A Straightforward Guide to Being a Detective An A-Z Readers'' and Writers'' Guide to Detective Work Past and Present, REVISED EDITION is an essential research companion for all writers of crime fiction and non-fiction. In all genres of popular crime writing today, detective characters figure prominently. What is the life of a detective like? What was it like in 1890 or 1990? Former detective Stuart Gibbon and crime historian Stephen Wade answer these questions in this revised companion guide, updated to include changes to police practice to 2023.