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MAKING CRIME PAY: The Writer's Guide to Criminal Law, Evidence, and Procedure
by Andrea Campbell
Allworth Press, March 2002
282 pages
$19.95
ISBN: 1581152167


Buy in the UK | Buy in Canada

Andrea Campbell, a trained forensic scientist with a degree in criminal justice (among other titles and honors), has written an extensive reference regarding crime and the criminal justice system. The book was written with the professional writer in mind and the writing is geared toward that audience.

In her author's note the writer makes clear her mission: "This book is designed to provide information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is not the intent of this book to reprint all the information that is otherwise available to the authors, but to complement, amplify, and encourage reading of other texts."

Campbell begins with a brief timeline of the history of the law. This first section also covers the basics of the criminal justice system including definitions of crimes. The next section is devoted to the criminal justice rules, rights and procedures. Finally, she leads us on the journey from arrest to trial.

Throughout the book the author addresses the crime writer personally. She cites texts in addition to hers or names sources for a particular part of law, then recommends those she feels would be most helpful to a fiction author.

Additionally she adds small sections called FYI, or Writers Tips, and/or Writer's Jump Start. For example: "FYI An interesting question and a popular plot concoction for writers is this: If property is stolen from a thief who has stolen it previously, is it still illegal? Sorry, but yes" (pg. 41).

Writers will frequently refer to this book in order to check procedures, definitions and so on. In order to review it I read the book through, and in spite of its being a text or reference book I found it fascinating reading. It appears to be well researched and documented. Ms Campbell has included a detailed index plus an appendix.

I can only speak as a reader; I am not author, but I cannot imagine that this work would not take its place on the writer's shelf as an excellent and frequently used tool. For those of us, who are fascinated to learn the accurate meaning of the legal language we encounter in the movies, books and on TV, it makes a great read. As I follow my addiction to crime stories I am confident I will frequently refer to MAKING CRIME PAY.

Reviewed by Martha Hopkins, December 2002

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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)


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