Literary Forensics: How Reading Can Make You A Better Writer

by Gary Alan McBride

Ever wondered how to truly unlock the secrets of masterful storytelling?
Literary Forensics offers a groundbreaking approach to reading like a writer, helping you dissect the intricate craft behind compelling narratives. Gary Alan McBride, drawing from seven years of leading Writers Who Read, fills a critical void by compiling innovative reading techniques you can use to uncover the literary brilliance found in today’s novels.
This essential reference guide provides the tools that let Sharpen Your Awareness with Self-Paced Study: Discover and overcome literary biases and transform your emotional reactions into powerful tools for critical reading.Turn Reading into a Masterclass in Writing: Practice with dozens of modern examples and hands-on exercises, turning your favorite contemporary authors into your personal writing teachers by analyzing their craft.Gain Deep Insights with Interdisciplinary Perspectives: Explore the foundations of effective narrative through discourse analysis, social psychology, literary theory, and more. Use proven academic techniques in a practical, accessible way to enhance your writing immediately.Perfect for writers, literary scholars, and anyone eager to deepen their understanding of how stories work, Literary Forensics will transform your reading and elevate your writing.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

686 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 6, 2026

Reviews

[✨ tweety ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literary Forensic is a guide for writers to help them become better writers through reading. I believe that even those who aren't writers but are readers who love analyzing books can benefit from reading this book to improve their media literacy.

Unlike other books on books I've read, this one uses an approach I would define holistic. One thing that this book also talks about is covers, and the cover of this book, which is a Venn diagram, perfectly expresses the Gestalt of the book itself. When us, writers, read, we bring ourselves and our set of values and beliefs into our reading. This influences how we perceive a text and the emotions we feel while we read. Whether we are engaged or annoyed, and so far and so forth.

I found the book well organized and the index or TOC (table of contents) is great at helping us navigate the book and choose what we want to focus on. Moreover, every chapter tells us which other chapter(s) to read if we want to deepen our knowledge of the topic.

As an English lang/lit grad, I was familiar with a lot of things discussed in this book. So what I brought to this book was my academic knowledge, haha! In my opinion, this book can be read by anyone, no matter their background or if they have a degree or not. The language is simple and the author provides clear explanations for the concepts he mentions in the text. The appendices are a great tool if you want to expand your knowledge.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

LITERARY FORENSICS
BY: GARY ALAN MCBRIDE

I really found this to be a very engaging reading experience even though I have an MFA in Creative Writing that is over a couple of decades old. This is a very accessible writing book since you don't need continued education in academics to be able to read this, and because the world of publishing has changed as recently as the past five years. The simplest, easiest thing to do which is a piece of advice to improve your writing is to read as often as you can which if you're on this website is already something that you do. I'm going with the basics here since I write longer reviews, and I have been re-evaluating that recently, and I think that they're my tendency, but I think they probably are much too overwhelming for anyone that has read them since most people don't have the time since everyone is busy enough with their own long list of books they are wanting to get to, or busy with life to spend on reading what I thought was giving a comprehensive opinion. Plus, I didn't start out by writing longer ones, and I have too much that I need to do myself.

In the beginning of this he brings up the 10,000 hour rule that most people know by Malcolm Gladwell, that the more you read the better writer you'll naturally become. The second basic easy thing to remember is to often ask yourself the question of why did the author include the text that you're reading throughout the entire narrative. There are three keys, and seven tools, which are very basic, and easy to remember. The three keys present in every novel are so commonly utilized that most people know them already. Every novel begins with a premise or the hook which part of the first key one is called an INCITING INCIDENT begins the protagonist's journey. The Premise, hook and INCITING Incident are the starting point component that is first third that comprises the first key, and they don't all three have to be in that order, but see how they all are already familiar, and remember I'm aiming for the basics in which this is getting longer than I intended. Almost exactly at the halfway point in the novel is the MIDPOINT is the TWIST. I know that there are novels with a multitude of TWISTS, at any rate that is the second part that makes up the first key. The third part of the first key comes the CLIMAX, or denouement which should provide the answer to the INCITING incident's question, and also the payoff, or reward for entering the narratives journey. That's Key One. KEY TWO: UNSPOKEN CONTRACT KEY THREE: EVERYTHING SERVES A PURPOSE.

There's SEVEN TOOLS and Tool One is Using Structure to identify themes. The Second Tool is Assume you're getting played. Tool Three: Pay attention to Point of View. Tool Four: What Happens is not what's discussed. Basically this means: the show me don't tell me which is another way of saying writing at an inverse. Tool Five: Always Ask Why. Tool Six: Reread. Tool Seven: Rewrite.
I know that this is something that is something I forgot about yesterday when I was reviewing a book that I already knew but I didn't like the book at all because I thought from the moment I started reading it I found it to be extremely lacking depth or layers in the character development, and as often the case for the Mystery & Thriller genre I gave it a higher rating than I felt it deserved as I was reflecting back on what I found to be way over the top full of extremely abhorrent characters, except I only found three likable characters in which it reminded me why it was so much of a torture exercise to read these extremely hateful characters who fell flat for me. I was extremely exhausted after forcing myself to finish it that I went to bed earlier. I brought my emotional bias to my reading experience since I am a kind person, I think we all do it at times because it was so mixed in reviews, it was the spiteful, and too much vicious behavior I just don't remember reading such a Young Adult feeling novel since it wasn't that genre. Long story short I couldn't see how some who reviewed it loved it, but I just wanted to admit to my not being conscience of how much I brought of my emotional bias which I think I still stand by my word in it being how it was gone over in this book that is something more than just my bias of hateful characters, but it's so fresh in my mind that I was thinking worth mentioning how that is something to keep in mind that I think that this book is also just struck me as the writer is so thorough. I think the Publisher is reputable enough for another reason if you are interested why this was excellent.
I didn't explain in as much detail as I normally would, since I thought I was already writing more than I set out for this review after going over the first Key Point. I think most of what I listed are reasons to read this since I think this is such a basic book, and it might be self explanatory enough for most readers who my intuition is either you can find out by reading this which I already own, so I can attest to it being for every audience, and since I'm perplexed how much of a mystery to me that I received the ARC, to which I am required to write a review since I wouldn't request something I already owned, but it's not dry or dense I did reread it since I have a ton of writing manuals from my graduate, and undergraduate University days, and this author brings up novels that are current, and some other famous Author's books I have bought over the years. I do recommend this if it's something you're interested in, as another recommendation I love Stephen King's as being excellent, as well.

Publication Date: January 6, 2026

Thank you to Net Galley, Gary Alan McBride, and In Res Media-Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) Writers' Titles for generously providing me with my ARC, in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own, as always.

#LiteraryForensics #GaryAlanMcBride #InResMedia #IndependentBookPublishersAssociation #IBPA #WritersTitles #NetGalley

[Charlie V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emulation/imitation is a necessary first step in discovering your own voice in the arts. For a writer that means being a voracious (and purposeful) reader of authors who have come before. The question is "how" to read. McBride’s literary forensics shines a novel (pun intended) path forward. Written in a clear, down-to-earth, entertaining style, this book helps readers explore the workings of text at the micro and macro levels. It will help you derive usable lessons for your own writing; it will make you want to read more and dig deeper.
As McBride acknowledges, there is no one book that will teach you how to be a better writer, but this handy compendium should be on every writer’s bookshelf. It’s full of insights about recently published books, with practical exercises to try as you learn to be a better reader and, by extension, a better writer.

[Jennifer Swallow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literary Forensics is a must-have reference book for anyone who wants to read and write better. It breaks down the breadth of how a reader experiences a book far beyond the standard elements of voice, POV, and character development. It shows you how to fully engage with a book to understand why it's a success. There are copious footnotes for more exploration and a whole section on how to decide what books to learn from.

Despite the meatiness of the content, it's written in a very approachable way, with humor and practical exercises, so no matter where you are on your journey as a reader & writer, you can benefit. Highly recommended for anyone who is working on their own writing career or who simply wants to appreciate books more deeply.

[Paige Moulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literary Forensics: How Reading Can Make You A Better Writer is a comprehensive analytical framework designed to transform the way writers engage with fiction.

Gary Alan McBride presents reading as an investigative discipline, offering structured techniques that draw from literary theory, discourse analysis, and social psychology. Through modern examples and practical exercises, the book teaches writers to examine narrative architecture, stylistic choices, and reader psychology with precision.

By converting instinctive reactions into critical insight, the work empowers writers to sharpen craft awareness and elevate their storytelling capabilities.

An essential and methodical resource for serious writers, scholars, and readers committed to mastering narrative technique.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: Gary hired me to index this book. For those who aren't familiar with what a book indexer does, we read the manuscript and analyze it to determine which terms readers will look up. These terms are added to the index in the back of the book.

As someone who's also a writer and an avid reader, I enjoyed reading this book. I have never seen another book like it. Gary provides clear steps and details on how to read a book as a writer. The goal is to help writers understand how a book is written and organized, which will help them improve their writing. Although Literary Forensics focuses on novels, the concepts and tips Gary provides could be applied to any book.

[Pages Uncharted · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literary Forensics is an insightful and densely informative guide for readers who want to dig beneath the surface of a story. Although marketed toward writers, the book is just as valuable for aspiring reviewers. McBride breaks down the structural and narrative decisions authors make, offering practical tools for understanding why a story works the way it does. I found the book not only informative but a resource worth returning to, as it’s packed with techniques essential for close reading. For anyone seeking to elevate their analytical skills and engage more deeply with literature, Literary Forensics is an excellent companion.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc.

[Willyn Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literary Forensics has given me close to the equivalent of an MFA. I have learned so much that I have just completed my first fiction novel. If you purchase one book to support your writing goals, this is the one! Have fun reading great writing, learning about writing, and then writing! That's what this book did for me. I'm giving it to all of my friends.

Gary McBride lives what he writes. This is an evidence-based program based on many, many years of dedication to the development of the process. Buy the book. Listen to the podcast. Excel as an author!

[Oana-Maria Uliu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not perfect, and yet it is the best non-fiction I've read so far and the only non-fiction book I've rated 5. So... Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to study it thoroughly.
I must say I wish I could buy copies of it for all my friends and students because it is written in a way that is easy to read and covers so many things that I kept wondering, 'OMG, how did he think of that?!'
It is meant to help young writers, but appreciate its insights when it comes to critical reading, as well.

[Brijeet · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Literary Forensics, McBride shows you how to engage more deeply with what you read, as a tool to understand the craft of writing. This book felt like taking a really interesting college course on writing/literature, not surprising given the author's work as a professor. As an avid reader (but without a background in writing or literary analysis), I enjoyed learning more about the strategic choices authors make and what elements are by design, and how to bring this awareness to enhance my reading.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the e-ARC.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every writer needs this book! I feel that my craft has improved and my love for reading has grown more thanks to it. I think it's important not just for writers to read a lot, but to read the most effectively, and this reference book helps cultivate this skill. It's also very well written and researched, with helpful exercises throughout, and occasionally a few humorous moments. A wonderful resource!

[Andrea Kilmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

LITERARY FORENSICS has changed the way I read fiction. I now read with a more analytical eye, and instead of a bookmark, I use an index card entering copious notes on it - and no matter what I'm reading, it's a much more enjoyable way to delve into the book. Thank you, Gary McBride for such an in-depth book on how to read like a writer. The knowledge and insights you offer are tremendously helpful.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating book. I love to read but it never really occurred to me until recently that analysing the books you read can impact how you write. Now I have read this once through I need to go back again and complete all of the exercises. I think it will keep me busy for some time to come. It’s a shame I live too far away to join the authors study group. Thanks to NetGalley and In Res Media for the ARC.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes, you just want to read a novel for fun. But if you want to analyze novels as exemplars of fiction and inspiration for your writing, this work by Gary Alan McBride will show you how! This is an extremely rich resource that will be useful to any writer. It’s incredibly comprehensive. I think it would take me years to get through all of the practical, helpful exercises in this book.

However, I am really disappointed that the author advocated for using ChatGPTs/LLMs. These are predicated on stealing from writers. That is even before we consider how they hallucinate (provide made-up/untrue information), as McBride mentions, or the MANY other ethical issues associated with them. Writing and reading, and thinking about writing and reading, for ourselves is a part of the fun! It’s a part of being human! Even the oxymoron “digital humanities” made me cringe.

It’s still overall an amazing resource, so I give the book 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

Thank you to NetGalley, In Res Media, and the Independent Book Publishers Association for the free eARC. I post this review with my honest opinions.