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Every Contact Leaves a Trace

My Life as a Crime Scene Investigator

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Every Contact Leaves a Trace

By: Jo Ward
Narrated by: Sarah Thom
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About this listen

 Enter the fascinating world of crime scene investigation with this chilling memoir from a senior investigator.

For most people, dead bodies are horrifying. They are the physical representation of everything we’re afraid of – our own mortality, the unknown, the inevitability, and lack of dignity of the end.

But for Jo Ward, a dead body is absolutely fascinating…

For Jo, a normal day’s work involves getting up-close and personal with the dead – generally the murdered dead – exploring every inch of their battered and bloody bodies and finding the clues that will lead the police to their killers.

Every scene teaches her something new. Every murder is a chance to obtain justice for the dead. Because every contact leaves a trace… Jo Ward is part of a generation of pioneering women who lead forensic investigation around the world. She investigates high-profile crimes – murder, domestic killings, infanticide, and rape.

If you’re a fan of Sue Black and Patricia Wiltshire, Every Contact Leaves a Trace is for you. It’s a rare glimpse into a formidable woman and the world of forensics, chronicling some of Jo’s toughest and most groundbreaking cases, and offering insight into how she copes despite seeing the most shocking excesses of humanity. Crime Criminal & Forensic Psychology Psychology Psychology & Mental Health True Crime Forensics Thought-Provoking Murder

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All stars
Most relevant
...it's rare to catch such an open, honest glimpse into both managing a career few understand and, also, a family life that touches on so many life issues. Those who do understand the careers that see and hear the horrific side of humans do understand and feel deep admiration and empathy for these professionals.
About 'bad cops'....sociopaths comprise about 4 to 8 percent of the world, with varying degrees of dysfunction...but that includes doctors, teachers, store clerks....they are everywhere so anyone can pick out a bad anyone from any field. The folks hung up on berating the good guys are narrow minded, empty folks....of which there are too many and one source of why our world is headed in the wrong direction

A personal 360° look into a challenged life

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I have listened to this book in a few days as it is so compelling - normally I don’t listen to a book when I get out of the car but with this I HAD to learn more, HAD to go along the next journey of Jo’s life with her. I have always loved true crime and watched the TV series as soon as it hit but this, this brings to life so much more than the victims- it’s a realistic, sometimes painful, often harrowing insight in the people who are behind the scenes and their lives in crime solving.
A vulnerable, true and always open account of the life of a Mammy, a Daughter and Wife, who always walked the tight rope of vocation v home life and I believe truly won! Thank you Samantha C

Raw, Real and exceptionally told!

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I really love how Jo has given a brutally honest review of her work. It’s refreshing to hear that this type of work is not glamorous like TV portrays. I enjoyed every second of this

Brutal honesty, not glamorisation

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I could not rate this book enough, every page had me hooked and I've recommended it to everyone.

Gripping from start to finish!

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As a law and criminology student hoping to work with the police this was such a good book to find and listen too, such beautiful writing. I laughed I shed a tear or two but more than that this book gave me such a good insight into what I will be doing in the future, perfect for aspiring students!

What an amazing book

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