For most microbiologists, diagnostic parasitology is a small but important part of their clinical practice. Consequently, there is a need for a comprehensive laboratory guide enabling trainees to gain essential knowledge and to continue to provide bench-side advice throughout a career. The second edition of this practical guide by Linne Garcia achieves this aim and is highly recommended. The introductory chapters that explain the philosophy of parasitic diagnosis and provide an overview of available methods are especially useful. All human parasites are here! It is comprehensively and generally well illustrated, notably the line drawings. Some of the pictures have too low a resolution, and colour for malaria and other blood protozoa would have improved the utility. Systematic descriptions of each diagnostic target are helpful. The only weakness is the lack of molecular diagnostics, which might merit a separate chapter in future. Despite this, Garcia's newest edition is a 'must buy' for trainees and established microbiologists.