"The Christopher Killer" by Alane Ferguson

This title was on the 2008-2009 Florida Teens Read list, which is the first reason I picked it up. Then I read the inside cover and saw that it was about forensics, which is the second reason I picked it up. I think it's fascinating to read about forensics and how the smallest thing can convict a killer.

This book follows Cameryn, an aspiring forensic pathologist, and her detective work in trying to solve the mystery of the Christopher killer, someone who kills young girls and leaves a St. Christopher medal with each victim. The latest victim was one of Cameryn's friends, so she feels she owes it to her to find the killer. The forensics are very well researched, with the crime scene (and a different, unrelated scene) described in graphic detail. Cameryn is very smart and she is also observant, noticing the smallest things on the body of her friend.

It took me a while to get into the story, and I never really felt connected to Cameryn, despite the little quirks the author shows us. But the mystery was good (I didn't guess the killer before Cameryn did) and the forensics were interesting, so I give this one a 7. This is definitely more of a book for those with an interest in the subject, so if you like forensics too, or have a strong stomach to read the graphic crime scenes, I would suggest this book. If not, you probably won't enjoy it as much.

PS - I just checked on LibraryThing, and apparently this is the first book in a series. I totally didn't get that from the ending, but ok. I'll probably try to read the second one, because of my personal interest in forensics, so maybe that one will be better.