In Val McDermid's book "Crack Down," the author reflects on the complexities and challenges of being a private investigator compared to professions like law, medicine, or accounting. While those fields have extensive literature to guide practitioners, the resources for private investigators are often fictional, leaving real-life investigators without practical guidance on conducting sensitive tasks, such as interrogating children.

This passage highlights the unique difficulties faced by private eyes, emphasizing the emotional and ethical challenges involved in their work. McDermid's comparison underscores the need for specialized knowledge and skills that are not typically found in textbooks, suggesting that the job involves navigating complex human emotions and situations that are not easily taught.