You Can Write a Mystery (You Can Write It!)
Roberts, author of the Amanda Pepper mystery series, delivers a solid overview of the genre for aspiring crime writers. Unlike many authors of how-to-write guides, she largely avoids aphorisms, sticking instead to concrete details. She is particularly good on how to structure a crime story ("What has to happen before the rest can happen?") and how to build a plot through false leads. Her discussion of character development is also helpful, particularly her tips on creating a history for the people in your story: "A character can do anything you like, if he has a reason and the reason comes out of his history." Along with analysis of the literary aspects of mystery writing, Roberts also surveys such practical matters as grammar, punctuation, and how to submit the manuscript. If character and setting are what distinguish the best mysteries, failed plot mechanics are invariably what derail the worst. Roberts' basic but too-often-overlooked advice will help keep your story on track.Ilene Cooper