How to Write a Damn Good Mystery

If you secretly harbor an urge to write a mystery novel (like I do), then here's a book you should read, How to Write a Damn Good Mystery by James N. Frey.  It's a practical how-to book that guides you through the process of brainstorming and developing a compelling plot and interesting characters, writing visual scenes and snappy dialogue, and creating the all-important climactic ending.

Frey combines theory and examples within an easy-to-read writing style that upon first read makes the book seem like just common sense until you have a chance to think more about his advice.  I suggest reading through the entire book once and then focusing on each chapter as you begin writing your novel.

 

For those of you who are really ambitious, the book concludes with advice on how to get an agent and sign a book deal.  Good luck with writing your mystery novel and I hope to announce my new book within... let's say ten years or so.