Fragments Observed: Lessons Learned on Patrol

What happens when you place a nonconfrontational introvert in the passenger seat of a police cruiser? Anything, everything, and a lot of notes!

Fragments Observed: Lessons Learned on Patrol follows how one novelist's quest to create authentic Mobile Police Department characters morphed into logging more than 150 hours of patrol time with the city's finest. Each twelve-hour shift with MPD opened Carrie's eyes to the depth of the issues plaguing residents across the Azalea City and how the simplest acts of kindness can change the bleakest moments.

Journey with Carrie through over a year and a half of ride-alongs as she takes you behind-the-scenes with a variety of personalities sworn to enforce the law and assist victims in Alabama's oldest city.

Known regionally for the in-depth research she does for her historical Southern Gothic novels, Carrie Dalby took things to the next level by diving into the current world of the Mobile Police Department. Understanding where MPD is at in modern society helped her better relate the historic details to modern readers. But she wasn't prepared for the affect it would have on her personal life, where there is always room for growth.

Carrie Dalby has lived in Mobile, Alabama since 1996, but called locations in both San Diego and Santa Cruz counties home while growing up in California. Serving two terms as president of the Mobile Writers' Guild, five years as the Mobile area Local Liaison for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and helping to coordinate the Mobile Literary Festival are just a few of the writing-related volunteer positions she's held. When Carrie isn't reading, writing, researching, or browsing bookstores, estate sales, or second-hand stores, she can often be found volunteering with the Mobile Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association or attending concerts. Carrie writes for both teens and adults. Fortitude is listed as a "Best Historical Book for Kids" by Grateful American Foundation for its historical accuracy and reader engagement for those in grades fifth through tenth. As of 2026, The Possession Chronicles, The Malevolent Trilogy, and Washington Square Secrets are her Southern Gothic series for adults. She has also published several shorts that can be found in different anthologies as well as her short story collection Masked Flaws and Other Stories. For more information, blog articles, social media links, newsletter sign-up, and more, visit Carrie's website: carriedalby.com