Synopses & Reviews
Addressing the misunderstood and misrepresented aspects of the law in today's writing, this reliable guidebook demonstrates how to use legal concepts, terminology, and procedure to create fiction that is true to life and crackling with real-world tension. Examples from actual cases are provided along with excerpts of authentic courtroom dialogue. Topics covered include criminal and civil law; differences between federal, state, and Native American jurisdiction; police and private investigation; wills and inheritances; and the written and unwritten codes that govern the public and private conduct of lawyers and judges. Providing a quick and simple legal reference, this handbook is the key to creating innovative plots, strong conflicts, authentic characters, and gritty realism.
Review
"Concise, user-friendly . . . puts everything the crime writer needs to know about using the law in fiction right at hand -- no more hours wasted tracking down experts or sifting through research material. Keep this book close by." Leann Sweeney, author, The Yellow Rose Mysteries and the Cats in Trouble series
Review
"A mystery writer's bible. Clear, concise and infinitely useful . . . a smart, easy-to-understand legal guide for mystery writers that will keep your mystery accurate and your story moving. The ultimate mystery writer's handbook!" —Laura Childs, New York Times bestselling author, Fiber & Brimstone, Scones and Bones, and The Teaberry Strangler
Review
"Leslie Budewitzs Books, Crooks and Counselors has got everything a writer needs to write about the law—and do it accurately. I'll be consulting it with every new book I write." —Lorna Barrett, New York Times bestselling author, Sentenced to Death and The Booktown Mysteries series
Review
"Destined to become the Bible of legal research for writers. A copy of Books, Crooks and Counselors on your desk would be like having your very own legal Dream Team at your beck and call." —Lee Lofland, author, Police Procedure and Investigation
Review
"Terrific. . . . Answers all kinds of questions that I had, and, more important, all kinds of questions that I didn't even know I had. It's one of those books that is going to make me look smarter." Aaron Elkins, Edgar, Agatha, and Nero Wolfe Award-winning author, the Gideon Oliver series
Review
"Cuts through the confusion for writers who want to get their legal and law-related facts right. Written by a writer for writers. The best book for fiction writers to understand, use and manipulate the law system." Mary Buckham, romantic suspense author
Review
"A must-have resource for writers. From common terms and phrases to legal issues in criminal investigations and punishment, it's all there in a clear and concise format. This book sits right next to the dictionary on my bookshelves." —Brenda Novak, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Body Heat, Killer Heat, and White Heat
Review
"Need to grasp the rhythm of the courtroom? In Books, Crooks and Counselors, Leslie Budewitz takes you into the legal world with the sure hand and knowledge of an insider. If you write crime fiction, you need this book." D.P. Lyle, Macavity-winning author, Forensics and Fiction, Murder and Mayhem, and the Dub Walker series
Review
"A mystery writer herself, as well as a practicing attorney, Budewitz explains legal terminology, procedure and concepts. . . . Worth keeping close at hand if you're writing fiction—or even nonfiction—that touches on the law." — Freelance Writer's Report (November 2011)
Review
"Straightforward and user-friendly. . . . Will help shave off hours of research time and enable writers to focus more energy on craft, plot, and character development. Highly recommended for aspiring writers of crime fiction." —Library Journal (December 1, 2011)
Review
"A helpful introduction . . . written in an easy-to-absorb style. . . . Aimed at novelists, Budewitz's book is also a great reference for freelancers who want to write about law enforcement or screenwriters who want realistic scripts." —The Writer (May 2012)
Review
"Everything a crime writer needs to know regarding criminal law and courtroom procedure. . . . For those who want accuracy in the writing, this is a great book to have on your shelf." —Clay Stafford, president, Killer Nashville mystery, thriller, and crime fiction conference
Review
"A handy and entertaining resource for mystery writers." —Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine (April 2012)
Review
"Budewitz not only provides comprehensive, easy-to-follow details about the legal world but also considers their implications . . . she explains the law and then, with tips and examples, suggests ways to massage particulars into a ripping good yarn." —The News Review (June 6, 2012)
Review
""Thorough, well-organized, and authoritative, this excellent reference also has touches of humor."" --""""Mystery Scene"""" (June 2012)
About the Author
"Concise, user-friendly . . . puts everything the crime writer needs to know about using the law in fiction right at hand -- no more hours wasted tracking down experts or sifting through research material. Keep this book close by." Leann Sweeney, author, The Yellow Rose Mysteries and the Cats in Trouble series"A mystery writer's bible. Clear, concise and infinitely useful . . . a smart, easy-to-understand legal guide for mystery writers that will keep your mystery accurate and your story moving. The ultimate mystery writer's handbook!" Laura Childs, New York Times bestselling author, Fiber & Brimstone, Scones and Bones, and The Teaberry Strangler"Leslie Budewitz’s Books, Crooks and Counselors has got everything a writer needs to write about the lawand do it accurately. I'll be consulting it with every new book I write." Lorna Barrett, New York Times bestselling author, Sentenced to Death and The Booktown Mysteries series"Destined to become the Bible of legal research for writers. A copy of Books, Crooks and Counselors on your desk would be like having your very own legal Dream Team at your beck and call." Lee Lofland, author, Police Procedure and Investigation"Terrific. . . . Answers all kinds of questions that I had, and, more important, all kinds of questions that I didn't even know I had. It's one of those books that is going to make me look smarter." Aaron Elkins, Edgar, Agatha, and Nero Wolfe Award-winning author, the Gideon Oliver series"Cuts through the confusion for writers who want to get their legal and law-related facts right. Written by a writer for writers. The best book for fiction writers to understand, use and manipulate the law system." Mary Buckham, romantic suspense author"A must-have resource for writers. From common terms and phrases to legal issues in criminal investigations and punishment, it's all there in a clear and concise format. This book sits right next to the dictionary on my bookshelves." Brenda Novak, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Body Heat, Killer Heat, and White Heat"Need to grasp the rhythm of the courtroom? In Books, Crooks and Counselors, Leslie Budewitz takes you into the legal world with the sure hand and knowledge of an insider. If you write crime fiction, you need this book." D.P. Lyle, Macavity-winning author, Forensics and Fiction, Murder and Mayhem, and the Dub Walker series