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Re: archives mystery needed



With all the responses you've gotten, I think you can change you idea for a book to a non-fiction encyclopedia of actual archives crimes!

Two more: A few years ago, in Illinois, there was someone who was hired for more-or-less minimum wage for a project that involved going through all appropriate documents to identify those relating to or created by Abraham Lincoln. It soon occurred to this person that if he found something with Lincoln's signature on it and slipped it out of the file, he could increase his salary substantially. Unfortunately for him, he was eventually caught.

Also within the past couple of years, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania had some items like swords, etc., go missing; this turned out to be a collaboration between a dealer and an employee--I think on the maintenance staff.

Finally, I recently bought a book called _The Archivist_ by Martha Cooley. It was in my pile of books to read, and now, as I pack to move, is in my box of books I intend to read. I thought it was supposed to have some sort of murder in it, but I just looked at some reviews on Amazon, and either I was wrong, or the reviews don't mention it, but judging by the reviews, it does seem to have some suspense. I'm *sure* *someone* on the list has read it and can jump in and fill us in.

There's also some fiction that includes genealogical research that solves mysteries. _Killing Cousins_ comes to mind. 



Christine Crawford-Oppenheimer
Special Collections Librarian/Archivist

(note change of address as of May 2000)
Culinary Institute of America
1946 Campus Drive
Hyde Park, NY  12538
(914) 451-1757 or (845) 451-1757
c_crawfo@culinary.edu

>>> Amy Marcus <AMarcus122@AOL.COM> 09/12/00 01:57PM >>>
Greetings...

This probably happens to every archivist who fancies himself/herself a writer, but I'm writing an archives mystery.  I know it's been done before, but in my daydreams I'm the Margaret Truman of the archives mystery genre.

I've managed to hit a snag, however, right at the beginning:  I need a crime!  I've subscribed to the museum security network to see if I can get any ideas of items which have ALREADY been stolen from archives...I'm floundering here.  Are there any other sites which would give me some ideas (this is making me sound like a would-be criminal, sorry!)

Thanks everyone!
Amy

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