Following a biographical sketch, the author surveys the qualities required in a professional investigator. Practical guidelines to investigative work are presented, such as 'never assume anything,' 'there is no such thing as privacy,' and 'don't wear blinders.' Communications skills that help investigators obtain information from individuals or bureaucracies such as banks and insurance companies are discussed. Other chapters address matrimonial investigations and locating missing persons, runaways, witnesses, heirs, skip traces, natural parents, documents, and property. Surveillance on foot and in a car is explained, and list of useful equipment provided. The author covers negligence lawsuits, questions of competence with regard to wills and estates, and recognizing drug abuse in teenagers. Sources of public information about individuals are described, including the county courthouse, State departments of motor vehicles, and Federal agencies. Guidelines for hiring a private investigator conclude the book. A glossary, a directory of private investigator organizations, and an index.