I’m trying to develop an idea I had for a mystery (a locked room, no less), and I found myself in need of medical knowledge. Unfortunately, the vast majority of material I found was about how to TREAT and PREVENT disease and death, not CAUSE them!
So I ask you, Dopers: where can I find info on how drugs, commonly consumed substances, and preexisting conditions can LEAD to certain kinds of death, and how quickly? I can give my more specific needs if you like, but if there were any general resources I could look through, that would be a great start. Of course, I’d prefer that looking at said resources NOT make me look like some kind of serial killer in training.
Suggestions? Questions (since I have a dread feeling I may not have explained myself well)? Either are appreciated, as they show interest in my question! Thanks!
If you’re interested in poisons, you need to read a book about toxicology. For disease processes, find a book about pathology. If you live near a medical school, you may be able to use their medical library. You probably won’t be able to check books out, but you can sit and read and take notes all you like. Medical librarians are specialists in that area and will be able to walk you through their resources.
Alternatively, you can find a toxicologist/pathologist and interview them. If you can flesh out enough of a plot line, you can devise questions to ask. Be prepared to show what you’ve got. I’m reasonably sure serial killers don’t ask for advice from pathologists, so you may not have a problem there. Your local medical examiner’s office may be a good place to start.
Good luck, and save me a signed copy when you sell your story.
Hmm. Sounds like pathology is my best fit for my intentions. Any specific books, authors, or resources you can think of that would have material that would NOT be lost on a medical layman? Or would I be better off asking someone in person in that case?
Writer’s Digest came out with a series of books on all sorts of criminal stuff; you may find more than just the medical stuff relevant. Again, a medical librarian can help you find other books.
I still think you should interview at least a pathologist about specifics. Nothing ruins an otherwise good story than a factual error that could have been prevented.
Hmm, thanks. Where would be the first/best places to call?
This part of my setup is still in flux, so the poisons angle may be best. Any good “layman” books that you know of? (Though I suppose it might be best in that case to look up a toxicologist…)
For finding not-too-technical books, definitely call a library. The reference desk at your local public library might be able to help you. At the least, they’ll be able to redirect you to a more specialized library.
My wife is a writer, and moderator of a writer’s group. She set up a group interview with a county ME. The ME was thrilled to come in and discuss her job and all of the aspects of the crimes she’s seen.
Apparently, there was also a lot of discussion of “the perfect crime”. I’m not sure who was more entertained.
Eli
ETA: Call the local ME office and ask them if you could do a informational interview.
I’d definately suggest http://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Doses-Writers-Poisons-Howdunit/dp/0898793718/ref=sr_1_18?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1203453355&sr=8-18 , as well as any other in the series- they seem well-written. Deadly Doses does a fantastic listing of poisons including: What clues they’d leave behind, where one would acquire such poisons, and even how ‘detectable’ the poison is in food and the like. It also has a few anecdotes on some of the poisons that are really both enlightening and entertaining. The book has, for instance, my favorite story about arsenic poisoning.
Two standard reference books, both available at any library and one available free online, are Physician’s Desk Reference (my siblings are pharmacists and use the [subscription] database supplied by this company constantly as it’s more about pharmaceuticals than general practice) and (the one that’s free online), The Merck Manual. IMO the latter is the best “plain English” general medical guide commonly available- it gives the symptoms, description, diagnosis, and treatment info of all major and many minor ailments. Family Doctor is also a good free resource for people who don’t have a medical background. It includes plain English handouts on most conditions.
While both are in the annoying “this is how you stop the illness” camp, both have listings of side effects that might help (i.e. knowing that Lenoxin [if that’s still a drug] can cause a heart attack, for example, could help you).
Talk to your local Medical Examiner’s office. They’ll be thrilled to help… after they’ve decided you’re not a total nutjob, that is. Tee hee.
Seriously.
You can also look up your local forensics programs and talk to professors. They’re usually very helpful. Your local university library may have a subscription to the Forensics journals, too.
Your local medical examiner’s office may be a good place to start.