisner is a writer and editor who has held longtime staff positions at Businessweek, the New York Post, and Discover magazine. Her blog, ForensicFilesNow.com, has been named as among the best true crime sites by Bustle, True Crime Traveller, and Bizarrepedia and has garnered mention on Time.comand the Daily Beast.
NetGalley Review: 5 stars
Last updated on 25 Jul 2022
"I have always loved the show Forensic Files. I have watched them over and over throughout the years, and have enjoyed seeing different updates, looking at cases as they progress, and of course - seeing the advances in science as time progresses.
This was a great book, and I enjoyed the case updates and the notes from the author. The thoughts provided by the shows director were also really interesting. I truly enjoyed this book from start to finish.
Now, of course, I am going to sit down and watch Forensic Files for the millionth time and look to match the cases in this book again. I cannot wait!"—Rebecca Hill, blogger at A Tale of Two Page
NetGalley Review: 4 stars
Last updated on 31 Aug 2022
"Ever wonder what happened in an unsolved case you watched on Forensic Files ? This book goes behind the scenes and show what happens when the film crew has left. Our fascination with true crime shows no end of slowing down, I think that fascination stems from a need to see justice served, to hear the victims names, not just the killers. Either way, this is a fascinating behind the scenes look at some classic cases and some you may never have heard of"—Rosemary Smith, Librarian
NetGalley Review: 5 stars
Last updated on 02 Sep 2022
"I think it’s no secret that Forensic Files was and is the ultimate true crime binge worthy show. There are entire channels dedicated to it on several networks.
Rebecca Reisner did a phenomenal job and went above and beyond when it came to research for Forensic Files Now. I loved that this book answered so many questions left, filled in many blanks and referenced everything. As a lover of true crime, I didn’t have to lie awake wondering what I had just seen Collier Landry in, since A Murder in Mansfield was referenced.
Each recap was well done, I really, really enjoyed this book."—Emilie Hudson, consumer reviewer
NetGalley Review: 4 stars
Last updated on 19 Sep 2022
"Forensic Files Now is an interesting twist on true crime. Several crimes are highlighted in the book as seen on the show Forensic Files. The interesting part of this book are the current updates on the victims/criminal. It was fascinating to read what happened after the convictions and are they still in prison, released, etc. This is a great true crime book. Thank you to NetGalley."—Mary Brown, consumer reviewer
NetGalley Review: 5 stars
Last updated on 21 Sep 2022
"Forensic Files Now is a fantastic companion to the show. As a long-time watcher of Forensic Files, there are so many episodes and cases that it can get a bit overwhelming. Forensic Files Now does a great job highlighting some of the most interesting cases in detail. The writing style is engaging and clear. There are also excellent Q&As with various people, such as former U.S. prosecutors. This is original, new content, and much welcomed. I found this book compulsively readable."—Amy Joseph, reviewer at Cannonball Read
NetGalley Review: 4 stars
Last updated on 22 Sep 2022
"I cannot wait to recommend this book to all my patrons who love true crime. This book covers and sometimes updates classic cases from Forensic Files. The television show was one of the first and best true crime shows that showcased the science behind police investigations. While I prefer a long-form, deep dive into crime stories this was an entertaining read. I know many people who will love the short, bite-sized recaps of some of their favourite episodes. Great book. Good for short bites of reading."—Laura Rysavy, librarian at Bismarck Veterans Public Library
NetGalley Review: 4 stars
Last updated on 28 Sep 2022
"A great companion book to the original tv series. The author has done a great job of updating what happened to the individuals and to tell “the rest of the story”. A great true crime novel.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review."—Ron Baumer, consumer reviewer
NetGalley Review: 5 stars
Last updated on 04 Oct 2022
"Forensic Files Now by Rebecca Reisner is a must read for true crime fans. Most true crime readers will be familiar with the long running TV show Forensic Files. This show covered all sorts of crime - murder, fraud, etc. Forensic Files Now, takes a number of cases and retells them and then provides updates. As a reader of true crime, I appreciate the updates. It is interesting to see where the perpetrators are now and how the victims and their families are doing. This book is a definite read for true crime fans.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for access to the advanced copy."—Erica Smith, Librarian
NetGalley Review: 5 stars
Last updated on 04 Oct 2022
"I love forensic files and anything true crime. If youre anything like me, this is the book for you! In Forensic Files Now, author Rebecca Reisner shares her own gripping retellings of 40 favorite cases profiled on the show along with fascinating updates adapted from her popular blog, ForensicFilesNow.com. Check out this site! Its very neat! Go and buy this book!"—Ashley Huffman, Western Michigan University
NetGalley Review: 5 stars
Last updated on 05 Oct 2022
"Calling all Forensic Files fans! If you love the iconic tv show, this is a must read! In this book, author and ForensicFilesNow.com blogger, Rebecca Reisner, shares forty cases profiled on the show along with latest updates or information on the cases discussed in this book. I really loved the quick recap and the detailed updates on each cases. It was a well-written and well-structured book and I enjoyed this book thoroughly!
NetGalley Review: 5 stars
Last updated on 11 Oct 2022
"This fascinating book recaps crimes that were depicted on the television show, Forensic Files and also tells what happened to the main players in the crimes. I was an avid Forensic Files viewer and remember all of the crimes recounted in this book. I have often wondered what happened to the primary people involved in the crimes, so I was glad that this book provided that information. I highly recommend this book to other true crime readers. This is a must read for both true crime readers as well as Forensic Files afficienados. I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley, and the opinion expressed is strictly my own."—Paul Corregan, consumer reviewer
