Research

When I first had the idea for my Fragmented books I thought I already knew enough the subject of forensics to just crack on. I mean I have watched enough episodes of CSI, Bones, Waking the Dead, and many other crime shows to have a full grasp of the subject, right? Turns out I was wrong.

Pretty soon after starting the first draft I found I had huge holes in both my knowledge and my manuscript. Empty spaces that were left with vague words like, ‘insert descriptions of stage of decomposition’, or ‘insert wound description’. So I had to hit the books and the internet to ‘gen up’.

As it happens there is not a huge amount of information on mediaeval forensic techniques. I found, borrowed, or bought, a handful of books and built up a disturbing list of online links. I am sure that I must be on a government watchlist somewhere now with my recent search history! I have probably been marked down as a potential serial killer. Hmm, the librarian who is also a serial killer? That might make a good book.

Anyway I found enough information to provide a working knowledge of what I needed and sprinkled it with a bit of ‘make-believe’. After all it is a fantasy story so I can just decide that certain things are real or known about. But I wanted to remain as true to the mediaeval period as much as possible to keep the realistic, down to earth feel of the story.

I am sure that there are people out there who are experts in forensics probably holding their head in their hands at my bumblings. For them I apologise. But it is meant to be a story. A hopefully entertaining and occasionally funny story. So I didn’t want to get too caught up in technical jargon or medical procedures.

Nevertheless I continue to research the topic and, provided I don’t get a visit from men in suits shortly, will expand my knowledge, ready for the next book.