Just the Facts, Ma'Am: A Writer's Guide to Investigators and Investigation Techniques (Howdunit) [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

by Greg Fallis (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
With practical information and extensive detail, former PI Fallis uses real-life scenarios to show writers how investigative professionals gather evidence, interview witnesses, determine motives and find the answers they seek.'

Product Details

• Paperback: 246 pages
• Publisher: Writer's Digest Books; 1st edition (September 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 089879823X
• ISBN-13: 978-0898798234
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #682,251 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #48 in

  Books > Mystery & Thrillers > Mystery

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource!, March 7, 2001

By	Ve "Ve" (USA) - See all my reviews

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!

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thoroughly engaging and informative read, January 9, 2000

By	Ernesto-- "bodega19" (New York city) - See all my reviews

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.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thoroughly engaging and informative read, January 9, 2000

By	Ernesto-- "bodega19" (New York city) - See all my reviews

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.