How did King Tut really die?

The mystery of the young pharaoh’s death is only one of the puzzles that modern science has helped solve. Thanks to forensics—the science of examining physical evidence—we now know that King Tut died of malaria. We also know that stomach cancer, and not arsenic as suspected, killed Napoleon.

Seven intriguing stories about historical royal figures whose demise was suspicious, and hard scientific facts about crime-solving techniques make each event seem like an episode of CSI rather than a history lesson.

Kids will be fascinated to find out how scientists use autopsy results, DNA testing, bone fragments, and even insects to determine the cause of death.

At times a gripping whodunit, at others an exercise in deductive reasoning, this book will be hard to put down for any kids who love mysteries, murder, and suspense.

Liz is one nosy author, which is why she loves writing non-fiction. She’s very curious about why people do what they do, and likes sharing with kids the amazing facts and secrets that she uncovers.As a kid in Thornhill, Ontario, the idea of being a writer never crossed Liz’s mind—she figured most authors were already dead and they definitely weren’t Canadian. Besides, it was science that interested Liz.But writing was already part of Liz’s life. After dinner on school nights, Liz and her two brothers would trudge up to their rooms, close their doors and start to do their homework—or so their parents thought. A few minutes later, a piece of paper would come sliding under Liz’s door. One of her brothers had drawn a picture, usually of some weird creature.Liz really couldn’t draw (still can’t!), so the only way she could respond was to write a short story, often about a mad scientist or space alien. She would slip the story under her brother’s door and—well, not a lot of homework got done.At university, Liz studied sciences—there was hardly any writing involved at all. But after university, she was hired as an editor at OWL magazine, where she could combine writing and her love of science. But it wasn’t long before Liz had a goal: to write a book. Her first one was about lions and since then she’s written more than fifty others.Royal Murder: The Deadly Intrigue of Ten Sovereigns (2008) is one of her favourite books because royalty has always fascinated Liz. She loved going behind the scenes with monarchs from Cleopatra to Dracula to find out just what they would do to hold onto power or protect their families.Bones Never Lie: How Forensics Helps Solve History’s Mysteries (2013) was the winner of numerous awards, including the Crime Writers of Canada 2014 Arthur Ellis Award in the Juvenile/YA category. Liz’s latest book with Annick Press, Galloping Through History: Incredible True Horse Stories (Spring 2015), combines, once again, her outstanding storytelling skills with her passion for history. This time her love of animals also shines through as she recounts the stories of six horses that changed the way humans live, travel, fight, work, and play.Liz lives in Toronto with her husband, Paul, and their cat Cosimo. While she writes, he is usually sprawled across her desk—often right on the book she needs for research!

Elizabeth MacLeod's profile page

• Runner-up, Independent Publisher Book Award, Silver
• Joint winner, Best Books for Kids and Teens, starred selection, Canadian Children’s Book Centre
• Joint winner, EUREKA! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award
• Winner, Arthur Ellis Award

“Curious readers will devour this book.”

CM Reviews, 06/14

“Young readers . . . will be intrigued by the book’s “whodunit” style, and the many photographs, sidebars and glossary of terms, all of which contribute to the mystery-solving.”

Guelph Mercury Record, 04/13/13

“Like reading a series of thrilling whodunits: seven true crime stories drawn from history, each with a generous amount of gore, treachery, and suspense uncovered in dramatic detail.”

Crime Writers of Canada, Arthur Ellis Award Committee, 06/05/14

“This is the sort of book that will appeal to all readers.”

Dewey Divas, 12/06/13

“A must-have for middle school libraries and science classrooms.”

Mrs. Readerpants, 06/21/13

“The topic is great for the intended age group; the discussion . . . is realistic and accessible.”

Resource Links, 06/13

“Reads like a thriller. Both science geeks and history buffs will find entertainment here.”

Library Media Connection, 11/13

“Great writing, spectacular science and all wrapped up in a story that is well-told and forever fascinating!”

Sal’s Fiction Addiction, 05/13/13

“With colorful photography, excellent graphic images, poignant questions and a fast-paced writing style, this intriguing book will fascinate young readers.”

Reading Online Today, 05/22/13

“An exceptionally handsome book with clear color photos and intriguing sidebars focusing on scientific techniques.”

Canadian Teacher, 11/13

“A fully fleshed and crisply told story of forensics at its romantic best.”

Kirkus Reviews, *starred review, 02/13

“Readers will find plenty to enjoy in the clearly written chapters, and they’ll pick up lots of information about history and forensics along the way. An appealing introduction to some intriguing mysteries from history’s cold cases.”

Booklist Online, 04/19/13

“If your child loves mysteries, history or CSI this book will enthrall them.”

SMS Nonfiction Book Reviews, 03/24/20