Some people are just inherently more fascinating than others. And judging by the audience’s rapt attention at the “Killer Nashville” conference last month, hundreds of mystery writers undoubtedly agree that D.P. Lyle is one of those people. A truly fabulous storyteller, his take on the Scott Peterson and O.J. Simpson crimes made me continually shake my head in amazement.
Never heard of him? I hadn’t either. But have you ever heard of “Law and Order,” “CSI: Miami,” “Diagnosis Murder,” “Monk,” “House,” or “Royal Pains?” D.P. Lyle, MD, is often the story consultant behind such television programs, making sure the specific medical facts are at least marginally accurate. And besides all that, he’s a dynamite author in his own right, and a fabulous speaker, as well.
“Knowledge is worthless, until it is shared,” said Lyle during the conference, and he backs it up with his with willingness to answer, in writing, any author’s questions concerning the forensics and specific crime details they’re writing about. It’s like having your own mystery research doctor on call!
Naturally, there’s something in it for him. While the inquiring writer may freely use Lyle’s answer, Lyle retains the rights to use the questions and answers in his book compilations, such as “Forensics and Fiction: Clever, Intriguing, and Downright Odd Questions from Crime Writers” and “Murder and Mayhem: A Doctor Answers Medical and Forensic Questions for Mystery Writers.”
“More Forensics for Fiction: Crime Writers’ Morbidly Curious Questions Expertly Answered,” was nominated for a 2013 Edgar Award, a 2013 Agatha Award, and a 2013 Anthony Award. Pretty darn impressive, huh?
In his “spare time,” Lyle is doing a “Crime and Science” Internet Radio Show twice a month. If you’re a mystery writer, or just curious to know more, check out his website: http://dplylemd.com/DPLyleMD/Home.html