Robin Burcell

United States

Profile Information:

Hometown:
California
About Me:
A mother of a three. (Gotta love Photo Shop!) I love to read, write, and if I had more time, I'd paint, too.

I penned a series about San Francisco PD homicide detectives. My new series coming out probably next year is about an FBI forensic artist--of which I still am, forensic artist, that is. Not FBI. My books are based on my experience on the streets as a cop, and seeing as how I've never actually killed anyone with that gun I carried around the last couple decades, I make a lot of the stuff up, especially the murder part.
I Am A:
Writer
Website:
http://www.robinburcell.com
Books And Authors I Like:
Too many to mention. For mysteries, I like everything from cozies to hardboiled thrillers. I like romance and science fiction-fantasy. I *love* J.R.R. Tolkien, and MM Kaye, especially THE FAR PAVILIONS and SHADOW OF THE MOON.
Movies And TV Shows I Like:
My fave cop shows on TV? MONK, PSYCH, L &O SVU. The first two are all about character. I don't care that they're not realistic, and the police procedure is laughable--they are comedies, after all. I turn them on to be entertained. SVU is more on the realistic side. But I like the characters. And this year, I have discovered BBC America. I love, love, love the new ROBINHOOD that just premiered this March. Awesome! And if you're looking for a good period police procedural, check out BBC's LIFE ON MARS, which won the Edgar for Best TV series.

Comment Wall:

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  • Jordan Dane

    Yeah, it's a mystery, ain't it? Have a good week, girl.

    Apr 23, 2007

  • David Magayna

    Hi Robin,
    It was great speaking with you in NY. I see you made it home alright because I see your glammed up photos here. Lookin' Good!

    Have you run out to buy THE CHILDREN OF HURIN yet? I just ordered it and am looking forward to reading a new Tolkein.

    Just read in the paper today that your L&O SVU Chris Meloni was a star quarterback of his undefeated championship H.S. team here around DC and was inducted into his H.S. Hall of Fame.

    Have a good one,
    Dave

    May 2, 2007

  • BJ Bourg

    Robin,

    I enjoyed reading your blog entry over at Working Stiffs. It was very entertaining and I felt your pain. My oldest is 13 and he won't be driving for a few years, but I'm already starting to worry about him. Like you, I guess it comes from seeing too much.

    All the best to you and yours.

    Take care,

    bjb

    May 28, 2007

  • BJ Bourg

    You're absolutely right. Before I had kids I'd take certain risks without a second thought. After I had Brandon, I'd say to myself, "Jeez, I hope this turns out right, 'cause I don't want Brandon growing up without a dad."

    May 28, 2007

  • Marta Stephens

    Hey Robin,
    Thanks for your response to my post. Guest book -- got it. :)

    Jun 3, 2007

  • Marta Stephens

    Actually, I'm horrible with names. I have to write everything down. I'm so glad I asked the question about book signings. I can't believe how many great suggestions I've received already. Some things I knew instinctively to do, but it's good to have those things confirmed as "good things to remember." :)

    Jun 4, 2007

  • Tom Cain

    Thanks for your comment on my blog about the difficulty of second novels. I can't decide whether I should be cheered by the thought that everyone thinks they're crap - so I'm not the only one - or depressed ... you mean it never gets any better?!

    Jun 4, 2007

  • Tom Cain

    There's good news for fans of Life on Mars - which typically of UK shows ended before it had even had as many episodes as a single season of a US show ... they're rumoured to be coming back with an 80s version, Ashes to Ashes (named after another Bowie song, of course). Sam Tyler (John Simm) won't be in it. But who cares? The one and only Gene Hunt (Phil Glenister) will be back in all his sexist, racist, homophobic, corrupt, utterly non-PC glory!

    Jun 4, 2007

  • Robin Burcell

    That is great news!!!

    Jun 5, 2007

  • Tom Cain

    You were a cop in 83?? That would make you ... no ... Impossible ... SFPD must have been recruiting 12 year-olds in an undercover crackdown on pre-teen crime. Anyway, one last observation on Life on Mars ... The BBC is ridiculously right-on and seriously thought viewers would love Sam and hate Gene Hunt. They discovered, to their amazement, that it was Hunt who was the immediate fans' favourite and particularly with women. There have been tons of female columnist in UK papers writing about how they find Hunt incredibly sexy and wondering whether this doesn't say something worrying about what women actually find attractive in a guy. Me, I'm a wimpy writer, so obviously identify with Sam, while wishing I had the balls to be the Gene Genie!

    Jun 5, 2007

  • Robin Burcell

    Of course, I should add SFPD is my setting of choice. I worked just east of the city in a midsize department no one has ever heard of. I used to live in South San Francisco, went to high school there, so it was a natural draw. The city is more than a character. I think you could write about it for years, and still not know it, there are so many facets.

    Jun 6, 2007

  • Tom Cain

    Denis Franz - a total hero! And you're right about that chink of sensitivity -it gives women the excuse they need to wallow in all the ba-a-ad stuff they really like!

    Jun 6, 2007

  • reader ree

    Thank YOU! "Blood Ties' is a t.v. take-off on Tanya Huff's books, specifically her Victoria Nelson series. http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/h/tanya-huff/

    *re

    Jun 9, 2007

  • reader ree

    We just switched from 'Cable' back to 'dish', so...presently I'm not as great-on-top-wise of answers to questions like that, at present. I'll have to check it.

    *re

    Jun 9, 2007

  • Rosie Contreras

    Hi Robin, thanks for the warning! However, it's too late in my case. I'm hooked! LOL!

    Jun 15, 2007

  • Robert Fate

    Hey, Robin - Nice to hear from you. Best, Bob

    Jul 27, 2007

  • Krystal Waters

    Do you have your hands full? lol Twins are their own kind. I could care a less if I had any friend at all, because my twin was my best friend. Now I am out hunting for friends to fil the void. It's hard to find but I am running into many good people. Kris

    Jul 27, 2007

  • Krystal Waters

    I was lucky, my elementary school was small with only one class for each grade. I always had my sister right next to me, and we always had the same friends. I can understand why one of your daughters would be apprehensive I know with my own self, one of us was extrovert and the other introvert. At times, we would change... strange but true! lol

    Jul 28, 2007

  • Harry Shannon

    Howdy, Robin!

    Jul 30, 2007

  • Rick Mofina

    A big hellow right back Robin.
    Rick

    Aug 13, 2007

  • carole gill

    Tell me about forensic artist. never heard the term I'm afraid.

    Aug 15, 2007

  • carole gill

    thank you! You must be a good artist to be able to do that. terrific. i wonder if that's an old profession. all the best!

    Aug 15, 2007

  • Laura Benedict

    Hi, Robin. I've been slow about my post-Thrillerfest hellos--It was fun to get to know you a bit there. So, Hi! Hope you're well! Blessings--Laura

    Aug 22, 2007

  • Maryann Mercer

    I've been a fan since Chicago B'Con and the panel you did with Michael Black :o) It's good to know you've got another series coming out. I look forward to it. It's also nice to find another Robin Hood fan! I could not wait for the DVD to come out and now I'm waiting for the second season!

    Aug 24, 2007

  • Maryann Mercer

    Thanks for the suggestion on the show. I'll see when it's on and definitely give it a try. I'm also curious as to whether you've ever seen Slings & Arrows. I think that one comes from Canada and have heard it's hilarious.

    Aug 24, 2007

  • Maryann Mercer

    I'll have to check at B&N next time I work there...if it's out, it'll be on the system. I'll check Netflix too. Surprising sometimes what they have on their lists.
    I promised myself I'd spend more time at the writing this weekend, but I may have to pull out Robin...and Serenity or Firefly (also good). I have a question for you. How long does it take for you as a forensic artist to get a sketch done? I've got a male victim who needs to be identified both with and without feminine cosmetics and hairpiece and I don't want to get the sketch out there too fast. Any thoughts?

    Aug 25, 2007

  • Maryann Mercer

    Thanks, Robin. My corpse(s) will be relatively fresh, although I didn't even think of the possibilities of an overlay. The faces aren't touched except for minor scratches, so it looks like that
    might work well. Oh, off topic, I just finished re-watching the first Second Sight with Clive Owen--British police inspector hides the fact he's losing his sight. Have you seen it? Thanks again!

    Aug 25, 2007

  • Kim Howell

    Thanks Robin,
    Your books really look like winners, and I'm looking forward to digging into one in the near future. I'll definitely let you know when I do though. From what I've seen on your site so far, I am definitely looking forward to getting my first copy. :-)

    Aug 31, 2007

  • James Houston Turner

    G'day Robin. Will that be pepperoni or picadillo? Maybe I can follow your lead and do a series about a forensic pizza chef. He doesn't solve many crimes but he never goes hungry...

    James Houston Turner
    www.jameshoustonturner.com

    Sep 1, 2007

  • Robin Burcell

    Well, picadillo, of course.

    Sep 1, 2007

  • James Houston Turner

    Taste-testing. That's tax-deductible research, isn't it???

    Sep 1, 2007

  • Kim Howell

    Thanks Robin, You can count on me to give an honest review back, because I'm definitely into good stories with decent plots. As for the Criminal Minds. I have to agree and wasn't too impressed on the way they handled letting go of parts of their team. It started out really powerful, and I kept up to the end, but am curious on how they'll do on the new season coming up.

    I adore Numb3rs and tracking the stories there, but was kind of blown over with the finale having a main person turning out to be a spy. He always seemed like a good guy to me.

    I've never heard of Pain Killer Jane... Is that a show or reference to someone in a show? This past year was the first in over 10 years that I've even watched something regularly. When the season finale's hit, I turned the tv off and it's basically been an art piece since. Until my other half gets in and fires it back up on the weekends lately.

    Sep 1, 2007

  • Kim Howell

    Ahhh, that explains it. When Jerry (my husband) took to driving an 18-wheeler, I found less time in front of the tube, so I started watching mostly the shows on CBS until the season finale. When BattleStar Galactica announced their next season wouldn't begin until 2008, I called the cable company and had everything except basic cable removed from the tube.

    I wondered why we're spending so much extra money on those other channels, when my main motivation for the cable is the internet connection anyway. I did really enjoy "The Closure" and "The 4400" too, but their seasons are so short and weren't playing either.

    I never even caught a commercial for Pain Killer Jane, or I might very well have tuned that one in. Every season when BattleStar Galactica is playing, I end up taping each show on a DVD, so Jerry can see them when he's home. Then when the season ends, he buys the full season on DVD to get all the extra footage and keep them in order.

    Maybe this time, we'll wait for the season to end and he can follow it from their version of the DVD's, so it doesn't hit as deep in the pocketbook, and I don't have to panic if I miss an episode. :-)

    Sep 1, 2007

  • Michelle Gagnon

    Hi Robin, missed you at B'con! How is it being back
    at work?

    Oct 12, 2007

  • Bruce Findleton

    'Dresden Files' canceled? Now that's a crime.

    Oct 20, 2007

  • Peg Herring

    Robin,
    I love M.M. Kaye as well. Books like hers are the kind you don't want to end! The two you name are my favorites.

    Nov 7, 2007

  • Charlotte Williamson

    Thanks,
    I guess Kahki is close. Beige shirt, brown pants. Polyester. Hot in the summer and cold in the winter. I don't miss them.

    Nov 8, 2007

  • Michael Warden

    Hey Robin,

    If I read the "About me" section you used to be a cop? Cool. I was a Dod Federal Police officer, well ok Lt. if you must when I left the dept. 17 years ago. I only recently got serious about the wrting thing and my works will be novel length mystery. I do however have a short true story coming out Spring 2008. You might have heard of the book, "True Blue II". Lt. Randy Sutton LVPD obtains stories from former and current cops and compiles them into the book. All monies go to family of fallen officers. Great to be a part of it. Here is the link in you want to find out more information. www.acopslife.com

    I am having a great time on this site. Seems like there are just loads of great authors. So now I am going to have to find time to add your work to my growing pile.

    I didn't see any mention of your books here? Do you have something for me to read? Published or not I don't care. I'd love to see what you have.

    Well I am sending you an invite to me a friend so maybe we can swap stories some time if you want.

    I got another cop buddy I hooked up with from one of my other online sites (Critique Circle) who we might work on a prokect together. He's a Canadian cop, Lt. SWAT, etc. still on the job working the graves. So we send stuff back and forth.

    Well enogugh fodder on here for now, great to have read/met you.

    Michael

    Nov 21, 2007

  • Michael Warden

    Moring Robin,

    Well that's pretty cool. It's been almost 18 years since I left but sometimes it seems only like yesterday.

    Well you get extra bouns points in my book.

    My brother in law, married to my older sister Lyn, and I used to be partners when I was a rookie (1985) working at the China Lake Naval Weapons test center in Ridgcrest CA.

    He went to work for the Riverside Sheriffs and was injured on the job while making an arrest. He's been medically retired since 1989. Kind of odd to think about it but my sister who was they stay at home mom raising 6 kids swithc roles with Chuck. She put herself through an academy and is now a Sgt. in Susanville with the SO. And to add an another twist she's been out for 2 years on a medical. So yep it's a tough job.

    I left Ridgecrest when I got married and moved to the LA area. I took a position at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard as an officer and when I left I was an Lt.

    I went to work for Irvine PD as a reserve while I started going back to school on a regular basis after the base closed. We decided to start a family and I knew I wanted to be there for them. It was one of the toughest things I had to do, but I don't regret it.

    Now I work at Disneyland, where else, Security special services. I work in what's called Access Control 0400-1230 M/F isn't to bad from what I had. Anyway if you decide to come down this way sometime just let me know a little bit ahead of time and I'd be happy to get you and your family into the park. I can sign in 3 people but there are blackout days. Most of which are major holidays.

    I appreciate having a new author pal and look forward to sharing my wrting.

    Hope you have a great Thanksgving,
    Michael

    Nov 22, 2007

  • Lawrence Kelter

    I hope you'll take a peek at my work. I think Chalice's a blast, and hope you will too. Sorry for the late reply; been traveling for business. Looking forward to lots of great chatter.
    Larry

    Dec 7, 2007

  • Steven Hunt

    It's good to see other crime writers that are still in uniform. I have been in LE for 23 years and plan to stay another 17...that is unless my book sales skyrocket. Presently I work for the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office as the Deputy Chief Investigator for Medicaid crimes. It's nice because I am in charge of my own office in Tulsa, but I miss the thrill of working the street. I guess I am...or was...a thrill junky becuase when I worked for the Broken Arrow Police Department, I was also a member of the SWAT team. Now that is a thrill! Anyway, watch your six and keep writing!

    Dec 22, 2007

  • Brian L Porter

    Hi Robin,

    Thanks for accepting the invite! I was intrigued to learn that you're a forensic artist. I have studied forensics myself for writing purposes, but have nothing like the expertise that you do of course. Your work must be so interesting and rewarding. thanks for the congrats on my nominations. Pelase feel free to place a vote if you have the time and inclination! Actually, you might have enjoyed 'The Nemesis Cell' which was based on the subject of illegal human cloning.
    Anyway, great to hear from you,

    Won't take up too much of your time.

    Regards

    Brian

    Jan 8, 2008

  • Allan E. Ansorge

    That picture with Barry is great. I'm suprised you didn't have to cuff him. If you see him again tell him I want my pen back or I'll cuff him.

    Jan 8, 2008

  • Betty Gordon

    Robin, thanks for adding me and thanks for contributing to "Crime Scene Writer--great stuff. I hope to see you at some of the conferences.

    My best, Betty Gordon

    Apr 23, 2008

  • joe miller

    Hi Robin,

    I haven't been on this site for a while. I working on a romance suspense project with a female detective as the lead.

    Joe

    May 6, 2008

  • Gar Anthony Haywood

    Robin, we agree on a great many things. We just haven't figured out what they are yet...

    Aug 10, 2008

  • Gar Anthony Haywood

    Oh, and Robin, one more thing: I just visited your website, and I have to disagree. I don't think Lee Child has the Face of a Killer at all.

    Aug 10, 2008

  • L.J. Sellers

    Hi Robin
    What a great career you have! I look forward to reading your books.
    Lj

    Sep 8, 2008

  • Peery

    Wishin You A Very Happy New Year Robin!

    Dec 26, 2008

  • Arthur

    I'm new here. A young lady by the name of Krystal Waters invited me to crimespace. I write poetry, mostly freestyle and what ever comes to min at the moment of where and what ever I'm doing love to write. I don't know what I would if they too the pen and note book away from all of us.

    Anyway, making my rounds here and there. Stop by when you can Robin Bercell and all your friends.

    Arthur Henn

    Jun 11, 2009