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How to Write a Mystery: A Handbook from Mystery Writers of America
From 70 of the most successful mystery writers in the business, an invaluable guide to crafting mysteries—from character development and plot to procedurals and thrillers—“this is a writing guide that readers and writers will turn to again and again” (Booklist, starred review).Mystery Writers of America (MWA) is known for providing unparalleled resources on the craft, art, and business of storytelling, helping writers of all levels improve their skills for nearly a century. Now, this handbook helps authors navigate the ever-shifting publishing landscape—from pacing, plotting, the business side of publishing, to the current demand for diversity and inclusivity across all genres, and more. Featuring essays by a new generation of bestselling experts on various elements of the craft and shorter pieces of crowd-sourced wisdom from the MWA membership as a whole, the topics covered can be categorized as —Before Writing (rules; genres; setting; character; research; etc.) —While Writing (outlining; the plot; dialogue; mood; etc.) —After Writing (agents; editors; self-pub; etc.) —Other than Novels (short stories; true crime; etc.) —Other Considerations (diverse characters; legal questions; criticism) Also included is a collection of essays from MWA published authors—including Jeffery Deaver, Tess Gerritsen, and Charlaine Harris—selected by bestselling authors Lee Child and Laurie King and arranged thematically answering, “What piece of writing advice do you wish you’d had at the beginning of your career?” “Everything you wanted to know about how to plan, draft, write, revise, publish, and market a mystery” (Kirkus Reviews), this inclusive manual provides practical, current, easily digestible advice for new and established authors alike.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2021
395 people are currently reading
4539 people want to read
About the author
Lee Child
449 books33.9k followersLee Child was born October 29th, 1954 in Coventry, England, but spent his formative years in the nearby city of Birmingham. By coincidence he won a scholarship to the same high school that JRR Tolkien had attended. He went to law school in Sheffield, England, and after part-time work in the theater he joined Granada Television in Manchester for what turned out to be an eighteen-year career as a presentation director during British TV's "golden age." During his tenure his company made Brideshead Revisited, The Jewel in the Crown, Prime Suspect, and Cracker. But he was fired in 1995 at the age of 40 as a result of corporate restructuring. Always a voracious reader, he decided to see an opportunity where others might have seen a crisis and bought six dollars' worth of paper and pencils and sat down to write a book, Killing Floor, the first in the Jack Reacher series.
Killing Floor was an immediate success and launched the series which has grown in sales and impact with every new installment. The first Jack Reacher movie, based on the novel One Shot and starring Tom Cruise and Rosamund Pike, was released in December 2012.
Lee has three homes—an apartment in Manhattan, a country house in the south of France, and whatever airplane cabin he happens to be in while traveling between the two. In the US he drives a supercharged Jaguar, which was built in Jaguar's Browns Lane plant, thirty yards from the hospital in which he was born.
Lee spends his spare time reading, listening to music, and watching the Yankees, Aston Villa, or Marseilles soccer. He is married with a grown-up daughter. He is tall and slim, despite an appalling diet and a refusal to exercise.
Killing Floor was an immediate success and launched the series which has grown in sales and impact with every new installment. The first Jack Reacher movie, based on the novel One Shot and starring Tom Cruise and Rosamund Pike, was released in December 2012.
Lee has three homes—an apartment in Manhattan, a country house in the south of France, and whatever airplane cabin he happens to be in while traveling between the two. In the US he drives a supercharged Jaguar, which was built in Jaguar's Browns Lane plant, thirty yards from the hospital in which he was born.
Lee spends his spare time reading, listening to music, and watching the Yankees, Aston Villa, or Marseilles soccer. He is married with a grown-up daughter. He is tall and slim, despite an appalling diet and a refusal to exercise.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
August 24, 2025
I’m 64.5 years old and have done a lot of writing in my life – poems, short stories, articles, reviews – but never a book. I’m retiring (from teaching high school English) in June 2025, and it feels like now it's time to tackle creating a novel.
I’ve also read a bunch of books on writing over the years and enjoy now and then picking up another one. I always learn something, discover new ways of thinking about writing techniques, and get a bunch of helpful reminders. Plus it inspires me to actually sit down and write.
This book accomplished all this in a helpful, interesting, and unique way. Although I weave half a dozen or more mysteries per year into my reading cycle, I’ve never before read a writing-advice book focused solely on this genre.
Each chapter is written by a successful mystery/thriller writer. I especially liked it when the author was someone whose work I’d already read, but it was cool to be introduced to new writers as well. I added way too many titles to my already bloated-beyond-what-I-can-possibly-read-in-my-remaining-lifespan “Want to Read” list.
Of course, some of the chapters felt more relevant to me than others. I just skimmed over the ones that didn’t grab me (networking, legal advice, self-publishing, building a community, etc.), but even they were not without their worthwhile thoughts.
Will the book I ultimately end up writing be a mystery? Stay tuned! Maybe I’ll have an author page on Goodreads one of these days!!
I’ve also read a bunch of books on writing over the years and enjoy now and then picking up another one. I always learn something, discover new ways of thinking about writing techniques, and get a bunch of helpful reminders. Plus it inspires me to actually sit down and write.
This book accomplished all this in a helpful, interesting, and unique way. Although I weave half a dozen or more mysteries per year into my reading cycle, I’ve never before read a writing-advice book focused solely on this genre.
Each chapter is written by a successful mystery/thriller writer. I especially liked it when the author was someone whose work I’d already read, but it was cool to be introduced to new writers as well. I added way too many titles to my already bloated-beyond-what-I-can-possibly-read-in-my-remaining-lifespan “Want to Read” list.
Of course, some of the chapters felt more relevant to me than others. I just skimmed over the ones that didn’t grab me (networking, legal advice, self-publishing, building a community, etc.), but even they were not without their worthwhile thoughts.
Will the book I ultimately end up writing be a mystery? Stay tuned! Maybe I’ll have an author page on Goodreads one of these days!!
May 4, 2025
I got it because I’m thinking about writing something in that genre. But it had lots and lots more.
Chapters were short and filled with well-organized material. There were so many steps, but it was easy to read and digest. Vague in only a few spots. Very specific in most others.
In fact, I learned or relearned a bit about writing fiction in any genre. Keep things focused on the theme, get to know your characters, and you can try to be funny, but it’s tricky. Good for any writers! It reads more like a handbook, so I might just go out and get one for myself!
Chapters were short and filled with well-organized material. There were so many steps, but it was easy to read and digest. Vague in only a few spots. Very specific in most others.
In fact, I learned or relearned a bit about writing fiction in any genre. Keep things focused on the theme, get to know your characters, and you can try to be funny, but it’s tricky. Good for any writers! It reads more like a handbook, so I might just go out and get one for myself!
October 17, 2021
While obviously some essays were stronger than others, all in all this was an excellent selection.
I particularly loved how many of the contributors quoted each other, sometimes even referencing the essays in the book. It was really charming. I also got a kick out of the cheekily placed essays next to each from Jeffrey Deaver and Lee Child titled “Always Outline!” and “Never Outline!” respectively.
The breadth of topics covered was amazing and all of the essays were easily digestible and perfect for short reading in spare moments.
Top notch collection.
I particularly loved how many of the contributors quoted each other, sometimes even referencing the essays in the book. It was really charming. I also got a kick out of the cheekily placed essays next to each from Jeffrey Deaver and Lee Child titled “Always Outline!” and “Never Outline!” respectively.
The breadth of topics covered was amazing and all of the essays were easily digestible and perfect for short reading in spare moments.
Top notch collection.
July 20, 2022
These essays were great. Recommend audio.
May 19, 2025
Picked this up because: I like mysteries (who doesn’t?), and hoped to extract a few insights on the genre as well as get a refresher on the dos and don’ts of writing (adverbs, kill your darlings, speech tags—the usual suspects). Yep, it was all in there. I particularly enjoyed the explanation of sub genres and the writers who specialize in each.
Around halfway my interest flagged. The book went into techniques and the business of writing books. Outlines—the pros and cons. Then, onto drier subjects—collaborating with a partner; copyright laws; setting up a website; employing social media to promote you as a brand.
Nevertheless, even at my level of interest, I highlighted the sh*t out of this book. Here are some quotes that spoke to me:
☠️🔎🩸🩸🔍☠️
Rhys Bowen has observed, “Historical novels are popular now because there is much to feel uneasy about in the present.”
-Oh hey! The pandemic lockdown (and the ease of handling a Kindle Paperwhite) were the reasons I enthusiastically returned to HRs after a long absence.
☠️🔎🩸🩸🔍☠️
Ever wonder how the ending of an epic story can fizzle right before your eyes? Here’s a reason with a helpful tip:
During the editing phase I always do one pass starting with the last chapter and moving backward through the book. The idea being—you start a draft with a ton of fresh energy and by the time you get to the end you just want to be done, which is why endings can sometimes just trail off. This way you’re putting fresh energy into the ending…
☠️🔎🩸🩸🔍☠️
And just because it made me smile:
Subtext is not written, it is implied. It is the underneath, the feelings and intuition, the unspoken meaning. Even a shopping list can have subtext.
•Milk
•Bread
•Eggs
•Hammer
•Shovel
•Quicklime
•Champagne
Cheers! 🥂
Around halfway my interest flagged. The book went into techniques and the business of writing books. Outlines—the pros and cons. Then, onto drier subjects—collaborating with a partner; copyright laws; setting up a website; employing social media to promote you as a brand.
Nevertheless, even at my level of interest, I highlighted the sh*t out of this book. Here are some quotes that spoke to me:
☠️🔎🩸🩸🔍☠️
Rhys Bowen has observed, “Historical novels are popular now because there is much to feel uneasy about in the present.”
-Oh hey! The pandemic lockdown (and the ease of handling a Kindle Paperwhite) were the reasons I enthusiastically returned to HRs after a long absence.
☠️🔎🩸🩸🔍☠️
Ever wonder how the ending of an epic story can fizzle right before your eyes? Here’s a reason with a helpful tip:
During the editing phase I always do one pass starting with the last chapter and moving backward through the book. The idea being—you start a draft with a ton of fresh energy and by the time you get to the end you just want to be done, which is why endings can sometimes just trail off. This way you’re putting fresh energy into the ending…
☠️🔎🩸🩸🔍☠️
And just because it made me smile:
Subtext is not written, it is implied. It is the underneath, the feelings and intuition, the unspoken meaning. Even a shopping list can have subtext.
•Milk
•Bread
•Eggs
•Hammer
•Shovel
•Quicklime
•Champagne
Cheers! 🥂
February 26, 2021
I've been dabbling in mystery writing for a while now and after reading this book I'm eager to dive back into it! I appreciated all the tips and found them to be very practical. It's definitely motivated me to get writing and has me feeling like I'm set up for success.
Many thanks to Scribner and NetGalley for the advance copy.
Many thanks to Scribner and NetGalley for the advance copy.
February 24, 2021
This will be a must-buy for my 800s collection. Many of the great names in mystery today collaborate here to explain and highlight different attributes of writing the mystery. Crime fiction is so varied and complex, which I learned from my time on the board of Sisters in Crime. I like that each essay is focused on a different topic, so readers looking for specific guidance can flip directly to the essay in question. I was particularly inspired by those from Rachel Howzell Hall, Frankie Y. Bailey, Catriona McPherson, and Liliana Hart. It's not all craft: some of the essays are about marketing and publishing, and some very important issues of diversity and intersectionality are covered (though I felt one of the essays was a bit flip about the topic - written by a white man, natch). Apart from that issue, this is definitely a book I will refer to again and again.
March 31, 2021
I’ve already slapped too many post-it notes on too many pages of the Mystery Writers of America’s newest guidebook, How to Write a Mystery, which is filled with craft advice and insights from your favorite mystery authors. No, you don’t have to read this book cover-to-cover. You probably shouldn’t. As several contributors, including Steve Hockensmith say, “Don’t spend too much time reading about how to write. The best way to learn to write is to write.” Anyway, it’s more fun to dip into this book’s essays based on your current mood or writing challenge. You'll find Jeffrey Deaver on why you should outline your book in advance of writing, and Lee Child on why you shouldn’t. Frankie Y. Bailey invites you to think about how you might be more inclusive in your fiction. Deborah Crombie shares tips on plotting a mystery, and Lyndsay Faye talks about the author’s unique voice. I better stop now, or I’ll merely list the book’s entire table of contents. Thank you, Sisters in Crime New York for gifting me with an advance reader’s edition. This book is a keeper.
July 30, 2021
I was fortunate enough to win this latest edition of How To Write A Mystery, A Handbook from Mystery Writers of America, edited by Lee Child (Jack Reacher series), with NYT bestselling author Laurie R. King, but that won’t skew my review.
Will it?
The trend these days seems to focus on the unreliable narrator but in this case, I’ll be blunt. This is a fantastic read and as I’ve stated in the past, reading books on writing; the art of writing, leads to better enjoyment of the written word.
The goal of the book of course, is to provide the answer to the following:
“What piece of writing advice do you wish you’d had at the beginning of your career?”
And for more than 75 years, Mystery Writers of America (MWA) has done its best to answer that question.
In this edition there are essays by Rachel Howzell Hall, who speaks to The Rules and Genres, specifically, the police procedural, whose books, And Now She’s Gone, and They All Fall Down, I gobbled up. Also included are the author Tess Gerritsen who speaks to the medical thriller: “Playing on the reader’s real-life fears and hunger for insider knowledge,” and Louise Penny, on building your community: “It’s the writer, not the book: finding a home in the virtual village.”
Of particular interest was the ‘battle’ between Jeffery Deaver, who always outlines, and Lee Child, who never outlines. Although not included here, one of my favorite authors, Samantha Downing (For Your Own Good), doesn’t outline either, and her thrillers are marvelous.
Finally, I think all reviewers could learn a lesson from Oline H. Cogdill, who was tasked to write an essay, “Secrets of a Book Critic: Reviews and reviewers: what to learn from them, and what to ignore.”
“Reviewers who are consistently mean-spirited are more in love with their own voices than giving solid evaluations of books.”
Solid advice.
Will it?
The trend these days seems to focus on the unreliable narrator but in this case, I’ll be blunt. This is a fantastic read and as I’ve stated in the past, reading books on writing; the art of writing, leads to better enjoyment of the written word.
The goal of the book of course, is to provide the answer to the following:
“What piece of writing advice do you wish you’d had at the beginning of your career?”
And for more than 75 years, Mystery Writers of America (MWA) has done its best to answer that question.
In this edition there are essays by Rachel Howzell Hall, who speaks to The Rules and Genres, specifically, the police procedural, whose books, And Now She’s Gone, and They All Fall Down, I gobbled up. Also included are the author Tess Gerritsen who speaks to the medical thriller: “Playing on the reader’s real-life fears and hunger for insider knowledge,” and Louise Penny, on building your community: “It’s the writer, not the book: finding a home in the virtual village.”
Of particular interest was the ‘battle’ between Jeffery Deaver, who always outlines, and Lee Child, who never outlines. Although not included here, one of my favorite authors, Samantha Downing (For Your Own Good), doesn’t outline either, and her thrillers are marvelous.
Finally, I think all reviewers could learn a lesson from Oline H. Cogdill, who was tasked to write an essay, “Secrets of a Book Critic: Reviews and reviewers: what to learn from them, and what to ignore.”
“Reviewers who are consistently mean-spirited are more in love with their own voices than giving solid evaluations of books.”
Solid advice.
February 1, 2022
This is an excellent book on the craft of writing mysteries, consisting of essays from a broad range of mystery writers and professionals. While some writing books are clearly for beginners, this is well-suited for writers of all levels. It reminded me of attending panels at a writing convention and absorbing advice that has been heard before, but enjoying it again because it's being presented so well. Notable contributors to this book include Charlaine Harris, Jacqueline Winspear, Lee Child, Craig Johnson--I could go on and on, and the table of contents is a veritable who's-who of the genre. Topics range from various kinds of mystery to writing for children or intellectual properties to writing techniques to what happens after the writing. I was especially amused by the contrasting chapters on whether or not to outline.
March 22, 2021
Unlike many other "How to write" books, this one hits the mark and leaves writers and aspiring writers with something to take away from nearly every contributing chapter. Even writers who don't write mysteries can gain insight with this book, making it a must-have for any shelf.
Thank you NetGalley and Scribner for the opportunity to read an advance reading copy.
Thank you NetGalley and Scribner for the opportunity to read an advance reading copy.
July 9, 2022
With the exception of two sections, this book is a treasure trove of information on everything from character and plot to marketing and copyright. Countless titles and authors are recommended throughout the collection, and there is something for every kind of mystery writer.
I did not appreciate the advice to children's writers that fart jokes are the key to good kids' books. To my mind, those are a sign of lazy, immature writing. Books with such content are completely banned in my house, and I like that that my kids don't use the word "butt" or talk incessantly about bathroom functions. I also found it sickening that someone would even joke that bestiality might be appropriate for a YA audience. These sections felt out of place in a book that otherwise had a professional and intelligent approach. I'm giving the book five stars because of the high quality of the book as a whole, but authors who write for young people may want to look elsewhere for truly good advice.
I did not appreciate the advice to children's writers that fart jokes are the key to good kids' books. To my mind, those are a sign of lazy, immature writing. Books with such content are completely banned in my house, and I like that that my kids don't use the word "butt" or talk incessantly about bathroom functions. I also found it sickening that someone would even joke that bestiality might be appropriate for a YA audience. These sections felt out of place in a book that otherwise had a professional and intelligent approach. I'm giving the book five stars because of the high quality of the book as a whole, but authors who write for young people may want to look elsewhere for truly good advice.
January 4, 2024
I just loved this book. 100% recommend!
It does exactly what it purports to do: tells you everything you need to know about How to Write a Mystery. All the bases are covered including a very helpful breakdown of different mystery/thriller genres. It tells you how to target different audiences, age groups, and writing length. Its covers plot, pacing, character development, stakes, twists, etc.
I think the most helpful aspect is the highly and diversely curated list of contributing authors. This is not just Lee Child telling you his advice on How to Write a Mystery (though his chapter is indispensable). No, you get a large variety of insight from dozens of authors across the Mystery genre - some of which even seems to contradict advice given earlier in the book, which serves as a great reminder that there’s no one way to do it “right.”
Authors who don’t write mysteries, don’t let the title keep you from picking it up. Yes, it does very well tell you How to Write A Mystery. But it’s filled with a trove of wisdom that applies to any genre.
Have a highlighter handy as you read!
It does exactly what it purports to do: tells you everything you need to know about How to Write a Mystery. All the bases are covered including a very helpful breakdown of different mystery/thriller genres. It tells you how to target different audiences, age groups, and writing length. Its covers plot, pacing, character development, stakes, twists, etc.
I think the most helpful aspect is the highly and diversely curated list of contributing authors. This is not just Lee Child telling you his advice on How to Write a Mystery (though his chapter is indispensable). No, you get a large variety of insight from dozens of authors across the Mystery genre - some of which even seems to contradict advice given earlier in the book, which serves as a great reminder that there’s no one way to do it “right.”
Authors who don’t write mysteries, don’t let the title keep you from picking it up. Yes, it does very well tell you How to Write A Mystery. But it’s filled with a trove of wisdom that applies to any genre.
Have a highlighter handy as you read!
March 15, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
How to Write a Mystery.
I'm so happy my request was approved because I love all things mysteries.
This was a great compilation of the most popular and respected authors in the genre, offering blunt, honest, no-nonsense advice on what makes a mystery.
Everything mystery and thriller related is covered here including (just to name a few):
What is the difference between a mystery and a thriller
The sub genres and sub sub genres. I've never heard of weird west. How interesting!
How to make a living as a writer: write, write and oh yeah, write!
Self-publishing
The business side of writing
This book is practical, easy to read and understand and ideal for not just would-be mystery writers but for publishing professionals and authors already in the business.
I'm so happy my request was approved because I love all things mysteries.
This was a great compilation of the most popular and respected authors in the genre, offering blunt, honest, no-nonsense advice on what makes a mystery.
Everything mystery and thriller related is covered here including (just to name a few):
What is the difference between a mystery and a thriller
The sub genres and sub sub genres. I've never heard of weird west. How interesting!
How to make a living as a writer: write, write and oh yeah, write!
Self-publishing
The business side of writing
This book is practical, easy to read and understand and ideal for not just would-be mystery writers but for publishing professionals and authors already in the business.
Read
July 23, 2021I'm a reader, not a writer, but there is almost nothing I like more than inside info. There is lots of inside info here from lots of serious mystery (and its sub-genres) writers. For example, "Researching the Spy Thriller" by Gayle Lynds. I particularly enjoyed "Ten Stupid Questions about True Crime" by Daniel Stashower, even though I read very few true crime books.
There is even a chuckle to be had in the Table of Contents. "Never Outline!" by Lee Child follows close on the heels of "Always Outline!" by Jeffery Deaver.
This is not a step-by-step guide by any means. A whole book could be, and probably has been, written on the subject of any one of the essays in this book. The essay on "Legal Considerations" by Daniel Steven barely brushed the surface for me. "Please, sir, I want some more."
There is even a chuckle to be had in the Table of Contents. "Never Outline!" by Lee Child follows close on the heels of "Always Outline!" by Jeffery Deaver.
This is not a step-by-step guide by any means. A whole book could be, and probably has been, written on the subject of any one of the essays in this book. The essay on "Legal Considerations" by Daniel Steven barely brushed the surface for me. "Please, sir, I want some more."
June 14, 2021
Should probably just be re-titled "Advice from mystery writers on how to write." Very little of the book is actual advice dedicated specifically to the art of crafting a mystery. Much of the novel is taken up by detailing the differences between the many subgenres of mystery or giving advice like "Make sure your story is character-driven," or "Write an outline," which seems like an odd choice given that the book's target audience seems to be aspiring writers who are likely to already know these tips. Nevertheless, if you haven't already read a book on writing, this would be a good place to start as it offers a wide variety of viewpoints and opinions and also gives advice in the later chapters on how to get published once your work is done (which I admittedly didn't read).
July 15, 2021
Very comprehensive advice for anyone truly interested in writing and publishing their own mystery (or any genre, really--although mystery specifics are full and center). Individual authors/experts in the field give great overviews on methodology (outline vs seat of pants, etc.), and creating vivid characters, indelible place, riveting story lines, propelling pace, as well as a glance at self-publishing, legal issues, and maintaining a social media presence. I read it as a Readers' Advisor for insight into the appeal of CH, Frame, Pace, Plot and Tone and found it to be a great tool to zero in on terminology and language that articulates what readers seek in a mystery and its ilk.
May 15, 2021
You can in fact read this as a guide for (aspiring) writers since it touches on countless subjects ranging from plot and protagonist to copyright and the correct ways of using social media. What I did, though, was read it as a kind of oral history of mystery writing, a sort of testimonial from inside the genre, from the people who make thrilling literature happen. And it was fun through and through.
June 6, 2021
A strong collection of advice and insight from writers, editors, critics, and more on writing, publishing, promoting mysteries, including to outline or not to outline, character, setting, voice, plot, villains, building a community. Standout essays from Rachel Howzell Hall, Catriona McPherson, Alison Brennan, and Jeffrey Deaver.
August 3, 2022
Don't let the title fool you, this is not a "How To" book. It's simply a series of essays and thoughts from writers who write mystery/suspense/thrillers. I picked up a few new ideas but overall, this was a disappointment. That's probably because I was expecting something else, but still not as helpful as I was hoping.
May 24, 2021
I'm a reader, not a writer, and I still thought this book was fascinating! It gave me a greater appreciation for the tricks of the trade. And it inspired me to spend some time thinking about what my strengths and weaknesses would be, should I ever decide to write. (I'm not.).
May 25, 2021
I plan on writing a middle grade mystery after I finish my current novel. This book is going to be so useful. I’ve marked it up with so many Post-It stickers. The most useful book I’ve found for how to approach writing a mystery.
November 12, 2021
A series of essays on mystery writing and writing in general. Some were better than others but all had a tidbit of new information.
If I were to rank it as a college class I'd call it a 200 level.
If I were to rank it as a college class I'd call it a 200 level.
November 23, 2021
Many interesting essays. The point was to advise potential writers of mysteries, but the insight provided to the reader of mysteries was delightful.
October 23, 2024
An enjoyable mixed bag. I liked the specific insights into the mystery, crime and thriller genres from a diverse range of authors with different styles and approaches. Lots of intriguing book and author recommendations to check out. It tails off into generic stuff about self-promotion and social media that interested me less. I read part of the ebook and listened to the rest as an audiobook, which had a solid full-cast narration.
April 28, 2022
I feel this book is a great resource for writers of any genre because the tips given in the Self-Publishing section and the Writing for Children section are helpful and spot-on and will aid authors outside of the mystery genre, too.
I borrowed this book from the local public library.
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I borrowed this book from the local public library.
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March 10, 2023
This handbook, edited by Lee Child and Laurie R. King. contains dozens of essays on a wide range of subjects relevant to writing, publishing, and marketing all types of mysteries. These articles are by well-know, well-respected authors who know the business. Especially of interest to me were the chapters on Legal Considerations by Daniel Steven and Tie-Ins and Continuing a Character by Max Allan Collins.
Read
June 7, 2025I thought this was going to be good, but I didn’t know it was going to be great. A ton of advice for writing mystery, but also a ton of advice any writer could use. This is probably now in the top three of books I’ll recommend ti new writers, regardless of genre.
October 20, 2023
A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING WHICH MEANS THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE - I SKIMMED SOME SECTIONS AND TOOK COPIOUS NOTES ON OTHERS
January 23, 2024
Packed full of useful information for those who want to know how to properly write a mystery. I really enjoyed reading this. Now there's one thing left to do.. I have to write the book.....
Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews