Crime fiction has a curious relation to truth. It’s fictional so not real, but there’s high pressure to make sure details are ‘correct.’ Woe to the author who confuses clip with magazine or bullet with shell. Or has a police officer read a Miranda warning at the wrong time or walk into an interrogation room armed. On the other hand, a story can force too many details in, whether it’s the freezing temperature of blood or the post-mortem effects of a poison. Eyes glaze over and the mystery novel’s curious search for ‘truth’ is derailed .
How Much Truth Should Crime Fiction Tell?
How Much Truth Should Crime Fiction Tell?
How Much Truth Should Crime Fiction Tell?
Crime fiction has a curious relation to truth. It’s fictional so not real, but there’s high pressure to make sure details are ‘correct.’ Woe to the author who confuses clip with magazine or bullet with shell. Or has a police officer read a Miranda warning at the wrong time or walk into an interrogation room armed. On the other hand, a story can force too many details in, whether it’s the freezing temperature of blood or the post-mortem effects of a poison. Eyes glaze over and the mystery novel’s curious search for ‘truth’ is derailed .