Reference Books for Crime Fiction Writing

[doug anderson]

I'm interested in hearing what ref. books you folks use: things like info on police procedures, interrogation techniques, etc. I've found that gun forum websites offer a great deal of information about guns. It's pretty easy to get the info if you don't get into any political discussions with the members. From time to time I see gun mistakes in even the books of my favorite authors. How many of you have seen a Glock referred to as having a safety? Or a hammer?

The crime documentary shows usually deal with criminals who are pretty stupid. I don't see them interrogating really shifty subjects, and I'd like to know more about that process; how one deals with a highly manipulative or evasive person, etc.

Any books you could throw my way would be helpful. Also, I've become a pretty good source of information about guns if you need to tie down any details.

Thanks in advance.

[Jon Loomis]

The Howdunit series is very good, I think.

[John McFetridge]

Mistakes about guns certainly get the most reactions. Mistaks about cars are probably number two.

[Jon Loomis]

I guess there's a gun workshop for writers in Vegas; I'd love to go shoot some large caliber handguns sometime.

[doug anderson]

I actually got a permit and started shooting. I hadn't shot anything since I was in the service, and it was very informative. Strange bedfellows at the range, however.

[Jon Loomis]

Good for you. I own a shotgun that Padgett Powell's been hanging onto for the last few years--there was a point when having the thing around was triggering some suicidal ideation for me so I drove it down to Gainesville and dropped it off. Padgett got me into shooting clays, which is a gas if you can handle the perpetual shoulder bruise. Yeah, it's an interesting world: I've made the mistake of getting into gun control debates on Democratic Underground a couple of times (I'm a slow learner)--never again.

[B.R.Stateham]

The best reference is the web itself. One of my characters uses a .45 caliber Kimber. So I looked it up. It looks like a knock off of the old government model Colt. 45 semi-auto. But a far, far better gun.

Mystery Writers of America has an interesting web page where they will connect you to several web sites working in specialties. Forensics, crime scene investigations, guns . . . the works. That's a good spot to start.

Frankly generalized searches on the net is going to give you more information more rapidly than looking for a reference book. But that's just my opinion.

[doug anderson]

The model is called a 1911 and almost every big gun manufacturer makes one now: Sig, Smith, Kimber, Springfield, etc. The Colt 1911 1A was the original service weapon. They carry 8 + one in the chamber. Springfields carry 7 + one in the chamber. The gun is beautifully balanced and fun to shoot with little recoil. They aren't as popular now as Glocks and Sigs.

[minervaK]

Unfortunately, they weigh a TON... otherwise, my protag would be using one.

Why yes, I AM married to a gun nut, why do you ask?

[doug anderson]

They are definitely heavy. Helps with the recoil, though.

[Mike Dennis]

Doug, I would strongly recommend The Writer's Complete Crime Reference Book by Martin Roth. It is the most thorough book I've ever seen on the subject, covering everything from crime and criminals through cops and other law enforcement entities to the courts and prisons.

[doug anderson]

Thanks, Mike. I'll check it out.

[EDWARD C MORGAN]

I agree that the Howdunit series was a very good primer, as was the Writer's Complete Crime Reference Book. I also do a lot of web research. However, what I rely on most are the contacts I made while working as a cops reporter for different newspapers.