Never before has such specialized information been so thoroughly compiled and easily accessible to writers! Each book is written by a professional in their respective field, providing the inside details that writers need to weave a credible -- and salable -- story.
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Library Journal
Bintliff, who has worked with the Arkansas State Police, the criminal investigations division of the Army, and the CIA, brings together an incredible amount of information on how police and other law enforcement agencies work. This latest addition to the "Howdunit" series from Writer's Digest Books gives writers authenic and detailed information to sift through and use in their work. Readers learn how police are trained, how they move through the ranks, what kind of equipment they use, and how they prepare for court. This is not a how-to-write-police-fiction book; rather, it is for writers who want help in making their police and law enforcement characters realistic. It also has possibilities as a reference source, providing such information as what the groups of numbers mean in a social security number. A good choice for most libraries. Blythe's book for writers of detective fiction gives detailed information about how real private investigators work. Some of the areas covered are how detectives get their licenses, acquire cases, gather evidence, and lead their personal lives. Included are many examples from real-life PIs. Scattered throughout the text are addresses, sample forms, and telephone numbers that writers can pursue for authentic detail in their writing. Each chapter ends with hints to help make the writer's detective credible. Both this book and its companion volume would be valuable additions to writing collections.
- Lisa J. Cochenet, Rhinelander Dist. Lib., Wis.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
- Lisa J. Cochenet, Rhinelander Dist. Lib., Wis.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
As the title states, this is a valuable guide for writers.,
By A Customer
This review is from: Private Eyes: A Writer's Guide to Private Investigating (Howdunit Writing) (Paperback)
Very few of us get the opportunity to experience the actual day to day environment of the "cops and robbers'" world. "Private Eyes" does a very good job of showing us what goes on in the everyday life of the private investigator, as well as the police detective. Written jointly by two professors of creative writing and an ex-policeman turned private investigator, this book offers an interesting and helpful insight into the profession of crime investigation. Writers need to be factual in their descriptions. After reading this book I found myself editing some of the relevant data I had erroneously included in my novel. It pays to do good research, and this book worked well for me.
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not realistic,
By Jim (United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Private Eyes: A Writer's Guide to Private Investigating (Howdunit Writing) (Paperback)
As a licensed and practicing private investigator, I can tell you that this book does not describe the experiences shared by 90% of real life PIs. Much of what is written appears to have been embellished by either the authors or the consultant to be more dramatic and exciting. For example, Mr. Blythe describes how local law enforcement would encourage private citizens with problems to go directly to his home, no matter what time of day or night. Come on! No officer whom I have ever met would do such a thing! Mr. Blythe describes how easily PIs can obtain a full credit report on someone. Very illegal in 99% of the cases!!! This is a great book if you are looking for ideas of how to get your PI in legal hot water. Other than that, check out Greg Fallis' book in this same series for reliable info.
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
People, this is NOT real life PI information,
By Jim (United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Private Eyes: A Writer's Guide to Private Investigating (Howdunit Writing) (Paperback)
After reading some of the other reviews, I am compelled to write again. This book contains almost no information relating to what really happens in a PI's life! The book is being marketed as a resource for mystery writers to show what goes on "behind the scenes" when working cases. I am here to tell you that if what the authors described really happened, the PI would likely find him or herself in court being sued and/or being placed under arrest for violating local, state, and Federal laws. I don't know where the authors found this "consultant" but the stories he shares quite frankly make me ill. This book does nothing but perpetuate myths and lies about the industry.
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