The Sixteenth Rail: The Evidence, the Scientist, and the Lindbergh Kidnapping
"Framing the story around the kidnapping case, Schrager has written a much-needed biography about Koehler and his important work in the early days of forensic science. Dynamic and compelling, Schrager’s book is a perfect read for anyone interested in the history of criminal justice." —Library Journal"Plenty of intriguing yet tragic details come to light in this chronicle of the 1932 kidnapping and murder of Charles A. Lindberg Jr., the 20-month-old son of the first aviator to cross the Atlantic Ocean, and the ensuing manhunt for the kidnappers...this is a comprehensive addition to the literature about the case." —Publishers Weekly"The climax of Adam Schrager'sThe Sixteenth Railis Koehler's riveting testimony at the trial. A newspaper headline blared: 'Sherlock Holmes in Witness Box.' Some called it the birth of modern forensic science. Koehler himself put it more simply. 'A tree never lies,' he said." —Wisconsin State Journal"A fascinating and objective look at the forensic evidence that led to the conviction of the Lindbergh baby kidnapper. For anyone who wants to rely on simplistic assessments of that frenzied case, this highly readable book will be enlightening." —Scott Turow, author"The Sixteenth Railis a compelling read about one of the most notorious crimes of the last century. Adam Schrager digs into the roots of forensics with a gripping tale of a USDA xylotomist who uses his deep knowledge of wood to finger the suspect. In a world where CSI solves crimes by the dozen every night, here is a true tale of a real, mild-mannered guy and his amazing knowledge of all things wood. It is a great story about the unpredictable relevancy of obscure knowledge." —Kirk Johnson, Sant Director, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History"Industry rightfully spends millions of dollars to stimulate innovation. They should spend some of those millions distributing this book. The modest Arthur Koehler was perhaps the greatest detective innovator of the 20th century." —Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper"This exceptionally well-written book is a must for anyone interested in the Lindbergh kidnapping and the history of forensic science. Adam Schrager has done a masterful job by providing new information in what is perhaps the greatest forensic case in history." —Paul Dowling, Creator and Executive Producer ofForensic Files"A well-researched, well-written account of Arthur Koehler, the wood expert who has been called 'the father of forensics,' and his exacting study of the ladder in the Lindbergh baby kidnapping in 1932 that led to the death sentence of kidnapper Bruno Hauptman.The Sixteenth Railexplains how forensic science began to expand into new scientific realms beyond fingerprints and bullet markings. A thoroughly engaging account of the times and the trial." —Dr. Shirley Graham, Curator at the Missouri Botanical Garden“A dedicated government employee of the US Forest Service's Forest Products Laboratory, Arthur Koehler uses keen forensic skills with wood to help solve one of the 20th century's greatest crimes. The author masterfully depicts how Koehler, who knew that the wood from trees never really dies, deploys the tenacity of a great detective to make the ladder used in the kidnap of Charles Lindbergh's son eventually talk and convincingly point to Bruno Hauptmann. The reader is continually captivated by the incredible force and unflinching will Arthur Koehler brings to his scientific craft to coax compelling clues from the 'rails and styles' to help solve one of America’s most horrific crimes.” —Michael T. Rains, Acting Director, Forest Product Laboratory"I have never read a book so well-researched or with as much depth into the forensic issues of a criminal case. I found myself thinking, 'I wish I had a chance to read this book thiry-five years ago when I was starting my law enforcement career.' The background on Arthur Koehler, 'Slim' Lindbergh, and the other characters made it such an enjoyable read, which is not typically the case when science is such a large factor in a book. For those of us who have a keen, or even passing, interest in criminal justice cases and forensic science,The Sixteenth Railis a must read. Arthur Koehler is now on my list of American heroes. I will want to get my hands on more copies to gift my fellow police friends." —Colonel Mark Trostel, former head of the Colorado State Patrol"The Sixteenth Railis a riveting chronicle of the investigation and trial that dominated American public life for over two years in the early 1930s—and the xylotomist (expert on the identification of wood) at the center of that case, Arthur Koehler. In my twelve years as a federal prosecutor, I never encountered a witness remotely like Koehler; he combines unquestioned expertise, precision, and drama. Adam Schrager weaves a compelling tale of forensic science, criminal law, and American history. This incredible true story reads like a novel." —Anthony Barkow, former prosecutor"As Arthur Koehler's granddaughter I grew up hearing his story and knew how it ended. Yet I raced through Mr. Schrager's suspenseful and perceptive book, eager to see how it all unfolded: the farm boy turned world-renowned forensic scientist, his meticulous investigations, the dramatic courtroom testimony. Schrager's portrait feels true to the intelligent, conscientious, outdoors-loving man I knew—and I even learned some surprising things about my own grandfather!" —Nikki Koehler Guza, Arthur Koehler’s granddaughter