Psych's Guide to Crime Fighting for the Totally Unqualified

by Shawn Spencer (Pseudonym), Burton Guster (With)

GOT A MYSTERY TO SOLVE?
DON'T GET STUMPED. GET PSYCHED!
You've seen him solve unsolvable crimes, stop unstoppable killers, and consume unconsumable breakfast cereals. Now Shawn Spencer (James Roday), the mastermind from TV's hit show Psych, shows you how to become a fake psychic-and a real detective-using his patented methods of crime-fighting awesomeness. Along the way, he'll help you deal with whiny sidekicks (that means you, Gus), interfering police officers (including but not limited to Chief Vick, Lassiter, Henry, Buzz MacNab, and, ah, Juliet), and flashes of genius (like Evel Knievel's white leather jumpsuit). You'll discover:


How to set up a totally bitchin' office, where Wednesday = Ladies Night
How to convince your sidekick that he's really your partner
How to pick up women at a crime scene
Shawn's Stakeout Survival Guide, including sensible snacks
Gus's Scream-and-Run Method for confronting criminals
Unsolved mysteries like who stole Shawn's Sno-Caps in third grade
The ideal sleuth car: Magnum, P.I.'s Ferrari or Knight Rider's K.I.T.T.?
Who should play Shawn in the movie of his life: Christian Bale or Don Cheadle?
New names for detectives, such as Rico Solvé and Sherlock Homeboy

. . . and way more cool stuff.
Packed with insane pop quizzes, unbelievable case studies, unflattering photos, and off-the-chart charts, this all-in-one guide will have you solving crimes and catching crooks like a pro-even if you don't have a clue.

Genres: Humor, Fiction, Mystery, Comedy, Tv, Crime, Adult

304 pages, Paperback

First published May 7, 2013

About the author

Note: Shawn Spencer is only a fictional character played by James Roday on the USA Network TV show Psych, used as a pseudonym for the purposes of the tie-in book.

Reviews

[Maha A · Rating 5 out of 5]

How I felt after reading Psych's Guide to Crime Fighting for the Totally Unqualified



If you're a fan of Psych, then reading this, is a MUST! Because just like the show, the book is hilarious, silly, fun and just.. AWESOME!



I loved the banter between Shawn & Gus in the footnotes, those two manage to crack me up every time!

[Erika Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a Psych-o. Don't believe me? I have a Jules and Lassie bobblehead set on my entertainment center. (Picture forthcoming.) My friend made me a crochet pineapple because she knows I'm a fan of delicious flavor. And let's face it, Psych is one of the few shows that actually lasted seven years without a serious decline in quality. Season 8 may sink it, but I'm choosing to be hopelessly optimistic about the show not only lasting forever but at the same high quality that I've come to know and love.

That being said, this is a book for Psych fans. And not casual fans, like "Oh yeah, I saw that show once, it was pretty good." No, this is for the fan that has seen every episode, played spot the pineapple and has heard it both ways. Despite taking place during season 7, there are a lot of references to events that happened in earlier seasons sprinkled throughout the book.

I may be biased, but I can easily say that this is one of the most entertaining books I've read all year. Reminiscing with Shawn about things that haven't been mentioned in the show for years delighted me. It was like a pleasant trip down memory lane with a good friend who has a tendency to get everyone around him into trouble. Some people might find it tedious to be stuck in Shawn's head for so long. The footnotes were most entertaining, especially when Shawn and Gus used the space to argue with each other. All in all, a solid read for the dedicated Psych fan.

[Natalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't really like this book, it kept all the ideas I like about Psych (style of how they talk, all the 80's references, etc.) but this book just wasn't for me. For a few reasons:
They dissed Doctor Who! (Shawn said it was the lamest show ever, as I just can't accept that)
I don't appreciate some if the language AT ALL, even if they say it all the time in the show. Kids are reading this! Like me
I actually don't get any of the 80's references from the book or show, but it's okay on tv because it seems easier to understand during a heated argument between Lassie and Shawn.
Guide books aren't really my thing, I like ACTUAL informative books, but I don't think Psych is especially good in this area.
Many trick questions during the chapter "quizzes" that relate to nothing.
And finally, there was NO real information WHATSOEVER that wasn't already common knowledge. It's quiet evident in the show, but I would expect something different in a book that is actually labeled "Guide to Crime Fighting". Sure it isn't a real informational book, but there could have been something different since people ARE paying $16 for this thing.

It was okay though for just a couple reasons:
It's Psych, my favorite show! I have to like the book by default (not really, but I freak out at even the slightest mention of it)
And secondly, I liked the parts where Juliet was writing ir having her little doodles in there!!

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was a fun one. Love Psych and this had all the ridiculous goodness of the show. I’m totally a detective now. Shawn Spencer said so.

[H.L. Burke · Rating 3 out of 5]

On one hand, I'm the target audience for this. I'm a huge fan of the show. I own all the DVDs ... on the other, I'm not sure if this book knew what its target audience was expect for maybe "fans who will buy anything with Shawn and Gus's face on it just to have" ... and if that was what they were going for, this book does have some bright spots.
There are some places that are quite funny ... but in other ways its a very lazy "merchandise" item but little more.
Main problems: the humor can be very lazy. That's kind of what I wanted, not a story, just some good laughs, and there are some good jokes, but a lot fell flat by taking Shawn's immaturity and faults but not really any of his charm or creativity. There was also way too much crude humor. I'm not an incredible prude either, but a lot of times it felt like they just didn't know what to say so they threw in sexual innuendo that wasn't really that funny. Just mentioning sex or something sex related does not automatically make it a joke.
A lot of the "guest writers" also kind of felt like "hey, you remember this episode? You liked this episode" sort of throw aways (maybe Mary's and Yang's were exceptions to this), but all in all this was kind of a missed opportunity that really read more like promotional material than anything else.
Honestly, the website extras I used to get on USA Network's site (like the hashtag killer extras and such) really felt like there was more thought put into them than this collection.

[ALLEN · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lame. I should have known better than to buy this book, since it is "written" in the voice of the main character, Shawn Spencer (James Roday), rather than by the actors or production staff. As you might suspect, there's a kind of law-of-diminishing-comedic-returns at work when people try to spoof a spoof. I like the PSYCH series a lot, but many of the commentaries or podcasts leave me cold for the same reason this book does -- it's full of convoluted in-jokes that don't really reach out. I consider myself a big fan of the PSYCH show, but not of this book.

[Kiirsi Hellewell · Rating 2 out of 5]

It truly pains me to give this book such a low star rating. I ADORE Psych as a TV show. I love all the characters, especially Shawn and Gus. I thought this book would be a laugh-out-loud riot all the way through.

Unfortunately, it was loaded with profanity and not hardly funny at all. On paper, whomever wrote this book was clearly trying for the hilarious dialogue of the show but it really fell flat. I only smiled or laughed a few times, usually at outraged footnotes from Juliet or Gus. I'm glad I got it from the library because I will not be buying it, sadly.

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is ... odd. First, it’s written by a fictional character with input from his fictional friends. This is only for hard-core fans of the TV show “Psych.” To anyone else, this book will make no sense at all.

It’s hard to switch from TV to a book. You have to imagine Shawn’s voice actually narrating the book. It’s got his obscure 80s references and tangents and plenty of footnotes where he argues with Gus. It’s kind of funny but mostly goofy.

I can’t believe Shawn disses Doctor Who:



At least Gus comes to its defense.

[Tori Stegle · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEST. IDEA. EVER. Psych is a brillant show. James Roday and Dule Hill are the perfect best friends and I cannot get enough of their humor! This is a must read if you enjoy these actors and the USA TV Show. I own ever season so you know I loved this!

[Whitney Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Any Psych fan would love this book. It's incredibly funny. It's written by Shawn, but other characters provide articles, and there are footnotes through which characters comment on the what Shawn's written. I found myself laughing out loud through most of the book. Very fun read.

[Tinka · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It’s a well-known fact to never trust a person with a mustache.”

A few weeks ago Psych ended after its 8 year one. The finale was brilliant and perfect and probably all fans could’ve asked for. After finishing it I immediately watched the After PShow, I just couldn’t let go of the cast and characters yet.

On this show they promoted this book. I bought it on Amazon directly afterwards. Blame it on my emotional instability because I just had to say goodbye to one of my favorite shows ever.

So when I got it, I was over the moon. I immediately started reading it and basically couldn’t put it down.

You know a book is going to be awesome when it has criticism from Gus’s parents and Pierre Despereaux on the cover, an introduction by Curt Smith and a dedication to the one and only Billy Zane.

The book is written from Shawn’s perspective, but filled with comments and sections from all the lovable characters, be it Gus, Juliet or even Buzz McNab.

It is a guide to crime fighting in Psych Style, filled with hilarious tips and tricks, 80’s, 90’s and contemporary pop culture reference and just 100 % in tone with the show. I think I should be worried because I’m pretty sure I got almost all the references…damn this obsession with 80's movies (I blame you Psych, even if you’re not to blame, I still do it).

The character’s voices are so distinctive you can hear them talking in your head. I hear James and Maggie and Tim talking. I cracked up everytime Gus was annoyed or offended and just said ‘Shawn’ because I could hear and see Dulé right before my eyes, doing his hilarious face and gestures.

I would pay lots and lots of money for an audio book narrated by the actors. Person in charge, make it happen. Just do it, like right now.

It is a very quick read, but filled with so much fun and joy, that you could probably read it over and over again.

Short warning, don’t read it in public places. I did and people started to stare at me because I couldn’t stop laughing my ass off.

Conclusion: Loved it. Gimme my audio book right now!

Recommendation: A must read for every Psych-O out there. Be warned, if you haven’t watched the complete show, this book spoilers seasons 1 to 7.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a proud Psych-O, I can tell you that this was good! It was really good! I liked some parts a little more than others Juliet's fingerprint art wasn't my favorite part, in fact, I would've preferred it without, but it was good nonetheless. But in the end, it was a quick, fun read. I love Psych and you can tell the writer of this feels the same way I do. It was pulling for laughs, and for the most part it worked; I laughed a lot.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4.5 stars rounded up

[Rochelle Hickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the best book on how to be a detective and also the worst. I’ve heard to both ways. If you love the show, Psych, you will love the book or my name isn’t Flapjack Palmdale. By the way, you heard about Pluto, right? That’s messed up.

[Daphne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love the show but unfortunately found this to be very boring :( I liked the parts that were 'written' by the supporting characters but I don't think the book captured Shawn's voice very well (or maybe it just needed James Roday's delivery).

[mafalda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best, most amazing and hilarious book I ever read. If you ever want to become a detective you should definitely read this. I am now one. A totally unqualified detective but still a detective. But seriously Shawn wth were those quizzes??

[chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

300 pages of bonus Psych content. what else could you ever want

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hilarious! (We never finished reading)

[Ananya M · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5.
Fun book, 70% of it felt true to the show but the other 30% was pretty annoying🤡

[Kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pros: Gosh I love this show. The pictures brought this back. I’m probably due for a rewatch.
Cons: Beyond the pictures, is this book even related to the show? Shawn’s voice is holier than thou, sexist and a bit of an A-hole toward Gus. It seems the writer missed the silliness of the show, the lighthearted references and the fun.
The book is chaotic in a bad way. The quizzes make no sense. I wanted to love this book. I thought I loved all things Psych, but this is the exception. Don’t waste your time.

[Nick Hetsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy the show (which I don't see why why anyone wouldn't) you will enjoy the book. Written primarily from the perspective of Shawn and Gus, but includes parts from a large number of Psych's characters.

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny. I can actually imagine hearing the characters' voices while reading the book.
It's a bit repetitious and dragged in several parts but overall, it feels very much like the show.
Need to have background of the tv show to truly enjoy the book

[Lizzy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Doesn’t hold up. So much of this humor feels painfully dated now, and lacks the actors’ charisma to make the egregious forgivable.


Also the part about the autopsy made me want to scoop my own brain out like an egg. I get that the joke is he’s not a good coroner but it was so bad.

[¯\_(ツ)_/¯ gobucks]

Really funny. I got it this afternoon and read it without stopping. I like the reference to "The Clash" in the last quiz. The alibi maker is GREAT! Some of it isn't quite in character, and I would suggest watching the show first. Also, Tim Tebow would be the best side kick.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book. I found it hilarious. I normally don't write inside books, even if I own them, but I found myself writing little jokes and comments in the margins of this one (luckily I own it lol). I definitely recommend if you're a fan of the show.

[Nikki Andrea]

when i first heard about this book, I immediately wanted to read it. This book is the most interesting book I've ever read. As a fan of the show, I can totally relate to the contents of the book.

[Carmen]

Really funny. Seems like you are really reading what the characters of Psych are saying.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am now officially a detective.

[Kailee Mercer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally Shawn Spencer-Approved Book Review
Psych's Guide to Crime Fighting for the Totally Unqualified
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 Pineapple-Scented Stars)

By Shawn Spencer (but really written by... you know what, let's just say "the Universe")

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, fans of fake psychics and real crime solving—prepare to have your minds blown like a pineapple in a microwave (do NOT try that at home, Gus is still mad).

This book—nay, this psychic masterpiece—is everything you didn’t know you needed to read. It’s part memoir, part instruction manual, and part legally questionable self-help guide, all wrapped in a shiny, pineapple-scented cover (not literally, though if anyone at the publisher is reading this: opportunity missed).

Reading Psych’s Guide to Crime Fighting for the Totally Unqualified is like being duct-taped to a speeding Segway on the way to a donut shop robbery. You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, you’ll question your moral compass—and possibly the very definition of “qualified.”

Shawn Spencer (that’s me) walks you through the ins, outs, upside-downs, and illegal U-turns of catching criminals without, you know, actually being licensed to do so. You’ll get a taste of how to observe like a hawk on Red Bull, bluff like a poker shark with a PhD in drama, and investigate crime scenes with the grace of a jazz-hands ninja.

And let’s be clear: no spoilers here. You’ll still get all the juicy flavor without me telling you how the chili gets made. But trust me when I say that every page is packed with tips that are 40% practical, 30% questionable, and 100% Psych-certified.

Whether you're a die-hard Psych-O or someone who just wandered into the book section looking for pineapple recipes—this book delivers. So do yourself a favor: grab it, read it, and become 2.6% more Shawn Spencer than you were yesterday.

You’re welcome.

Shawn (probably) 🙃🍍🍍🍍

[Jaime Gorman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of Psych. Watched and re-watched the entire series over a dozen times. I thought that love would transfer to this book. I reallly really wanted it to, but it just didn’t for me. I loved the obscure references (which weren’t obscure for me, I knew all but 3). The humor was wonderful. I loved the references to TV episodes and past characters. And I adored the footnotes. And sections by other characters. I loved all the parts, but yet it didn’t total to a fantastic read for me. It took me a while to pinpoint why I loved sections but not the whole. I think it boils down to two things. Inconsistent voice and too much of a good thing. Shawn’s voice sometimes felt un-Shawn like and pulled me out of the story. Sometimes comments crossed the line from quirky-nonsense-adorable-Sean to bordering misogynistic and crude. Second, Psych, the show, is great because it’s balanced. Funny with serious. Absurdity with logic. Crazy with heart. Although snippets of Gus and Juliet, for example, are in the book, as a whole, it was unbalanced, missing the dynamics between humor and emotion. I loved the spunk, but needed more to really embrace it.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Psych is my all time favourite series!
I love Shawn, Gus, Jules and Lassie with all my heart!
I love Shules to death as well <3 I always have a blast with any episode (though I tend to lean more on earlier seasons, like most in the fandom)! And believe it or not, I only found this book existed earlier this year.
C'mon son! How the heck I never knew?... I feel ashamed.
Psych's Guide to Crime Fighting for the Totally Unqualified is a book for the hardcore fans (a.k.a. like me) of Psych. It captures really well the funny, smooth, witty, annoying, egocentric and oblivious traits of Shawn's personality. Of course, this is well balanced with the down-to-earth, charming and still funny and dorky traits of Gus and Jules in their passages and footnotes (Jules doodles were so cute). I could actually hear the voices of each character in my head! I really had fun!

I also really liked that we got additional glimpses of the characters lives: more stories about Jules undercover jobs, other cases Shawn and Gus worked together, more Lassie's weird hobbies, dates between Shawn and Juliet, Shawn still being jealous of Declan,... I really, really loved every second of it!