Bonnier digs deep for second book from forensic ecologist Wiltshire

John Blake, an imprint of Bonnier Books UK, has signed The Natural History of Crime: Case studies in death and the clues nature leaves behind from forensic ecologist professor Patricia Wiltshire. 

Editorial director Ciara Lloyd acquired world all-language rights directly from the author. The book will be published in hardback, audiobook and e-book in March 2024.

Wiltshire helps the police solve crimes and "find answers to the most bemusing circumstances" and now in The Natural History of Crime Wiltshire uses her "most infamous cases" to show "she works to solve some of the worst crimes imaginable".

Wiltshire commented: "My new book will be another set of stories that will give the reader an idea of the role played by various experts helping to solve crime but, of course, will centre mostly on my own involvement. ‘What happens at crime scenes? How do we plan and execute our work within the forensic and police framework? What about working for the Defence? How do we interact with lawyers, judge, and jury? How do I keep my sanity and humour in the face of kidnap, mutilation, rape, and decaying cadavers?’ There is so much to tell, but I do hope that readers will find my experiences interesting and enlightening."

Lloyd added: "There is no one quite like Patricia – as evidenced in her fascinating memoir, Traces – and now, in her latest book, we get a real insight into some of her most enthralling and challenging cases. She is the doyenne of her profession and an absolute honour to publish."