How to Write a Mystery

by Larry Beinhart and Cathy Repetti

Book Overview

WHODUNIT? YOUDUNIT So you want to write a mystery. There's more to it than just a detective, a dead body, and Colonel Mustard in the drawing room with the candlestick. Fortunately, Larry Beinhart--Edgar Award-winning author of You Get What You Pay For, Foreign Exchange, and American Hero--has taken a break from writing smart, suspenseful thrillers to act as your guide through all the twists and turns of creating the twists and turns of a good mystery...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345397584
• ISBN13: 9780345397584
• Release Date: July 1996
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.48 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.6" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Excellent Writer--Excellent Read (highly recommend)

... Even though this book is specifically for writing mysteries, it is by far the best of all the writing books I have.Besides being a great writer, which makes this book a quick and enjoyable read, Larry gives practicle advice, inspiration, examples, and walks you through each step of writing a mystery.I've put aside all other writing books and I'm reading this one for the second time. It is well worth the money.

I Agree ... One of the Best

This is a great book for both the beginner and the experience writer. It walks you through the process without holding your hand. Outlining the process from start to finish it can help the self-taught refresh their memories and to double check themsleves while providing a start to finish map for the new author to follow. Even for those who don't need the information contained within its covers, this is a good read that makes you think about the subject.

One of the best "how to write" books I have ever read.

Simply put, Beinhart's book is one of the best "How to Write..." books I have ever read. Unlike many books in which the author mostly inspires the reader and/or shares what has worked for him or her, Beinhart gives multiple examples from contemporary and classic works, as well as from his own experiences. I knew that this book had fire in it when I found myself outlining my plot, characters, etc. as I read along. I was also pleased with the Beinhart's honesty about the business and politics of the publishing industry. This book deserves a space on the shelf of every mystery writer--published and unpublished.

Wonderful Informative "How To" Book on Mystery Writing

This is by far the best book I have ever read on the subject of How To.. Mystery Novels. It is easy to understand, with perfect organization. It is a must have for all writers trying to figure out how to correctly write a murder mystery. Larry has proven himself a great author from all of his books. I highly recommend buying this book.

the best book on WRITING crime ever.

This book tells what you WANT to know,how it is done,how to get past the difficulties and finsh the bugger,by a well known, published,damn good writer,not some critic who has'nt written a crime novel or someone who made up a list of what to do from other books.This is the Real Deal!