Customer Reviews

Mystery Muses: 100 Classics That Inspire Today's Mystery Writers

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Jim Huang and Austin Lugar compiled many answers to that question in their book about mystery classics. One hundred present-day writers tell about a book that had something to do with pushing them toward writing in this genre.

Many cite books that stood out as "life-altering" - - and some even have favorite editions; I know that allegiance. Will one of your favorite authors be your starting point? We naturally judge a reviewer by our personal estimate of a title. But these are essays with a difference - - the judges have themselves struggled to make plots 'work' and they are also experienced at taking criticism,
and learning from it.

It is a delight to browse through these selections - from Nancy Drew to Dick Francis to Stephen King! It is like conversing with very articulate friends who can help you understand better your own enthusiasms. Valid points are made, preferences weighed and - beware! - some endings revealed. [...]

You and I will remember ways in which these & other authors were influential in our own lives, and we doubtless envy Huang & Lugar the fun of putting together this collection. What a lovely, absorbing distraction for a winter's day.

What book sticks in the mind of your favorite author? What book made that writer decide to write a mystery? MYSTERY MUSES sets out to answer that question, and does a pretty good job of it. It will come as no surprise that Christie, Sayers, Doyle, and Allingham are frequently mentioned, as are Hammett, Chandler, Chesterton and Stout. There is someone who credits Freddie the Pig as an inspiration, and gives cogent reasons for that credit. MYSTERY MUSES will send many of us back to favorites unread for a while, and will no doubt add to some To Be Read stacks; there are some surprising entries.