Writing Mysteries: A Handbook by the Mystery Writers of America (Hardcover)

by Sue Grafton (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Like many Writer's Digest publications, this work serves as an excellent resource for the published and the would-be author. Editor Grafton, herself the successful author of the Kinsey Milhone series, orchestrates the contributions of many distinguished detective/mystery writers, including Tony Hillerman, Lawrence Block, and Ed Hock. This how-to book differs from other Writer's Digest books in that the articles move sequentially through the process from preparation to publication. The specialties section focuses on mysteries for young people and short story mysteries. A good choice for both public libraries' and writers' book shelves.
- Martin J. Hudacs, Solanco H.S., Quarryville, Pa .
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
Contributing members of the Mystery Writers of America help readers interested in mystery fiction learn how to write tight, salable mysteries.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Writers Digest Books; 1st edition (March 15, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898795028
• ISBN-13: 978-0898795028
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,061,910 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good advice, but not very user-friendly, November 17, 2000

By	Karina A. Suarez (Walt Disney World, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a kind of "anthology" reference book on writing modern mysteries for want-to-be authors. Everything from where to look for inspiration, building a good plot, mastering ambience and effective character and dialogue development is here. What is also here - and very much present - is, in fact, the influence of crime writers. For example, the first chapter discusses the general "rules" for writing a mystery. I find it too partial to the modern, American crime writers, depecting the use of violence, certain cities, etc.; as the optimal places to write mysteries about.

Other writers, like Tony Hillerman, who writes mysteries about the Navajo indians, writes a kind of pedantic chapter, very much geared towards people like him, who are established writers; but that the novice can find discouraging.

I find the most helpful, and best written chapter of all is one of the last ones, written by Ruth Gavin, a mystery editor; where she tells exactly what an editor is looking for in a mystery and what the readers are looking for as well. She definitely helps the first time writer to get published.

I find the traditional, cozy or not, British mystery the most enticing, entertaining and relaxing. If you are this kind of writer, this book is not going to appeal much to you. Although I would still reccomend you browse it, I suggest "You can write a mystery", by Gillian Roberts. On the other hand, if you are a Sue Grafton fan - who, by the way, is the editor of this book -, and you also like Tom Clancy and Robert Ludlum; you will find this volume very appealing.

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very good handbook for the novice mystery writer., April 4, 1998

By A Customer

Novice writers of this genre and those who just love to read mystery books will get a lot from this book. The essayists are all published writers of the genre who give expert advice with excellent examples to guide the reader toward better understanding.