The Darkroom: Case Files of a Scotland Yard Forensic Photographer

My Review –As an ex-Police Civvy from the 1990s, I was lucky enough to become friends with a Scenes of Crime Officer, and I got to ask a lot of questions about forensics etc, so any books that pique my interest in all things crime are always on my radar. When I saw this, I just knew it was going to be an excellent read.From page one this is an absolutely scintillating read. A. J Hewitt has laid her soul bare in The Darkroom and shared with us her journey from newly employed Polce Photographer to her final days as an experienced photographer, whose job eventually took its toll on her, mentally.Written in an easy-to-read and unputdownable style, we are taken through crime scenes and how Police Photographers, in the days of non-digital photography, used their skills to light up forensic scenes and take the all-important photographs that the Detectives would use to help catch the perpetrator.It wasn’t too technical, and I loved learning how these underrated and immensely skilled forensics officers worked their magic to find evidence and record it in the best way possible. The lengths at which A.J. Hewitt went to in some of the crime scenes were amazing. It isn’t for the faint-hearted as there are descriptions which may upset some readers, but it is written with such care and obvious respect for the victims that it does not glorify the nastiness of certain crime scenes at all.It is no wonder that taking such photographs and being immersed in that world takes its toll on the Police Staff mentally, and A.J. Hewitt was deeply affected by certain scenes she encountered, to be honest, unless you are a robot, most people would be. I’m still affected by some events as a Station Officer 30 years ago, and like A.J Hewitt there was no counselling or care about the after-effects for me either. In those days you just moved on to the next job, without your superiors worrying about its effect on you. Thankfully I’d like to think that those times for Police Staff have improved nowadays.I cannot praise the author enough for The Darkroom, it is a fabulous book that lifts the lid on the important work that police Photographers did before the digital age. Written with such care and compassion, it will move you and pique your interest in forensics at the same time.A superb read, and a 5-star rating from me.

This is an honest and heart wrenching account of the life and career of a forensic photographer working out of New Scotland Yard for the London Met Police.As the story unfolds, the author takes the reader through firstly how she ended up working in such an important role, and the stories of the people and scenes she has photographed throughout her career. I enjoy reading true life accounts from people who have these difficult jobs, and it’s fascinating to hear first hand from those who have been on the front line. She explains how she dealt with her work, and the effects it had on her personally. At some points in the book it was very hard and emotional to read. I have no idea how she managed to get the job done with utter most respect for the people who had passed, treating them with dignity and compassion. Amazing woman, I am in awe!Thank you so much for sharing your story, and giving us a true and clear insight in to the workings of the role, and how it affects everyone close to the cases. I really enjoyed reading this book, it was insightful and a great read!

From being one of the first to a crime scene or unexplained death, the crime scene photographer would sometimes be on the scene for hours or days.AJ Hewitt’s account of her almost 10 years as a crime scene photographer for the Met police is both compelling and heart breaking. Her descriptions of what a photographer did in the years before digital technology is graphic and sometimes gruesome, but it’s thanks to people like her that cases were solved.As someone who studied Forensic Science this took me back to what unexplained deaths could look like.AJ’s attention to detail in all her cases were second to none and this book takes the reader through some that you would never hope to come across.A great book for anyone interested in Crime Scenes and murder.

The author's compassion, warmth, and professionalism shine through in this memoir, which recalls her years working with Scotland Yard as a forensic photographer. She describes scenes in the aftermath of homicides, suicides and accidents, which few of us could imagine witnessing, let alone photographing day after day. A compelling read, The Darkroom throws a light on a job rarely acknowledged, despite its key role in the justice system, and one woman's resilience in such a challenging post.

This book gives you the low down on what it's like to be a forensic photographer. It's nothing like the majority of people, myself included, would envisage.It's a real page turner. Every victims tale is unique and the Author has the ability to portray the cases in a poignant compassionate manner. Hard to believe it's the Authors first book as the writing is top notch.Highly recommended