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The Killer of Little Shepherds

a True Crime Story and the Birth of Forensic Science
Aug 27, 2015wyenotgo rated this title 1 out of 5 stars
A disappointing book. Although the advances in forensic science achieved by Dr. Lacassagne, which is the central theme of the book (and my reason for choosing to read it) were certainly remarkable, the writer fails to convey any degree of fascination in the telling of the story. When I compare it with other books recounting great scientific and intellectual discoveries and advancements, such as that of geology in "The Seashell on the Mountaintop" or the account of the discoveries of Louis Pasteur, Mr Starr's book doesn't measure up. There is no tension, no thrill of the chase, no "Ah-Hah" moment like that found in books such as "Longitude" by Dava Sobel. Part of the problem is that the grisly exploits and twisted personality of the murderer Vacher continue to intrude. Further, the extended debate concerning the condemned man's sanity is perplexing and again is a distraction from the valuable advances in criminal medicine and application of scientific methods in investigation. Finally, the story is made even more depressing by the willful stupidity of the authorities of the day in dealing with the monster Vacher and his crimes. Besides the direct victims, countless others had their lives destroyed, not by the assassin himself but by the police and in some cases the families of the victims, by falsely accusing innocent people of the crimes and insisting on believing rumour and innuendo while ignoring hard evidence.