Customer Reviews

Just the Facts, Ma'am: A Writer's Guide to Investigator's and Investigation Techniques (Howdunit Writing)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Just the Facts Ma'am is filled with useful information. It goes through the qualities of an investigator, and the skills needed to become one. There is so much in this book, it is nearly impossible to describe it all to you...you'll just have to read it yourself!

Some very interesting sections of this book include: crime scene investigation, 21 points to follow in a death scene investigation, common police mistakes, how to collect evidence, interviewing and interrogation, and my favorite section of the book is surveillance.

Just the Facts Ma'am also covers such issues as the dangers of investigations, and specific case studies as examples of previous investigations. I'm really impressed with this book so I'll have to give it 4th place in my "Favorites in the Howdunit Series". It is absolutely a necessity to all crime writers. The whole Howdunit Series is definitely worth the bookshelf space!

Whether you're just THINKING about writing detective fiction or have some writing and/or investigative experience under your belt, you stand to benefit from reading this book. An informative and often entertaining read, it proves a welcome departure from the condescending, pompous approach taken by some writing guides (and writers!). Its down-to-earth, comprehensive coverage makes it a reassuring presence on your bookshelf.

Whether you're just THINKING about writing detective fiction or have some writing and/or investigative experience under your belt, you stand to benefit from reading this book. An informative and often entertaining read, it proves a welcome departure from the condescending, pompous approach taken by some writing guides (and writers!). Its down-to-earth, comprehensive coverage makes it a reassuring presence on your bookshelf.

This book is an excellent resource for writers who want to imbue their stories with the authentic details of unnatural death but don't really have all the tools and training of a full-time medical examiner or police investigator. Maybe the life of a real cop isn't as exciting as portrayed on TV, but neither is it as shallow. In my case, as a crime author, the text was an invaluable reference, putting some highly technical material into easily digested context. Recommended for writers of all kinds who need a good reference work on the myriad ways to die.

This is definitely a great resource for the aspiring mystery novelist since the book helps authors construct realistic plots for police procedurals. This is because it contains crucial information about how investigators conduct investigations. However, some of the material covered is obvious but, nonetheless, there are many interesting facts.

I enjoyed the evening I spent reading this introduction to theart of investigation. ...[I]t was a good introduction that, like anyuseful introduction, sets the stage for further reading. Anybody who just wants to know more will enjoy it; any writer thinking about writing a murder mystery (as I was when I picked it up) will see its value. The author obviously knows his stuff, and presents it in a clear, precise fashion that ranges from the obvious to the insightful. Definitely worth reading. END

The book reminds me of a recruiting tool for the police academy at Podunk Community College. And it's just the thing for someone who has zero experience with law enforcement and investigations. But the scope of the book is superficial. Plus you never get a sense of what detective work is really like.

Many of the detectives I've worked with make major boo-boos, lie, get killed because of their screw-ups, and are stupid. Around here it's not unusual at all for killer's to walk because of detective malpractice. they lie to get search warrants, then lie in court. And they get caught. I recall one incident I was involved in where the cops were a lot more interested in busting a cop, who defended himself against a violent criminal (I witnessed the whole show), than in arresting the criminal for attacking the cop...escaping...and making a false police report about someone else (why we were at her house). The Internal Affairs guys acted depressed and annoyed when I verified what really happened.

So I was wanting to know more of how this happens when cops are supposed to be professionals. But Fallis ignores the subject as if it doesnt exist. You learn nothing about Political Correctness and the BS and the behind-the-scene strong-arm stuff that goes on within police departments.

But thebook is terrific if youre 18, have stars in your eyes, and wannabe a detective.

This is a very good book. Not only does it contain a great deal of information about investigation techniques but the author also manages to convey, in great depth, the emotional aspects of the business. I definitely recommend this book.

This book is subtitled as a writer's guide, but it is hard to imagine that an experienced writer would not already possess most of the basic information contained in this book. It appears to be geared toward the novice who has had little introduction, through reading or whatever, to the crime investigation profession. There are more comprehensive books on the market.