Stickybeak: Armchair Detectives
Why is there a surge of interest in crime-related TV shows? How is it further increasing individuals’ inquisitive thinking?
Crime, both fictional and real, is a vastly popular medium of entertainment, and it doesn’t take a detective to see why. The genre’s incredible diversity means there’s something for just about everyone to enjoy: from the stickybeaks catching up with the latest true crime podcasts and documentaries to the armchair detectives enjoying a mystery novel or show, or even the thrill junkies who just like a good action flick. But is there a cost? As people consume crime media, it could give them the wrong impression about the real-world workings of the police force.
Ashley Allaway interviews crime author and journalist Michael Brissenden about his creative process and recent novel to get a perspective on the entertainment industry’s relationship with crime and police work, and the value it places on accuracy.
Joseph Saikaly follows up, in an interview with police sergeant John Smith to see just how accurate the shows are to real life. They discuss the challenges of forensic work, the public’s unrealistic expectations, and the boring work behind the scenes that most shows tend to skip over.
Learn more about Dead letters by Michael Brissenden here
Statistics on crime fiction demand taken from here
