Addressing the misunderstood and misrepresented aspects of the law in today’s writing, this reliable guidebook demonstrates how to use legal concepts, terminology, and procedure to create fiction that is true to life and crackling with real-world tension. Examples from actual cases are provided along with excerpts of authentic courtroom dialogue. Topics covered include criminal and civil law; differences between federal, state, and Native American jurisdiction; police and private investigation; wills and inheritances; and the written and unwritten codes that govern the public and private conduct of lawyers and judges. Providing a quick and simple legal reference, this handbook is the key to creating innovative plots, strong conflicts, authentic characters, and gritty realism.
Books, Crooks and Counselors
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Book Description
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"Straightforward and user-friendly. . . . Will help shave off hours of research time and enable writers to focus more energy on craft, plot, and character development. Highly recommended for aspiring writers of crime fiction." —Library Journal (December 1, 2011)
"A mystery writer's bible. Clear, concise and infinitely useful . . . a smart, easy-to-understand legal guide for mystery writers that will keep your mystery accurate and your story moving. The ultimate mystery writer's handbook!" —Laura Childs, New York Times bestselling author, Fiber & Brimstone, Scones and Bones, and The Teaberry Strangler
"Leslie Budewitz’s Books, Crooks and Counselors has got everything a writer needs to write about the law—and do it accurately. I'll be consulting it with every new book I write." —Lorna Barrett, New York Times bestselling author, Sentenced to Death and The Booktown Mysteries series
"Destined to become the Bible of legal research for writers. A copy of Books, Crooks and Counselors on your desk would be like having your very own legal Dream Team at your beck and call." —Lee Lofland, author, Police Procedure and Investigation
"Budewitz not only provides comprehensive, easy-to-follow details about the legal world but also considers their implications . . . she explains the law and then, with tips and examples, suggests ways to massage particulars into a ripping good yarn." —The News Review (June 6, 2012)
"Thorough, well-organized, and authoritative, this excellent reference also has touches of humor." —Mystery Scene (June 2012)
"A must-have resource for writers. From common terms and phrases to legal issues in criminal investigations and punishment, it's all there in a clear and concise format. This book sits right next to the dictionary on my bookshelves." —Brenda Novak, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Body Heat, Killer Heat, and White Heat
"A handy and entertaining resource for mystery writers." —Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine (April 2012)
About the Author
Leslie Budewitz is a practicing lawyer with more than 25 years of civil and criminal experience. Her short fiction has been featured in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, Fish Tales: The Guppy Anthology, Thug Lit, and the Whitefish Review, and her nonfiction has appeared in the anthologies Comfort for Cat Lovers and Cup of Comfort for Dog Lovers, Vol. II. She lives in Bigfork, Montana.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Legal Resource For Writers/General Overview for Everyone
September 21, 2011
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
A definite must have for writers.
This is an excellent legal resource for writers. The chapters and sections are well thought out and the index makes it easy to go to the part you need. This is less a 'beginning to end read' (although you can do that if you want), but more of a 'I want to know this now'.
It's also a great general overview for any one interested in understanding the legal system and the law. Or for when one encounters legal references and procedures or other aspects of the legal system or the law in newspaper articles, radio or television news, shows or movies.
This is an excellent legal resource for writers. The chapters and sections are well thought out and the index makes it easy to go to the part you need. This is less a 'beginning to end read' (although you can do that if you want), but more of a 'I want to know this now'.
It's also a great general overview for any one interested in understanding the legal system and the law. Or for when one encounters legal references and procedures or other aspects of the legal system or the law in newspaper articles, radio or television news, shows or movies.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is a definite "must have" for mystery fans and writers that are looking for an easy to understand and thorough reference handbook for their personal libraries. Well written, easy to understand, and a great read for any mystery/crime novel fan!
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By Terri
Format:Paperback
Writers all have books that they use for research and as a resource. This one's a definite keeper for your collection. Easy to follow with enough details to make it very useful. Don't pass this one by!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Great Writer's Resource
Although I found no disclosure requirement in the law, I wouldn't want you to dismiss this review with prejudice or to feel that I was negligent, so in the interest of full... Read more
Published 10 months ago by R. BULL
5.0 out of 5 stars
Books, Crooks and Counselors
Book is bursting with great legal information. Every writer must have this book. It is structured in an "oh-so-easy" way to make finding what you need so easy and simple. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Olga Oliver
5.0 out of 5 stars
Exceptionally useful writer's guide
I've published 29 romance novels, many with light suspense/mystery elements. I buy/read a lot of writer guides to everything from PIs to poisons and this book is exceptionally... Read more
Published 12 months ago by Daphne Atkeson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Resource for Mystery and Suspense Writers
Leslie Budewitz has provided a wonderful legal resource for mystery writers. She is a mystery writer in her own right as well as an attorney at law. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Edie Dykeman
5.0 out of 5 stars
If you write about anything legal, this is necessary
(*DISCLAIMER: I was a first reader on this book and am quoted in it.*)
This is a book that is necessary for anyone who writes about the law, whether you are a... Read more
This is a book that is necessary for anyone who writes about the law, whether you are a... Read more
Published 12 months ago by James William Hopkins
5.0 out of 5 stars
Highly recommended!
This is a must-have resource--detailed and easy to use. If you are reader with an interest in law and procedure (or a mystery writer who wants to sound credible), you need to add... Read more
Published 13 months ago by Cyn
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Must for Writers (and maybe new lawyers)
Books, Crooks and Counselors not only is an excellent addition for writers --- it is thorough enough that a practicing attorney might learn something, too :). DHG
Published 13 months ago by Debra H. Goldstein
5.0 out of 5 stars
Easy Research
My family is littered with lawyers. This book is an excellent resource for making sense of everything legal. The writing is approachable and the contents well organized. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Alise Daniels
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent book
If you are a writer, or just someone who for personal reasons wants a better understanding of the system, this book is great. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Deborah M
5.0 out of 5 stars
Seriously Funny (and Inspirational) Legal Reference for Writers
Some writers depress with their brilliance, making an aspiring writer feel they've sucked up all the great ideas and left nothing for the rest of us. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Mary Ann Stewart
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