"Straightforward and user-friendly. . . . Will help shave off hours of research time and enable writers to focus more energy on craft, plot, and character development. Highly recommended for aspiring writers of crime fiction." — Library Journal (December 1, 2011)
"A mystery writer's bible. Clear, concise and infinitely useful . . . a smart, easy-to-understand legal guide for mystery writers that will keep your mystery accurate and your story moving. The ultimate mystery writer's handbook!" Laura Childs, New York Times bestselling author, Fiber & Brimstone, Scones and Bones, and The Teaberry Strangler
"Leslie Budewitz’s Books, Crooks and Counselors has got everything a writer needs to write about the lawand do it accurately. I'll be consulting it with every new book I write." Lorna Barrett, New York Times bestselling author, Sentenced to Death and The Booktown Mysteries series
"Destined to become the Bible of legal research for writers. A copy of Books, Crooks and Counselors on your desk would be like having your very own legal Dream Team at your beck and call." Lee Lofland, author, Police Procedure and Investigation
"A helpful introduction . . . written in an easy-to-absorb style. . . . Aimed at novelists, Budewitz's book is also a great reference for freelancers who want to write about law enforcement or screenwriters who want realistic scripts." —The Writer (May 2012)
"Everything a crime writer needs to know regarding criminal law and courtroom procedure. . . . For those who want accuracy in the writing, this is a great book to have on your shelf." —Clay Stafford, president, Killer Nashville mystery, thriller, and crime fiction conference
"A must-have resource for writers. From common terms and phrases to legal issues in criminal investigations and punishment, it's all there in a clear and concise format. This book sits right next to the dictionary on my bookshelves." Brenda Novak, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Body Heat, Killer Heat, and White Heat
"A handy and entertaining resource for mystery writers." —Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine (April 2012)