Customer Reviews

Murder and Mayhem: A Doctor Answers Medical and Forensic Questions for Mystery Writers

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is a collection of question-and-answer columns that Dr. Lyle wrote for Mystery Writers of America newsletters, so it's not exactly a comprehensive reference: some information is presented briefly, some is covered at great length, and some is repeated. But he covers a wide variety of topics useful to writers of mysteries and other fiction -- everything from the effects of various wounds and poisons, to what happens during a miscarriage, to who serves as the coroner in a small town. So, unless your character is an extremely ingenious murderer or suffers from a rare disease, you can probably find the information you need to write a convincing description. Also, Dr. Lyle has a good grasp of the writer's perspective, so he's very helpful in pointing out whether an author has "wiggle room" or not; this distinction isn't always clear in medical reference material. The book is easy to read, lively, and often funny, and if you're fascinated by medical details (how can the M.E. tell if someone drowned in fresh or salt water?), you'll find it enthralling -- but if not, you can always skip to the next question. Three thumbs up! (MY character has an extra digit.)

I have used this book numerous times since I purchased it new a year ago. If the answer I'm searching for isn't in this book, Lyle gives enough general information that I know what questions to ask my medical contacts when I touch base with them.

Definately worth full price, this book is packed with timely and detailed information mystery and crime writers need today.

Angela Wilson

Author

Putrefaction. Poison. Parasites. Why hair doesn't have DNA. How to trick a lie detector. What really happens when you "get the wind knocked out" of you.

These are just a few of the fascinating topics that California cardiologist D.P. Lyle Lyle has culled from his columns for Mystery Writers of America chapter newsletters and compiled into this handy, easy-to use crime writers reference.

His conversational style and comprehensive, sensible answers make the information so accessible that the book is actually a pleasant read, notwithstanding its ability to provide nefarious inspiration as well. From the smart cover art to the 19 illustrations and the reader friendly lay-out, Murder and Mayhem evidences the care taken in every step of its production to make the book useful time and again.

Although designed for mystery writers, Dr. Lyle's book is an exciting discovery for mystery readers and forensic experts. The material is organized and accessible for someone needing a reference with specific forensic questions and answers but personally I read it cover-to-cover, nonstop.

D. P. Lyle, MD has created a most unusual, entertaining reference that is as much fun as the works of the top mystery writers and scriptwriters for whom the doctor consults. My only fear is that his book will fall into the hands of murderers!

"Murder and Mayhem" is a MUST have for writers of all genres, readers, and even those glued to a television or the movies. This book is a one stop opportunity to understand the medical and forensic questions that arise in all of the most popular shows, films and books of our time. And on top of being incredibly informative--it's entertaining. I couldn't put it down. DP Lyle, MD is an exceptional writer with a flare for humor. This one is a keeper!!
Kathleen Antrim, Author of "Capital Offense"

It's three am,you're hard at work on your mystery screenplay, and all that's missing is the essential medical clue to solve the murder. Who ya gonna call? Dr. Lyle is the go-to guy for writers looking for the perfect piece of medical knowledge, fillin the blanks that imagination alone simply can't. Even if you aren't a writer, the book is probably the best bathroom reading ever -- endlessly entertaining, witty, and informative. Buy this book!

This book provides readers and writers with answers to "medical and forensic questions". The Q & A come from Dr. Lyle's column "The Doctor Is In" found in the newsletters of the Southern California and Southwestern chapters of the MWA. The first thing this reviewer did was scan the titles to insure that the good doctor had no Letterman type list of ten best ways to kill a critic. Once the book passed that critical test, I read the intriguing Q & A over a week's time. The questions are quite fascinating surely leading to the psychiatrists of America having a field day wondering just who comes up with these thoughts outside the asylum. Dr. Lyle's responses are often humorous, but always informative. MURDER AND MAYHEM is a delightful book that readers desiring entertainment (and hopefully nothing further) as much as writers seeking information will enjoy as a pick up put down reference broken into ten prime classifications and an odds and ends category catching those Qs that slip between the cracks. Words of warning: Do not attempt to use this book to bump off that insignificant other because the legal equivalent has not been written to provide the justifiable homicide defense.

Harriet Klausner

As a former law enforcement officer who served with a crime scene unit, an avid reader and contributing editor to a national law enforcement magazine, I am too frequently disappointed when a perfectly well told story falters over details of events,actions or other descriptions that are blatantly inaccurate. "Murder and Mayhem" is an excellenct source for writers who wish to avoid these mistakes.

Dr. Lyle not only provides answers to questions posed by writers accurately, his answers are presented in a manner that laymen (and espeically their prospective readers) can understand. The books added value is that the examples he uses are geared to specific literary situations.

This is a 'must have' addition to any mystery or cirme writer's reference shelf.

I've used this book as a reference while writing my first novel. Its very helpful. I'll use it again on my next. Cold Eyes

This is one of the books I reach for frequently. It's arranged to make browsing easy; the reader can open it anywhere and be sucked in. Particularly good for reading while waiting for an appointment. The information also gives me pointers on researching areas not covered by the book.