Crime Writers Research

While researching my mysteries, I often need information that you can’t go around asking friends. Things like, what kind of poison will kill someone right away and is easily obtainable? How can I stage a crime scene by hanging to make it look like a suicide? What would tip off the cops that it’s foul play? Or, if a detective becomes a suspect in a murder case, is he removed from action? Often I need specific answers to help me set my scenes with as much authenticity as possible.         

Fortunately, mystery writers have a range of resources available besides your friendly cop on the local force. These are some of the sites where you can get this type of concrete information. Check out the links; they’ll lead you to more informational websites and blogs. Others are listserves you can join. Once you’re on the loop, throw out whatever question you need answered. Chances are someone will be qualified to respond.

Please share here which places you find useful in your crime scene research. And good hunting!

Crime Scene Writers at Yahoo Groups, http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/crimescenewriter
To subscribe: crimescenewriter-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

In Reference to Murder, http://www.inreferencetomurder.com/

Lee Lofland, veteran police investigator, http://www.leelofland.com/wordpress/

Mystery Writers of America, http://www.mysterywriters.org/

The Writers Forensic Blog by D.P. Lyle, MD, http://writersforensicsblog.wordpress.com/

Sisters in Crime, http://www.sistersincrime.org/

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