Modus Operandi: A Writer's Guide to How Criminals Work (Howdunit)

Rating:
Summary: Highly recommended by Booklist.
Review: "It's all well organized and concise but not so detailed that budding lawbreakers could use it as an instructional. Even if you don't aspire to be the next Dick Francis, this is fascinating reading. If you do see your name on the title page of a crime novel, it's essential." (Booklist, April 1995

Rating:
Summary: Realism and factual knowledge is the key
Review: Actual cases we have worked on are interspersed throughout the book. There is "inside" information here that you just can't get anywhere else. Signature of crimes, flim flams, pawn shops, street language, you name it, it's here. In fact, it is so realistic you'll feel you are working side by side with us at the scene! Hey - isn't it your turn to buy the donuts?! Your comments are always welcome

Rating:
Summary: Entertained Reader
Review: I bought this book, and read it many weeks ago but forgot to write a review over. Honestly I enjoyed the book, and it was terrific entertainment for me the evening I read it in which I remember well.

Rating:
Summary: Great Reference for Crime Writers
Review: Modus Operandi is a great reference book for writers who want to understand how criminals work. Written by two detectives who draw heavily on their experience the book is a packed with useful information ranging from con artists to murderers, carjackers to smugglers. What makes this book good is that it not only covers how the crimes are committed, but also the psychology behind the criminal, police slang and inside information. This is a definite "must have" reference for crime writers.

Rating:
Summary: Very basic without good research into the subject matter
Review: This book was a surprise based on the excellence of the others in the Howdunit series. Usually these books provide well researched and accurate information for criminal fiction authors. This particular book, however, seems to focus only on what the author(s) were able to glean from other writing books, and contains many mis-statements and incorrect information. A far superior book in this series is Malicious Intent, which covers everything that Modus Operandi does, but in a clearer and more accurate form.

Rating:
Summary: Good General Book for Novice
Review: This is an excellent little reference book for novice crime writers and experienced writers who need to refresh their memories. It covers a lot of ground, and as a result, suffers from details, which are the backbone for writing good fiction. The chapters are nicely divided into different types of crooks and their methods. The examples make it easy to use them for working plots or sub-plots, but eventually, if you want to put some reality into your novels, you'll need more than this book. Worth it as a second reference if you can't find better.