How long does decomposing flesh take to attract a carrion insect? Can a gloved hand leave its telltale print on a victim? What details does a speeding vehicle leave behind in a skid mark? How quickly does blood coagulate in a hot, cold, moist, or dry environment? Through experimentation, observation, and a bit of documentation, readers of The Writer's Crime Lab will delve into the world of forensic sciences and learn firsthand how to incorporate the accurate details into their screenplays and fiction.

The Writer's Crime Lab presents an interactive series of scientific and criminalistic principles that guides you to crafting your next manuscript with forensic fluency. Each chapter of the book bolsters a specific aspect of crime scene investigation by introducing concepts and reinforcing them with visual and auditory aids, writing exercises, and how-to practicums.

Each chapter includes:

Case studies to connect the chapter principle to real life (or death) situations
A do-it-at-home experiment you can perform, with the help of video instruction, to better learn forensic principles
Questions to probe your knowledge and vocabulary of the subject
Writers Workshop to practice writing excerpts in your chosen writing style