Another Review at MyShelf.Com

Publisher: Alpha Books
Release Date: August 2002
ISBN: 0028643992
Awards:
Format Reviewed: Paperback
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Genre: Non-fiction / How To
Reviewer: Nancy Mehl
Reviewer Notes:

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Private Investigating
By Steven Kerry Brown  

     As a writer, one of the most important aspects of presenting a believable story lies in blending fiction with fact. Authors know the difficulties that can come when searching for reliable sources for research information. Although it is easy to look up the migrating patterns of the Canadian Goose on the Internet, it is often more difficult to implement the knowledge and lingo associated with professions that the author has no experience in. Those who deal with detective fiction have found it almost impossible to find a definitive source for the details that make up the life of an actual private investigator. Most of us don't know any real P.I.'s, but we are still left with the chore of making our investigators seem credible.

     Finally, an answer looms on the horizon! Steven Kerry Brown is an experienced private investigator who shares the in's and out's of this secretive trade in his book, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Private Investigating. He is quick to point out that you don't have to be an idiot to glean the information you need from this book; you just have to open its pages to find everything you've been looking for. He explains the "tools of the trade" as well as methods to perform "skip traces" and background investigations. His book is full of the actual methods used by P.I.'s, along with intelligent comments about the reasoning behind different investigative techniques.

     For anyone interested in the life of a private investigator, or for authors who have been searching desperately for research assistance, this is the book you've been waiting for. After only reading a few chapters, I was searching death records and databases like a pro!

     I highly recommend this valuable book!

Thanks, Steve!

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