Clendenen's detective manual : How to become a successful detective

A practical handbook that pulls back the curtain on the detective’s trade, this guide mixes seasoned insight with vivid, real‑world examples. The author draws on more than two decades of investigative work to explain what separates a true sleuth from a “badge flasher,” emphasizing the quiet discipline of observation, the importance of fitting in, and the mental stamina the job demands. Readers learn why flashy disguises belong in fiction and how a steady, unobtrusive presence can be a detective’s most effective disguise.

The first part lays out the essential qualities—both natural and taught—that prepare a newcomer for the field, while warning against shortcuts like dubious correspondence courses. Interwoven throughout are recollections from investigations in the rugged hills of West Virginia, giving concrete illustrations of tactics in action. Whether you’re a police officer seeking a deeper understanding or an interested layperson curious about the method behind the mystery, the manual offers clear, seasoned advice for anyone drawn to the chase.