David Corbett knows a thing or two about sketchy characters who skirt the law or ignore it. He should, he worked for many years as a private investigator for a firm that handled high profile work that included the Lincoln Saving & Loan Case and the first Michael Jackson child molestation case.

Now he’s coming to Phoenix to talk about characters. That is, how to build effective ones that can fill a novel. Since Corbett sidled out of investigation and slipped into writing, he’s penned what’s become a classic book on writing, “The Art of Character.” He’s also a contributing editor for Writers Digest and his non-fiction has appeared in “Narrative” magazine and The New York Times.

Desert Sleuths, the Valley chapter of the national Sisters in Crime organization of mystery writers, along with Phoenix College, is bringing Corbett to town on Saturday, March 3. His topic, “Building Unforgettable Stories From Compelling Characters,” will run from 9:30 to 3:30 at Phoenix College, 1202 W. Thomas Road. Lunch and snacks are included. The fee is $75. For more information, visit www.desertsleuths.com.