Authentic police work adds authority to any mystery. Retired detective sergeant and procedural author Bruce Robert Coffin shares what homicide investigations truly involve, drawing on years of experience in the field. This session covers first response, evidence handling, cold cases, chain of command, and media pressure, helping writers add realistic detail and professional texture to their stories.
The Crime Beat: Why Journalists Make Such Convincing Sleuths
Eugenie West, Gwen Florio, LynDee Walker, Steven Womack, and Tom Wood explore how journalism shapes mystery writing. They discuss investigative instincts, chasing leads, and how real world reporting experience helps create believable sleuths and authentic crime stories.
