Winnipeg author and former science teacher Larry Verstraete has built a solid career on creating high-impact non-fiction for young readers, garnering two Silver Birch awards in the process. In his latest book, he uses scientific methods to examine such diverse and high-profile cases as the investigation into whether Hitler’s diaries were authentic, how Ludwig van Beethoven really died, and what happened to the bodies of the 11 Romanov family members shot during the Russian Revolution.

Verstraete uses four basic concepts – identify, prove, explain, and resolve – to organize the 40 cases under scrutiny. Each concept is explained in a short introduction, allowing the author to illustrate the common elements in successive chapters, before launching into more detailed examinations of individual cases. This makes the book much more than a simple compilation of cool cases, because the reader is able to understand exactly how science helps solve each mystery.

The book is an excellent mix of science and historical fact, and will likely be a hit with children who enjoy both subjects. Each of the 40 cases is accompanied by a black-and-white photo, and many are complemented by sidebars providing extra information on the scientific tools used. A handy glossary helps keep the terminology straight.

Case Files is a great book for any young person looking to spice up standard school curriculum in science and history, hoping to put a little scandal in a school project, or simply hoping for a good, compelling read.