Melissa Charles author

Maybe it’s my anxiety squirrels having a moment, but is there a good way to call up, say, the local police or fire department to ask questions about how to plot a crime?

It can be really hard to find accurate information sometimes without sending up some concerning flags. Telling them, “I swear, I’m an author doing research!” may prevent them from showing up on your doorstep with sirens blaring and lights flashing, but I have an uneasy suspicion that there may still be a list kept somewhere.

Does Stephen King have to worry about this? Probably not since the 80s.

To that end, there are a few books I’d like to suggest. Even if the books don’t have all the information you need, they can get you started and help narrow down your research requirements.

Book Of Poisons by Serita Stevens RN, BSN, MA, LNC and Anne Bannon: subtitled as ‘a guide for writers’ I love this book. It was a gift from a good friend of mine, and I adore it.

A Writer’s Guide To Medicine by Natalie Dale, MD: there’s a series of books under this heading. I personally own Volumes I-3, which covers settings, illness and injury, and mental illness.

Body Trauma: A Writer’s Guide To Wounds And Injuries by David W. Page, MD, FACS

I’m sure there’s plenty more that other authors have found useful, so feel free to drop your suggestions in the comments!