Must be one hell of a novel

guess you shouldnt murder people for inspiration?

100% YDI. Who the hell writes an entire novel for 3 years in the 2000's and doesn't make a digital copy ?!

(sorry if this is a story from the 80's. And also, sympathies for the loss if it's real, that's a serious one. Except if you really did commit the crimes.)

But still, you are kinda responsible for the screw up.

I'm a published writer and the only part of my story that is written digitally is my final draft. I use a typewriter for the drafts and keep a notebook that I write and plan out characters, events, situations and other plot points. To me digital copies are just as risky as hardcopies and I simply enjoy the feeling of being able to hold it my hand. I've lost 5 or 6 final copies to damaged laptops and other unforseen circumstances, but I've also more than once misplaced or damaged my hardcopies as well. Each has it's pros and cons and ultimately how someone chooses to go about it is up to personal preference.

I don't want this to get misconstrued. Info like that is a big screw up that could impact the immediate outcome of other lives. You deserve to have it taken away for that, whether you were involved or not.

If op was irresponsible with information and damage was caused or not prevented by it, then op needs to deal with the consequences and go without the diary/notebokk/whatever.

You were writing it in a notebook? For 3 years? Must be one big notebook.

go back down to the police station and explain to them that that was theft of intellectual property and that your dad had no right to steal it and unless they can prove you're involved they also have no right to hold on to it as evidence

YDI 100%. If you were writing a novel, why isn't it a digital format and how the hell did your dad steal it and turn it in to the cops? If it's based on real events, they certainly have a case against you.

The silver lining here is your novel is being read.

Do you mean a notebook computer? or a manifesto like the unibomber? is what you think is a novel just a list of crimes you did?

The real FML here is that now you know your dad's a fuckin snitch.