They Wrote the Book: Thirteen Women Mystery Writers Tell All

by Helen Windrath (Editor)

Essential reading and reference for all mystery writers and fans of the genre.

Genres: Nonfiction, Writing, Mystery

134 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2000

Reviews

[Lex]

Technically a DNF - not because I didn't like it, but because I only set out to read the chapter by Sarah Dreher. Logging because she is my favourite author and I like to keep track of which pieces of her work I have delved into so far.

[Jenx Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very insightful read, both as an aspiring mystery writer AND an avid whodunnit fan! The amount of queer writers in this was a pleasant surprise.

[Nicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this in hope that it'd have something useful for my essays on Crime Fiction. By the time I'd read a couple, I was pretty sure it wasn't going to be useful at all, but it was interesting. I haven't actually read anything by any of these writers (yet), so it might've introduced me to something new, something I'll like. And, well, reading other people's perspectives on writing is always interesting.

The reflections are all more personal than academic, though some of them say very sensible things about writing crime fiction.

[Heidi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Useless -- for my purposes, at least. Much too general. One of the two chapters on plot was about: "How I do it, even if it doesn't work for most writers." Sorry, but I don't want to waste my time on that.

[Vera · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of articles written by women writers of mysteries. I liked that several said that writers approach writing differently: ie, some have a complex outline when they start, and others start writing and plot as they go along. The best advice was probalby to just let it happen.

[Book Him Danno · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book very interesting, I enjoyed the stories from the different writers and the background into their characters. Fast, yet interesting to read.

[Jean]

I enjoy reading articles where an artist or writer attempts to describe their creative process. This book was generally very well written and thoughtfull

[M.E. Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

some favorite authors; introduced to some new ones. Not so much as telling you how to wire mysteries but telling you how they did it.

[Carlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting insight into the process of some well known writers.