This is a fascinating story of a scientific breakthrough that solved one of the most brutal murders in England's history and forever changed the criminal justice system. "Fingerprints" traces fingerprinting to its present-day applications and illustrates why the unique tracks we leave with our fingers continue to be one of the most important means of identifying criminals.

Chronology of fingerprints -- The shocking tragedy at Deptford -- To catch a crook -- Like rats with no rat-catcher -- Marks on a cocktail glass -- In a criminal's bones -- A biological coat of arms -- Britain's identity crisis -- The case of the little blue notebook -- An innocent in jail -- The Stratton trial -- Verdicts.