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 enlarge | Author: James N. Frey
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Category: Book
List Price: $23.95
Buy New: $4.95
You Save: $19.00 (79%)
New (22) Used (24) Collectible (1) from $4.85
Avg. Customer Rating:  20 reviews
Sales Rank: 99142
Media: Hardcover
Edition: 1
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 288
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 8.3 x 5.6 x 1.1
ISBN: 0312304463
Dewey Decimal Number: 808.3872
EAN: 9780312304461
ASIN: 0312304463
Publication Date: February 12, 2004
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: New - may have a small remainder mark on the edge.
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| Customer Reviews:
 King of the How-tos May 4, 2007
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I have been writing for 28 years and I admit I'm not God, but after reading over 300 writing books, most of them I own, I can unequivocally tell you that this one is tops!
Please read it. It anwers all your questions and shows you exactly what to do then what to do next.
If you don't find this book helpful, send it to me and I'll save it for you until you are serious about your work.
It also works up an exciting novel to show you how it's done, and will fire you up while entertaining you.
Joan of Art
A Practical Guide March 31, 2007
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I really liked this book. You read right along with the author as he creates a mystery novel, step by step. He teaches you how to create characters with depth by writing a detailed background and having your characters write a journal. He starts with the murderer, the plot behind the plot, then takes you on to your hero/detective and each of your other characters. You learn to write a plot by using a stepsheet. I especially found helpful the fact that you write a stepsheet for what the reader sees and what the reader does not see (what is happening offstage). You learn about the five act design in which a mystery novel is divided. The author then gives helpful pointers in writing good prose, writing the mystery scene, choosing viewpoint, the final steps in rewriting, and then some words on marketing your novel. I found this book enjoyable to read and very helpful in writing a mystery or any novel. It's one of the best "How to Write" books I've read because it's so practical in how it teaches you to write a mystery novel. It would be a great resource in any writer's library.
How To Write a Damn Good Mystery March 15, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is a great book. I found it totally by accident when I was trying to find a book on plot and mystery. It has information on plot and more. What makes this book a great find is that it not only has the information on the components of the mystery, but also it gives information about the structure of a good mystery, using examples from classics such as "The Maltase Falcon" or the more recent "Prime Suspect." From answering questions such as "Why do people read mysteries anyway?" to discussing " Mythic Motifs of interest to mystery writers," Frey obviously knows the genre well. It should rank up there next to classics such as Dorothy Brande's "On Becoming a Writer" or John Gardner's "On Becoming a Novelist." What makes this book truly unique is that it is well-written, and it is one that you can learn more each time you read it.
It makes you think.
Excellent intro January 4, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I'm new to mystery writing, so take my opinion with a grain of salt. I found this to be an excellent intro to mystery writing - he explains clearly why people read mysteries and therefore what elements you must build into your characters and into the story. His character-based approach has made more and more sense as I've worked on crafting a mystery novel.
A great guide .. but come prepared. August 28, 2005
7 out of 7 found this review helpful
Sure, the author offers many opinions as facts and writes as if his way is the only way. So? He still gives PLENTY of solid advice, and so this book must be read with an open mind. The only reason I purchased it was because I am working on a cross-genre novel, and am quite unfamiliar with writing mysteries. I knew not where to start. Thus, while reading this book, I understand that I am breaking many of the "rules" that the author states, for this is the art of fiction.
I would not recommend this book to any writer who is familiar with mystery fiction. However, just as it was for me, it is an excellent book if you are new to the field. Just remember to read it with an open mind (I actually find the author's obvious resent of literary fiction rather humorous - just one of many things that you must grit your teeth and bear as you read onward).
Of course, do not for the life of you depend solely upon his advice for plotting and characterization. It will be death of you. For both plotting and characterization, I HIGHLY recommend reading some of Nancy Kress's writing books. Although not a mystery writer, she gives some of the best advice I've ever read.
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