Authors who write mysteries have queries. These ex-crime solvers provide the solutions.
A Facebook group initiated by a former Milwaukee police sergeant has turned into an invaluable asset for writers aiming to steer clear of rookie errors. The group covers everything from correcting terminology like "blood splatter" versus "spatter," to pointing out that most law enforcement agencies do not commonly utilize oversized whiteboards with Venn diagrams when identifying criminals.
Cops and Writers It was established in 2019 when Patrick O'Donnell and his friends noticed far too many comedic misassumptions regarding crime, firearms, and criminals.
Some individuals' life experiences shine through, even when they include ignorance," remarked O'Donnell, who is additionally a crime novelist. "There's an obligation to correct them.
Perfecting the intricacies of the ideal crime can often lead to complications. Just how much blood would flow from a deep gash made with a large kitchen knife thrust into a woman's torso? (The amount varies based on the cut's depth.) If authorities in Minnesota found a body buried in a slight dip in the ground, would they activate their sirens loudly? (That wouldn’t be necessary.)
When queried about whether he had ever committed any mistakes, Stephen King, one of the nation's most renowned and prosperous writers, stated that nothing immediately sprang to his mind. "I can't recall any offhand, but I'm certain they're out there—a billion minor slip-ups," he remarked.
However, numerous authors do have valid reasons to verify the accuracy of the situations supporting their narratives.
"There are individuals whose sole purpose is to identify errors regarding the ejection of cartridges from a revolver," stated Otto Penzler, a seasoned editor and publisher of mystery novels and proprietor of the Mysterious Bookshop located in New York City.
Once it becomes evident that an error has occurred, Penzler promptly corrects the digital version of the book. "Receiving just one letter indicates that at least 20 more people noticed it but chose not to comment since they lead busy lives," he explained.
Even the most accomplished authors may still face criticism. For instance, Lee Child, who wrote the popular "Jack Reacher" series, mentioned that certain readers took issue with a part in his 2002 novel titled "Without Fail," wherein a firearm malfunctioned due to a defective spring within the magazine designed for holding and supplying bullets.
"I received numerous emails stating that I was fabricating the information, or that their grandfather possessed a firearm which remained loaded for 40 years without issue," Child mentioned. An individual on an online platform criticized this notion by saying it was a “major gun blunder.”
A child stood nearby as they observed the scene. An ex-highly decorated special forces operative from Britain had mentioned during a meal one time that he cared more about having a new magazine than carrying a particular make of firearm, fearing that the second round might not chamber properly.
The writer mentioned that a significant portion of their research stems from these discussions along with individual observations. "I would estimate that for every 100 hours spent conversing with individuals, you'll discover at least one valuable piece of information suitable for a book," they stated.
Halfway through penning her sophomore mystery "The Vault" concerning wine fraud, Jennifer N. Brown found herself pondering certain scenarios. She wondered how long one might endure inside a bank vault during an extended holiday weekend. Additionally, she questioned whether authorities would conduct an automatic autopsy should the person perish within.
Brown, who teaches medieval literature at Marymount Manhattan College, started looking online for insights. "A lot of what we know about crimes comes from TV," she remarked. "And it might not always be reliable."
As she delved further into her investigation, Brown feared that her queries might trigger alerts among law enforcement officials. She discovered "Cops and Writers" after searching online for questions like “What type of toxin wouldn’t go unnoticed?”
"Their profile appeared, and I thought, 'This is precisely what I've been looking for,' " stated Brown, whose inaugural mystery novel titled 'The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton' is anticipated to be published next year.
Even though she believes there are significantly more writers compared to ex-law enforcement personnel, Brown found the responses she got were satisfactory. Additionally, she gained insights from the queries posed by other writers.
Brown mentioned that someone had questioned whether a fingerprint could still be readable after three decades, to which a fingerprint specialist confirmed that it indeed could be. "This raises some interesting considerations," he added.
A growing number of individuals are delving into mystery novels and suspense stories. , According to data from the tracking service Circana BookScan, this increases the likelihood of mistakes being noticed. Analyst Brenna Connor noted that readers demand precision and dislike being distracted from the intense narrative when they encounter errors.
Errors that bother O'Donnell involve instances where DNA results are returned within hours. Typically, this process takes several months. Additionally, she finds issue with depictions of urban homicide investigators operating independently, disregarding all protocols to apprehend the culprit. Such behavior would likely result in their dismissal from the force.
He thinks that renowned detectives like the fictional Sherlock Holmes, who worked as a private detective, would not meet modern standards. According to O'Donnell, "It was uncommon for us to employ a private investigator."
Those eager to precisely portray the operations of law enforcement are welcome to become part of Cops and Writers, along with enthusiasts keen on gaining deeper knowledge. Membership comes at no cost. As stated by O'Donnell, "The only requirements are completing the survey and committing to behave sensibly." The majority discover this group through recommendations from friends, though O’Donnell additionally runs a weekly podcast under the same title.
The issue of overseeing the team's specialists puzzles seasoned crime writer Patricia Cornwell. Her latest book featuring Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta, titled "Identity Unknown," came out in October.
That website might be a decent starting point, but authors should delve further," Cornwell stated. "It's simple to remain glued to your computer instead of understanding what being a police officer is truly like. If you aim to narrate a story, conduct your own investigation.
The author implies that certain queries are ideally addressed by forensic pathologists, scientists, and law enforcement investigators. There’s a significant distinction when authors converse with individuals who have extracted blood from a chest cavity and can provide authoritative insights into how rapidly a person might have bled out.
I always locate my experts in the same manner," stated Cornwell. "One person knows another.
Through her connections, she had the opportunity to meet her initial medical examiner, Dr. Marcella Fierro, back in 1984. She advised, "Regardless of what it may be, always find a way to enter through the doorway. Laziness won't take you far."
O'Donnell mentions that a Cops and Writers expert contributor, who has over 25 years of experience working in a state crime laboratory, is available to answer any queries related to crime scenes, particularly those concerning DNA evidence.
The forum boasts approximately 7,600 members; roughly 40 percent of these individuals consist of retired or current law enforcement personnel worldwide. Around 200 members actively respond to queries on the platform.
ODonnell didn't seek input from the group for his most recent self-published book, "The Good Collar," which centers around a police chaplain also acting as a serial killer. However, he did inquire whether anyone was interested in making cameo appearances.
At minimum, four of the characters draw inspiration from real members. "This helps with promotion," he commented.
Send your correspondence to Jeffrey A. Trachtenberg at Jeffrey.Trachtenberg@wsj.com