A Goodreads user asked Anna Willett:

I really enjoyed The Woman Behind her and wanted to ask if you have to do a lot of research for a book like that as it deals with how the police approach these sorts of multiple crimes?

Anna Willett There is always an amount of research that goes into my books, especially when I’m writing about crime and police procedure. I take care to stick as close to the exact method as possible so that the story is authentic. Whether or not the reader is familiar with Australian law and process, I think as an author, I owe them realism.
To gain a better understanding of the process of investigation, I discuss the story with a former police detective. Having an expert on hand is a marvelous resource for a writer. His input gives me an insight into how specific crimes and investigations should be approached. Posing scenarios and discussing the what-ifs help me get a clear idea of how my characters would behave. I even go as far as discussing the way certain places might smell – you can never make a story too real!

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