by Terell Byrd

I started flipping through this book at the Laundromat. There are a lot of fascinating topics laid out in a question and answer format. I started reading the situations aloud to a friend and then Ms. Budewitz’s answer. By the time our clothes were fluffed and folded, everyone in the place was listening and trying to solve the problems presented. One of the best discussions was over the excerpt below:

“My bad guy kidnaps a banker in one state, holds him hostage in another, then kills him. Where should he be prosecuted? ” (Page 4)

I rarely have an opportunity to review a non-fiction book. I am delighted that I have a copy of this one to talk about. Leslie Budewitz manages to mix complex legal principles with definitions into a delicious confection with layers of fascinating scenarios topped by concise solutions. The whole is served up with dollops of humor–there is even a section where the question is “What is your favorite lawyer joke?” Nothing is as charming as a writer with a sense of humor about herself.

I have a lot of books. I have a lot of reference volumes that have to be dusted because they are necessary but only sporadically used. This paperback never stays put in the shelf for long. Whether it is for the definition of hearsay (one of Judge Judy’s pet peeves) or to discover what sort of cases the local Indian Tribal Police handle (we see the vehicles from the reservations up here in the hills and have always been curious) there are answers in this one slender resource. For principles that vary widely from state to state (we do get confused by the laws of New York when watching Law and Order), you can find information in this book. If an item is not specifically covered there are notes about how and where to look up what you want to know.

Do you read mysteries and thrillers? You will enjoy leafing through this book. Are you a writer, novice or published? This is a must have for your research library. Are you fond of making bar bets? This is the reference book that will keep you in appetizers and beverages for many evenings! Enjoy!

Books, Crooks and Counselors is an Agatha Award winning book!

To enter to win a copy of Books, Crooks, and Counselors, simply email KRL at life@kingsriverlife[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “Crooks”, or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen August 25, 2012. U.S. residents only.

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Terell Byrd is a native Fresnan, who was born, raised, & educated locally. In the course of a mad gypsy life, she has taken classes in Electrical Engineering, broken into bank vaults at night & worked as a Tax Examiner for the IRS. Recently, Terell became president of the San Joaquin Chapter of Sisters In Crime. She now lives quietly, with more cats.