The Mystery Starts Here

We’ve all done it. Read a book or short mystery and found a procedural error. Maybe it was an incorrect caliber of gun or the cops did something they weren’t supposed it. I am always amazed the authors will charge ahead and write a mystery without doing at least a little research. We all love to watch the various CSI’s on television, but you KNOW they aren’t authentic, right? No way would a CSI show up at a crime scene with long flowing hair, wearing tight white slacks! And, no, they do not carry guns, they are scientists, not sworn peace officers. So, how do you get it right?

First of all, take a firearms class. If there isn’t one around, look for a shooting range and go there. Find out the difference between an automatic, semi-automatic or wheel gun – don’t know that that is? It’s another name for a revolver. I’m lucky, I’m married to an NRA instructor and was able to go through one of his classes. We used .22 caliber pistols for target practice, but he also had everyone in the class shoot with a .38. The difference in kick is amazing. Both my husband and I shot pistols in competition and yes, I have the trophies to prove it! Try a rifle or a shotgun. Learn all you can to be as authentic in your writing as possible. Believe me if you goof, you’re readers will know. I once read a book by a very well-known author who had her protagonist putting bullets in the barrel of a .38 caliber pistol! Ah, no. I thought about it and thought about it and finally decided to write a nice letter to the woman in care of her publisher with the correct information. She wrote back and thanked me for the information and told me…she’d never touched a gun in her life, and neither had her editor!

Do you know what all deputies carry on their utility belts? You might never need that information but it couldn’t hurt and might be fun to find out. As I mentioned before, I volunteered at the Sheriff’s Department for two years. I carried a notebook with me everywhere and I asked questions. Not only did I get a lot of information, I made friends and can always call and ask more. If you’re interested in my adventures, check out “An Extra Pair of Eyes.” You can download the first chapter here for FREE! Just click the link under Carlene’s books to the right.

That’s it for today. It’s cool and overcast and my little (little?) 117lb dog is looking for a napping buddy so I volunteered. Till Thursday – happy reading, happy writing.

No matter if you like to read mysteries, write them or both, there is one thing you really owe it to yourself to do. Go on a ride-along with a law enforcement officer. I’ve done two and am ready to go again! There is nothing like the thrill of going 110 MPH on the freeway, running code three, lights and sirens, chasing bad guys.

In case you didn’t know, anyone can go for a ride-along. You only have to go to your local police or sheriff’s department to sign up. They’ll ask you to sign a waver – in case something should happen to you, but believe me, your safely is the first concern of the officer. It may take a few weeks as they will do a background check on you for criminal activity. Once you’re cleared and ready to go, I suggest you try an evening shif on the weekends. More action – more fun!

A ride-along is especially helpful for you mystery writers. Do you know where they store the shotgun? Where’s the control panel located? How about the onboard computer? Where is it and how does it work? Once inside the black-and-white, you’ll be amazed at how much equipment is in there. Depending on the officer, you may be able to go with them on some calls, or not. As I said, your safety is their main concern. If something really hairy goes down, they might just leave you at the side of the road and come back to pick you up later – if they remember!

I decided to try the night shift (6:00 PM – 6:00 AM) on a Friday. I told the female deputy that I wasn’t sure how long I could stay away, and she told me she’d return me to the station whenever I wanted. Well, I finally rolled into bed at 0300 the next morning! We chased speeders, went to the scene of a burglery in progress, helped break up a fright – between two women and a whole lot more. Yup, it was one of the greatest thrills of my life. Try it yourself. You’ll love it!