Dashiell Hammett's Tips for Would Be Mystery Writers

Dashiell Hammett shares some helpful hints on writing detective fiction :

2. The Colt’s .45 automatic pistol has no chambers. The cartridges are put in a magazine.

4. When a bullet from a Colt’s .45, or any firearm of approximately the same size and power, hits you, even if not in a fatal spot, it usually knocks you over. It is quite upsetting at any reasonable range.

6. When you are knocked unconscious you do not feel the blow that does it.

8. Fingerprints of any value to the police are seldom found on anybody’s skin

9. The pupils of many drug-addicts’ eyes are apparently normal.

Find all 24 tips here.

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