You know you’re a geek when you’re no longer in school but you drop big bucks on two textbooks and can’t wait for them to be delivered.
Check out what I ordered (and yes, I’m ridiculously anxious for them to get here):
Practical Homicide Investigation: Tactics, Procedures, and Forensic Techniques
Synopsis: Renowned for being THE definitive source of homicide investigation, Practical Homicide Investigation: Tactics, Procedures, and Forensic Techniques is the recognized protocol used by investigative divisions of major police departments throughout the world. It is also the text used in most police academies, including the prestigious FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. It emphasizes essential procedures, combines detailed techniques with instructive case studies, and outlines the foundation on which to build a solid, prosecutable case.
Serial Violence: Analysis of Modus Operandi and Signature Characteristics of Killers
Synopsis: Linking the murders of an alleged serial killer to successfully present a case in court involves a specific methodology that has been scrutinized by the judicial system but is largely absent in the current literature. Serial Violence: Analysis of Modus Operandi and Signature Characteristics of Killers fully explains the process of finding the nexus between one violent crime and another for the purpose of pursuing the same offender at trial.
Written by renowned experts, this book focuses on analyzing crimes of violence to unveil common characteristics that might prove useful in the identification, apprehension, and conviction of murderers.
Somehow I think these two textbooks are going to be a lot more interesting than anything else I read in university. They were recommended to me by a fellow writer at ThrillerFest last year, and I’ve been meaning to order them for a while. Mind you, I didn’t need them with CREEP, but the new WIP involves a lot more police procedural stuff. I find I’m getting stuck on a lot of scenes because I just don’t know a lot of really basic things about police investigation and dead bodies. I know that I can’t put too much trust in what I see on TV shows like Criminal Minds and Law & Order, much as I love watching them.
So what are you looking forward to this week? Tell me here, or drop by Killer Chicks for Status Check Monday!
The second textbook really intrigues me. Dexter probably wrote it in actuality!
The second one is probably essential if I do more of the police side of McCord's life in the shadows.
Thanks for the heads-up on the texts. Roland
Could they make the picture on the second book any more CREEPy?
They look like they'll be great help! But book two would keep me up at night. Guess it's better that I stick to YA and not bring in serial killers…
Roland: The second one is supposed to have 40 crime scene photos… in color. Hope I can stomach it!
Jennie: Totally CREEPy, right? Can't decide if it's the eyes or all weird veins on his face…!
Those books sound great for any crime writer. What am I looking forward to this week? Getting into more editing.
Now that's my idea of some fun reading. Hope you enjoy!
There comes a point in every writer's life when the Internet + TV can no longer be the only sources for research. "You have taken the first step into a larger world." – Obi-Wan Kenobi. I usually shy away from research, preferring to write speculative fiction, but I know there will come a day when I, too, will have to hit the books hard…
This week? Well, I'm looking forward to my flash fiction "Suburban Legend" appearing in the online October issue of 10Flash Quarterly. =]
Wow, yeah, that second one is way creepy! Those look like fantastic reads. Have you ever done a police ride-along? My hubby used to work for the Criminal Justice system and he said most of the time citizens can do them just by setting up and appointment with the local PD. I've always wanted to and might get my nerve up someday.
p.s. What did you think of ROOM? It's on my TBR list and I've heard great things about it.
wow. those seem like some cool books. especially love the first one. let me know how it is. i've always been fascinated with forensics and how they use it to solve crimes. heck, i listed The Forensic Files as one of my top 10 favorite shows.
I'm a geek because I love getting books too. But I couldn't read these! Gotta do research, right?
I'd probably read these books for fun! Is that weird?! 🙂 🙂
It's amazing how much homework is involved in writing huh? More homework than in highschool!
JB: I knew you'd understand.
Milo: You're on a roll! Congrats on yet another publication! Can't wait to read it.
Joann: I'd have to get my nerve, too, but it's definitely something I've thought about. ROOM was terrific. Hooked me from the first chapter and I read it in 2 days.
Melanie: Girl after my own heart 🙂
Theresa: I loathe research. But I think there are limits to the artistic liberties I can take, especially with crime scene stuff.
Smelly: This is probably why we're related 🙂 Ummm… I don't think I did homework in highschool so I'll take your word for it! LOL
I have to love "practical" in the title. No doubt to set it apart from the competing, "Frivolous Homicide Investigation."
Hahaha! You're so right.