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roseybot's review against another edition
4.0
Really a 3.5, but I like to round up on my goodreads ratings.
raesengele's review
informative
fast-paced
4.5
While this is a really good book on writing, there isn't a whole lot that's specific to writing mysteries. Out of 30 chapters, maybe 3 of them were focused solely on mystery writing. As just a book about writing, it's good. Hallie Ephron does a great job not being overly prescriptive and highlighting several different approaches to story telling and writing in general. I will absolutely hand this to a newer writer even if they weren't writing in the mystery genre.
ldvs's review
5.0
Spectacular! Thorough. Insightful. Helpful beyond words (which is pretty amazing for a book about writing ;).
whatandreawrote's review against another edition
5.0
I borrowed this from the library. Halfway through, I ordered my own used copy so I could mark it up to hell and back.
This is an OUTSTANDING resource for me as I embark on writing my first mystery novel. The book goes from absolute start (conception, ideas, shaping your main character and plot) to complete finish (querying and publishing). I found the tips and tough love really useful. E.G. I really needed to someone to tell me: "Andrea, we love ya, but no one wants to read 19 pages of backstory or pointless exhibition. And for god's sake, show don't tell."
Most of the examples are drawn from modern, action-heavy thriller mysteries, and a lot of the pointers are written assuming that you're writing one too. But I think there's a lot of valuable stuff in here regarding pacing, avoiding stereotypes and cliches, dialogue, EDITING (oh god editing). I think I will be referring to this book again and again while I write. Terrific!
This is an OUTSTANDING resource for me as I embark on writing my first mystery novel. The book goes from absolute start (conception, ideas, shaping your main character and plot) to complete finish (querying and publishing). I found the tips and tough love really useful. E.G. I really needed to someone to tell me: "Andrea, we love ya, but no one wants to read 19 pages of backstory or pointless exhibition. And for god's sake, show don't tell."
Most of the examples are drawn from modern, action-heavy thriller mysteries, and a lot of the pointers are written assuming that you're writing one too. But I think there's a lot of valuable stuff in here regarding pacing, avoiding stereotypes and cliches, dialogue, EDITING (oh god editing). I think I will be referring to this book again and again while I write. Terrific!
michelleful's review against another edition
4.0
Much more practical and comprehensive than "Writing a damn good mystery" by Frey. I especially liked the advice on false suspects and giving them secrets that either cast suspicion on them or remove suspicion from them. The selling part looks very dated but the writing part is fine.
natesbookstack's review
5.0
A fantastic how to guide!!!!! Wonderful read and the ability to download the charts and maps were really helpful, especially if you are like me and do not want to mark up the book!
craigkingsman's review
5.0
As a new mystery author, I've read several books about "how to write". This is by far the best one one I've found. The advice is solid and to the point. There are several worksheets and exercises to help you get the best from every chapter. Before I even finished, I was recommending this book to other writers. It's one that I'll keep near my writing desk and refer to often as I continue forward with my first novel.
charliadams's review against another edition
5.0
This book was a highly informative read! I would recommend this book to those who are thinking about writing a mystery novel.
I bought this book a few years ago and finally read it. I am glad I took the step. This book helped me out on subjects and situations I thought I knew. I knew most genres have a “formula”. What I learned was what type of formula mystery novels have. I feel more confident now than before I read it. This book was in-depth enough to understand the nooks and crannies.
This book is easy to read and understand. There are many examples from different authors for the subject the author is trying to explain. Unfortunately, there were not any diagrams like I like, but I am still fine with that. This book is great for new to advanced writers. For me, you can always learn additional things no matter where you are in your writing.
I will use this book as a reference while writing and editing my mystery novel.
I bought this book a few years ago and finally read it. I am glad I took the step. This book helped me out on subjects and situations I thought I knew. I knew most genres have a “formula”. What I learned was what type of formula mystery novels have. I feel more confident now than before I read it. This book was in-depth enough to understand the nooks and crannies.
This book is easy to read and understand. There are many examples from different authors for the subject the author is trying to explain. Unfortunately, there were not any diagrams like I like, but I am still fine with that. This book is great for new to advanced writers. For me, you can always learn additional things no matter where you are in your writing.
I will use this book as a reference while writing and editing my mystery novel.
mysterybuff's review
5.0
I’ve read a lot of craft books and this ranks as one of the best. Not just because I’m writing a new genre, but because it really gave me different avenues to use while creating characters. Well worth it even if you don’t write mysteries.
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