About Colin Nelson

Colin T. Nelson worked for 40 years as a prosecutor and criminal defense lawyer in Minneapolis. He tried everything from speeding tickets to first degree murder. His writing about the courtroom and the legal system give the reader a "back door" view of what goes on, what's funny, and what's a good story. He has also traveled extensively and includes those locations in his mysteries. Some are set in Southeast Asia, Ecuador,Peru, and South Africa. Readers get a suspenseful tale while learning about new places on the planet. Colin is married, has two adult children, and plays the saxophone in various bands.

How to Poison Someone—and Not Get Caught

poisonAre there times when certain people make you so mad you’d like to poison someone—and not get caught?  As a crime writer, I explore these kinds of things and other ways to kill people.  Some people think it’s an odd way to spend your time.  A couple years ago, the editors of a crime anthology invited me to …

The “Real” CSI Faces Trouble—and So Do We

CSI faces troubleIn Washington, the “real” CSI faces trouble.  In 2009 the Academy of Sciences called for an independent commission to update several areas of forensic science.  TV shows like CSI use these kinds of tests every week.

Why is the “real” CSI in trouble?

In real life, law enforcement labs perform the same tests all over the county.  (With …

What’s Alleged Killer Lois Reiss Like?

lois reissThe story of Lois Reiss reminds me of some of the defendants I’ve represented.  A Minnesota grandma, Lois Reiss, is accused of serial killings.  I have represented some serial killers along the way—none of them female and none, certainly, grandmas!

Many people have asked me: what are serial killers like?  Now, we can ask: what is Lois Reiss …

Find Out the Surprising State of America

state of americaRespected journalist, James Fallows, has written thoughtful pieces about many parts of the world.  He’s covered Iraq, China, the U.S. media, and the presidency.  In his newest book, Our Towns, with his wife Deborah Fallows, they write about the present state of America.

If you want an accurate, fair, and uplifting book about our country, read this as …

Win an AR-15 Assault Rifle in Wisconsin Raffle

I don’t know if this is funny or awful.  By contributing to a fund raiser for two cancer patients, a police union in AR-15 assault rifleJanesville, Wisconsin is offering an AR-15 assault rifle as a prizes.  You can also win a Glock 17 automatic pistol.  See the full story in the Janesville Gazette:  http://www.gazettextra.com/news/government/raffle-of-ar–by-police-raises-questions/article_f842dd0f-99ed-5fa5-8bed-e0a66b7d9533.html

There are two cancer patients—a 3 …

Why You”ll Like the Film, “The Death of Stalin”

death of stalinIn our country, we have a clear and stable succession plan if a president dies—or is impeached.  The film, The Death of Stalin is particularly relevant to the time we live in now.  Go see it.

In Washington, there is talk among some people about impeaching President Trump.  Or voting him out of office as soon as possible.  …