Since I write mystery novels set in Memphis, TN during the 1940's. I have had some inquiries about where I do my research.
I start with Google, but I also go to local public archives. Sometimes Peter English, the private investigator who is the main character in these books, has to go outside Memphis to other cities and states. And other characters may show up from Chicago, New York, Miami and even some prisons in other states. I have to research all these locals, as well as police departments and other things from these areas.
But I have a very special ace in the hole in Memphis, Jimmy Ogle, the Official Historian of Memphis. He is a walking, talking treasure trove of information, history and even images.
I have mentioned my research online, so now people are sending me sites for historic information. Please keep it coming!

Machine Gun Kelly

I wrote about Machine Gun Kelly's capture in Memphis, TN in one of my Peter English, PI novels. Frank Ramirez, one of the characters in all three of these novels, was in on the capture, which took place in a little house located at 1408 Raynor in South Memphis. Frank's character is a police detective in 1940s era Memphis. What I didn't include was the lead FBI agent during that raid, William Asbury Rorer. Mr. Rorer died died last year in an Albany, GA hospital. He was 69 years old. George 'Machine Gun' Kelly was raised in Memphis and attended Central High School. The FBI tracked him back to Memphis in search of kidnappers of an Oklahoma City Millionaire. I guess I need to go back and add Agent Rorer to my story.