What I won't write about
Sep 29, 2023 3:38 pm
Amateur Sleuths Avoiding Cops
The problem with murder and kidnapping is that the law always wants to get involved. To be fair, this isn't a problem in real life, only for novelists who want to have our amateur sleuths figure things out.
A common solution is to have the protagonist involved--directly or indirectly--with the official law enforcement. This requires more knowledge of law enforcement than I possess. (I really hope no one uses my novels for legal, magical, or pharmacological advice, because I seriously dislike and eschew research.) Another route is to have the amateur sleuth working alongside the police, sometimes at odds with them. I did this in Faerie's Killer, when Morales interviews people who tell him they've already talked to the cops.
In my work in progress, I have to make a decision about what to do about law enforcement. I don't want to have Kit and Fenwick sit at home and let the boys in blue handle things--where's the fun in that? I love reading a good police procedural, but that's not the book I'm prepared to write.
Someone has kidnapped innocent children, and Kit doesn't trust the law to find them in time. (Wide)
Did you enjoy this book? I'd love your ratings and reviews.
In Shapeshifter's Turf, I had the same issue--Kit is not a legal detective, but most FBI do not have the ability to enchant people into telling the truth or the secret handshake of bloodlines to get into secret societies. I don't want Kit get arrested for some of the illegal things she does, because I don't want to write a courtroom drama (see earlier statement, vis a vis, disliking research).
So I'm going to have to make a decision on what to do to get the feds out of my story. There's a good chance dark magic will be involved.
P.S. Did you know that there's an audiobook version of Witch's Jewel available?
In a Victorian world ravaged by a mysterious plague, Charity's telepathy is both her salvation and her curse. As her father, Lord Carolinus, wields his power to control every aspect of Charity’s life, her metaphysical abilities are her only defense against his cruelty. (Review Copy)
Emma’s life turns upside down after finding her husband murdered at their home. With no evidence left at the crime scene and no known motive, Emma is determined to find the person responsible. Emma understands that her life is at risk, but she must find out who Kendrick was and why he got killed. (Free)
When a local widower’s prize-winning Peonies and famous Imperial Lemon Pie disappear faster than a hot knife through butter, undercover detective Piper Sandstone and her crime-fighting gal pals, the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad, must weed out a criminal before it’s too late. (Amazon)
Gratuitous Cat Picture
The great white beast will rain fury upon those who fail to give him treats.
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