
John Sweetman
Identity: Murder, Fraud and the Making of a Garda Forensic Expert
Choose options
'A FASCINATING READ' DR MARIE CASSIDY
WHEN A VIOLENT INCIDENT LED YOUNG MISFIT GARDA JOHN SWEETMAN INTO THE GARDA TECHNICAL BUREAU WITH INCRIMINATING EVIDENCE, HE FOUND HIS TRUE CALLING.
He spent the next 25 years as a detective garda working on the frontline of crime scene investigations - as both a fingerprint expert and, in later years, a forensic handwriting and document expert. His tenacity and natural eye for detail led him to becoming involved in many criminal investigations and high-profile cases.
From the brutal murder of Marie Dillon in Finglas in 1998 to the gangland killing of Raymond Salinger in 2003, John was involved in the search for forensic evidence at these and other crime scenes.
He later employed his handwriting expertise in examining fraudulence, threatening letters and counterfeit documents, as well as the investigations into the murders of Jasmine McMonagle and student Jastine Valdez and the horrific Hawe familicide in Cavan in 2016.
Identity is both a fascinating insight into specialist forensic fields, which peeks behind the curtain of how crimes are solved, and a bravely told story of a nonconformist detective in a remarkable career.
'Eye-opening' BUSINESS POST
Author: John Sweetman
Publication Date: 2025-06-05
Format: Paperback / softback
Pages: 336
Publisher: Hachette Books Ireland
How long until I get my order?
Orders placed within the Republic of Ireland are normally processed, dispatched and delivered within 2 working days of placing your order.*
Orders placed to Northern Ireland and Great Britain are normally processed, dispatched and delivered within 2-5 working days of placing your order.
For time-lines on international deliveries, please refer to our Shipping & Delivery Page.
*Please note that during peak trade times this time-line may increase.
How much is delivery?
We offer FREE delivery on all orders over €10 within the Republic of Ireland.
Delivery is just €3.95 for under under €10
Delivery starts from just €9 for orders to Northern Ireland and Great Britain
For international rates, please refer to our Shipping & Delivery Page.
Do you provide tracking for my order?
We provide a Tracking Reference for all orders placed online as standard.
Once your order is dispatched, you will receive an email with a custom An Post link to track your delivery every step of the way.
Can I cancel/amend my order once it’s placed?
Once your order is placed we work as quickly as possible to dispatch your order to you so we cannot promise this is always possible.
However, if you’ve made a mistake on your order and you’d like to change it, please contact our online team at customercare@bookstation.ie and we will try to fix this for you before your order is dispatched.
Once an order is shipped and in transit, we can no longer offer any amendments to your order.
SHIPPING
FREE delivery on all orders over €10* ✅
Orders dispatched within 2 working days ✅
An Post Tracking provided on all orders ✅
Republic of Ireland
*FREE on all orders over €10
€3.95 for orders under €10
UK & Northern Ireland
Shipping from just €7
*Republic of Ireland only.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING
Europe - Shipping from just €9
USA - Shipping from just €17
Canada - Shipping from just €16
Australia - Shipping from just €31.50
New Zealand - Shipping from just €26
RETURNS
Judged a book by its cover?
Don’t worry - at Bookstation you can return your order for a full refund within 14 days of delivery providing:
The item is in re-saleable condition ✅
It’s within the 14 day Return Period ✅
You have a valid proof of purchase ✅