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Real CSI: A Forensics Handbook for Crime Writers
Who is allowed access to a crime scene? What happens when a body is discovered? Will a blood transfusion alter DNA? How can the distribution of gunshot residue inform your plot? The Real CSI - A Forensic Handbook for Crime Writers answers these questions and more in a unique and exclusive insight into crime scene investigation. Using real-life examples and case studies, experienced CSI Kate Bendelow shines a light behind the yellow tape and debunks the myths popularized by the 'CSI Effect'. Each chapter explores the latest procedures in contemporary practice Crime Scene access and preservation; fingerprints and DNA profiling; footwear; trace evidence; Fire scenes; drugs and toxicology and, finally, firearms. Packed with insider knowledge, handy tips and compelling storylines, this is the definitive guide for all crime writers who wish to write with authenticity and authority.
- GenresWritingTrue Crime
176 pages, Paperback
Published August 21, 2017
About the author
Kate Bendelow
5 books38 followersKate Bendelow is from Greater Manchester where she has worked as a CSI for over 19 years. Kate is also a writer and poet.
The Real CSI: A Forensic Handbook for Crime Writers was written after she combined her passion for writing with her day job.
Kate is passionate about helping crime writers write with authenticity and accuracy and also provides lectures at various writing events.
Definitely Dead is the first book in the SOCO Maya Barton trilogy.
Follow Kate on Twitter or her Facebook Author page for details of events and latest book news.
The Real CSI: A Forensic Handbook for Crime Writers was written after she combined her passion for writing with her day job.
Kate is passionate about helping crime writers write with authenticity and accuracy and also provides lectures at various writing events.
Definitely Dead is the first book in the SOCO Maya Barton trilogy.
Follow Kate on Twitter or her Facebook Author page for details of events and latest book news.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 29, 2017
On the front cover of this book, there is a quote from Lynda La Plante: 'Every crime writer should have a copy of this book on their desk.' I endorse that statement 100%. It is a most excellent, and essential, reference guide for crime writers. It is packed, from cover to cover, with very useful facts and details of forensic procedures. There are many references to well-known British crimes, mainly murders.
For the past sixty-nine years, writers of every genre and form have been inspired by attendance at the Swanwick Writers' Summer School in August in Derbyshire. It was while Kate was at Swanwick that some writers suggested that the knowledge that she was imparting would be of great value to crime writers and that she should share this information in a book. Thus inspired, Kate went ahead and produced this wonderful book.
Although it is, without question, a great reference source for crime writers and should be kept close to hand to dip into when the occasion arises, I would recommend that it is worth reading from beginning to end at least once before placing it on one's desk. The reason that I say this is that there are so many snippets, which could trigger a short story or even a complete novel, which you would miss if you used the book as a pure reference.
Furthermore, although Kate believes that she has created a book for crime writers, just as she intended, The Real CSI: A Forensic Handbook for Crime Writers goes much wider. I would say that it is a brilliant book for fans of crime fiction novels and of crime movies and TV dramas. There are so many times that you find yourself asking the question, "Could that really happen?" or "Is it really possible that a detective, or forensic scientist, or pathologist could....?" Well, here is where you will find the answers to most of your questions.
Great examples of this come in the chapter on fires and arson. Forgive the intentional pun, but the truth as presented by Kate Bendelow will explode many a myth!
I gave this book five stars because it is worth more than that. Fantastic!
For the past sixty-nine years, writers of every genre and form have been inspired by attendance at the Swanwick Writers' Summer School in August in Derbyshire. It was while Kate was at Swanwick that some writers suggested that the knowledge that she was imparting would be of great value to crime writers and that she should share this information in a book. Thus inspired, Kate went ahead and produced this wonderful book.
Although it is, without question, a great reference source for crime writers and should be kept close to hand to dip into when the occasion arises, I would recommend that it is worth reading from beginning to end at least once before placing it on one's desk. The reason that I say this is that there are so many snippets, which could trigger a short story or even a complete novel, which you would miss if you used the book as a pure reference.
Furthermore, although Kate believes that she has created a book for crime writers, just as she intended, The Real CSI: A Forensic Handbook for Crime Writers goes much wider. I would say that it is a brilliant book for fans of crime fiction novels and of crime movies and TV dramas. There are so many times that you find yourself asking the question, "Could that really happen?" or "Is it really possible that a detective, or forensic scientist, or pathologist could....?" Well, here is where you will find the answers to most of your questions.
Great examples of this come in the chapter on fires and arson. Forgive the intentional pun, but the truth as presented by Kate Bendelow will explode many a myth!
I gave this book five stars because it is worth more than that. Fantastic!
September 8, 2017
I first have to declare an interest: Kate Bendelow is a good friend and it is to her I turn when I have forensic and scene of crime questions relating to my crime novels. I was, therefore, delighted when I learned that she was writing a book on that very subject. As always, I will only give an honest review. I bought my book at Swanwick Writers' Summer School where Kate presented a two part course on the work of a CSI.
Of course, Kate is eminently qualified to write The Real CSI: a Forensics Handbook for CrimeWriters as she is, by profession, a Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) and works with Greater Manchester Police. In addition to this, Kate is a noted poet and fiction writer so The Real CSI is easy to read and understand. As a crime writer, that makes it invaluable.
The author explains the day to day work load of a CSI and tells her readers the difference between volume and major crimes. It informs you who is allowed access to a crime scene: what happens when a body is discovered and how the distribution of gunshot residue can inform the characters in a plot.
The Real CSI is not only interesting as a writers' resource because it uses real-life examples and case studies and the author intrigues her reader by shining a light behind the yellow tape and debunks the myths popularized by the television 'CSI Effect'.
Each chapter is full of invaluable, interesting information. The Real CSI explores the latest procedures in contemporary practice including: Crime Scene access and preservation; fingerprints and DNA profiling; footwear; trace evidence. It also covers fire scenes; drugs and toxicology and, finally, firearms.
The Real CSI: a Forensics Handbook for CrimeWriters is packed with insider knowledge, handy tips and compelling storylines, this is the definitive guide for all crime writers who wish to write with authenticity and authority. It is also a fascinating read for everybody interested in the investigation of crime.
I highly recommend this book. Since I acquired my copy of this book, I have had it by my side regularly when writing crime fiction. All errors, of course, are my own!
Valerie Penny
Of course, Kate is eminently qualified to write The Real CSI: a Forensics Handbook for CrimeWriters as she is, by profession, a Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) and works with Greater Manchester Police. In addition to this, Kate is a noted poet and fiction writer so The Real CSI is easy to read and understand. As a crime writer, that makes it invaluable.
The author explains the day to day work load of a CSI and tells her readers the difference between volume and major crimes. It informs you who is allowed access to a crime scene: what happens when a body is discovered and how the distribution of gunshot residue can inform the characters in a plot.
The Real CSI is not only interesting as a writers' resource because it uses real-life examples and case studies and the author intrigues her reader by shining a light behind the yellow tape and debunks the myths popularized by the television 'CSI Effect'.
Each chapter is full of invaluable, interesting information. The Real CSI explores the latest procedures in contemporary practice including: Crime Scene access and preservation; fingerprints and DNA profiling; footwear; trace evidence. It also covers fire scenes; drugs and toxicology and, finally, firearms.
The Real CSI: a Forensics Handbook for CrimeWriters is packed with insider knowledge, handy tips and compelling storylines, this is the definitive guide for all crime writers who wish to write with authenticity and authority. It is also a fascinating read for everybody interested in the investigation of crime.
I highly recommend this book. Since I acquired my copy of this book, I have had it by my side regularly when writing crime fiction. All errors, of course, are my own!
Valerie Penny
October 7, 2020
Packed with information, this book is essential for all writers of crime. It's got useful tips on how to get your scenes right, points out where TV gets things wrong, and gives helpful hints on things you could use in your book. The cases are interesting too, as are the author's personal experiences. Highly recommend.
October 30, 2019
I must say, I absolutely love this book, for more reasons than I have originally intended. This is a MUST HAVE for any crime fiction writer, which was my original reason to purchase it. It is packed full of precious advice and information to suit any crime fiction work in progress. CSI procedures, staff, different crime scenes, examples, post mortem examinations, absolutely full of clear, concise, intelligent writing on forensic details and more. I'm thinking of the Goldilocks and the Three Bears analogy - not too much, not too little- just right!
After reading the first few paragraphs, I knew that this wasn't just any old procedure-information non - fiction guide book. It was alive with Kate’s personality, her subtle humour at (suitable) places: there were some funny images of a forensic fingerprint investigator dusting for prints-in a wrong vehicle, or Kate dry-humped by a family dog whilst collecting evidence at the house.
I have read it with not just an interest, but enjoyment, too.
Another very valuable element is Kate incorporating the five senses in the crime scenes and places like examination room for the post mortem etc. She also gives a valuable writing advice from her own experiences as a CSI and a writer, too. She draws some great links and gives food for thought. Very inspiring indeed.
I am so happy I have bought this handbook and I will use and recommend it many, many times! Thank you, Ms Bendelow, so much.
After reading the first few paragraphs, I knew that this wasn't just any old procedure-information non - fiction guide book. It was alive with Kate’s personality, her subtle humour at (suitable) places: there were some funny images of a forensic fingerprint investigator dusting for prints-in a wrong vehicle, or Kate dry-humped by a family dog whilst collecting evidence at the house.
I have read it with not just an interest, but enjoyment, too.
Another very valuable element is Kate incorporating the five senses in the crime scenes and places like examination room for the post mortem etc. She also gives a valuable writing advice from her own experiences as a CSI and a writer, too. She draws some great links and gives food for thought. Very inspiring indeed.
I am so happy I have bought this handbook and I will use and recommend it many, many times! Thank you, Ms Bendelow, so much.
December 5, 2018
Kate Bendelaw delivers great tips, tactics, and first hand knowledge of what it takes to be a Crime Scene Investigator. I found her stories to be engaging and informative. I also like the way she was able to give advice to writers and then follow her advice in terminology used for writers. I highly recommend this book for any writer or enthusiast wanting to learn more about crime scene forensics.
January 8, 2023
I bought this and a couple of other books to help with writing fictional crime scenes after trying to find anwers online - and no doubt leaving a trail like that of a serial killer in the process...
This book is excellent. It gives the information clearly, explains the pitfalls, myths and common misconceptions about forensic science and was, surprisingly, very readable! I have it handy in case I write another book that involves crime and its detection.
This book is excellent. It gives the information clearly, explains the pitfalls, myths and common misconceptions about forensic science and was, surprisingly, very readable! I have it handy in case I write another book that involves crime and its detection.
February 16, 2021
a really useful tool for potential writers or in my case science teachers. well set out and intriguing i like the reflection to real cases. This gives some excellent advice, I wanted to be a bit pedantic with the odd bit in the DNA section but thats just me. I would highly recommend this to all authors as a great source of forensics information to make your novels more authentic 5* from me
October 16, 2017
Super reference guide for writers on all things forensic. I'll definitely be holding on to this one!
May 27, 2018
Very useful
January 28, 2019
A fascinating and informative book, essential reading for anyone who wants to be, or already is, a crime writer.
October 1, 2020
Very helpful
November 28, 2021
It was based on British rules of evidence. While it gave me a great background for writing mysteries, I need to find another source to make sure that I have American protocol correct.
October 11, 2017
A credible book written from a writers perspective. It covers the role of CSI in the UK, Volume and Major Crime to Fingerprints, DNA and Trace Evidence - all the way to other Forensic Practices and Agencies.
It is written in an amusing and easy to read style, I particularly enjoyed the chapter on Footprints.
I can happily recommend this book.
It is written in an amusing and easy to read style, I particularly enjoyed the chapter on Footprints.
I can happily recommend this book.
September 25, 2017
This book is a little gem! It's very well written, informative, written with compassion and where appropriate, humour. There are several case study examples, quality images, and even the odd fairy tale!
It's written specifically with the writer in mind, and gives lots of helpful snippets to consider, and pitfalls to avoid when writing about crime. It's a very comprehensive overview of the world of crime investigation from a CIS's viewpoint. The book also comes with a jargon-busting glossary.
I fully recommend any crime writer having this book by their side to dip into for clarity and guidance.
It's written specifically with the writer in mind, and gives lots of helpful snippets to consider, and pitfalls to avoid when writing about crime. It's a very comprehensive overview of the world of crime investigation from a CIS's viewpoint. The book also comes with a jargon-busting glossary.
I fully recommend any crime writer having this book by their side to dip into for clarity and guidance.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews