How to outthink TV script writers.

Due to TV programs such as CSI--Las Vegas, Miami and New York--mystery authors have to keep a step ahead when it comes to murders. The same is true for all of the Law & Order programs. Time was, victims were either shot, stabbed or poisoned. And this was with ordinary ammo, knives and run of the mill poisons. But no more. Now victims are being shot with bullets made out of frozen hamburger meat. So when the body's examined there's no trace of a bullet. Poisons are getting more bizarre as well, and yet the old standard insulin injection for a non-diabetic is still a popular way of offing someone. I used Jimson Weed in Dark Secrets; White Lies and have seen that used in many TV programs. Not that anyone is copying from me, it's getting harder to come up with something unusual. One poor guy who was allergic to peanuts was thought to have died from peanut butter mixed in with his food. But, as it turned out, he was also allergic to bees and a bee got him. So the peanut butter perp was let off since it was an accidental death. Even when it comes to places where a bullet can be found, the unusual is taking over. In a CSI Las Vegas from last year, the ME couldn't find the bullet used to kill a victim. No trace of it was found near the fatal wound. However, it was later brought out that the bullet had traveled along the blood stream and lodged in the victim's ankle. So now when I write mysteries, it's harder to come up with the unusual. Even in my soon to be released mystery "The Fifth Deadly Sin" part of the plot appeared on a Law & Order show after the novel was sold. Thank goodness for timing. I couldn't be accused of plagarism or copying or whatever.

Now I'm working on a third mystery--all part of my continuing detective series--called Vengeance and have worked out a crafty plot. I only pray that it doesn't appear on a TV show before it's sold. I tell you, it's getting harder to be the first to use something new and innovative.