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 Murder and Mayhem: A Doctor Answers Medical and Forensic Questions for Mystery Writers :: 0312309457
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| In Murder Mayhem, Dr. Doug Lyle culls the best of his popular 'The Doctor is In' QA column for the Mystery Writers of America, in which he answers medical and forensic questions from writers all over the country. Clearly organized into subjects such as 'Weapons of Death,' 'Police the Crime Scene,' 'the Coroner the Crime Lab,' and more, the questions cover a wide range: Do pupils shrink or enlarge with death? Can ingested cocaine kill? How soon do strangu-lation bruises appear? Lively and accessible, this solid reference is bound for every mystery writer's shelf. Editorial Descriptions are usually submitted by the manufacturers, publishers and authors. Contact us if you are one of them, and wish to change the above description. |
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Author: Guest
I have used this book numerous times since I purchased it new a year ago. If the answer I'm searching for isn't in this book, Lyle gives enough general information that I know what questions to ask my medical contacts when I touch base with them.
Definately worth full price, this book is packed with timely and detailed information mystery and crime writers need today.
Angela Wilson
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Author: Guest
This guy is the best. Whenever I have a question about anything medical for one of my stories, be it the history of mental health treatment or hypothermia, Dr. Lyle has my back. But don't think this is dry, academic stuff. His gift is taking the realities of medicine and forensics and fitting them into the fiction writer's framework. He keeps us all honest!
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Author: Guest
Putrefaction. Poison. Parasites. Why hair doesn't have DNA. How to trick a lie detector. What really happens when you "get the wind knocked out" of you. These are just a few of the fascinating topics that California cardiologist D.P. Lyle Lyle has culled from his columns for Mystery Writers of America chapter newsletters and compiled into this handy, easy-to use crime writers reference. His conversational style and comprehensive, sensible answers make the information so accessible that the book is actually a pleasant read, notwithstanding its ability to provide nefarious inspiration as well. From the smart cover art to the 19 illustrations and the reader friendly lay-out, Murder and Mayhem evidences the care taken in every step of its production to make the book useful time and again.
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Author: Guest
This book is a collection of question-and-answer columns that Dr. Lyle wrote for Mystery Writers of America newsletters, so it's not exactly a comprehensive reference: some information is presented briefly, some is covered at great length, and some is repeated. But he covers a wide variety of topics useful to writers of mysteries and other fiction -- everything from the effects of various wounds and poisons, to what happens during a miscarriage, to who serves as the coroner in a small town. So, unless your character is an extremely ingenious murderer or suffers from a rare disease, you can probably find the information you need to write a convincing description. Also, Dr. Lyle has a good grasp of the writer's perspective, so he's very helpful in pointing out whether an author has "wiggle room" or not; this distinction isn't always clear in medical reference material. The book is easy to read, lively, and often funny, and if you're fascinated by medical details (how can the M.E. tell if someone drowned in fresh or salt water?), you'll find it enthralling -- but if not, you can always skip to the next question. Three thumbs up! (MY character has an extra digit.)
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Author: Guest
Although designed for mystery writers, Dr. Lyle's book is an exciting discovery for mystery readers and forensic experts. The material is organized and accessible for someone needing a reference with specific forensic questions and answers but personally I read it cover-to-cover, nonstop.D. P. Lyle, MD has created a most unusual, entertaining reference that is as much fun as the works of the top mystery writers and scriptwriters for whom the doctor consults. My only fear is that his book will fall into the hands of murderers!
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