Product Description
Kinsey Millhone never sees it coming. She is mired in the case of a doctor who disappeared, his angry ex-wife, and beautiful current one–a case that is full of unfinished business, unfinished homes, and people drifting in and out of their own lives. Then Kinsey gets a shock. A man she finds attractive is hiding a fatal secret–and now a whole lot of beauty, money, and lies are proving to be a fatal distraction from what Kinsey should have seen all along: a killer standing right before her eyes. . . .Amazon.com Review
When Dowan Purcell, a respected physician who operates a nursing home,disappears, his ex-wife hires Santa Teresa PI Kinsey Millhone to lookinto it. Fiona Purcell is still seething over Dow's affair and subsequent marriage to Crystal, a former stripper, yet they're still friends, and she seems worried. But when his body is discovered, she's among the suspects. Both of Dow's wives, at least one of his business partners, and perhaps even Crystal's teenage daughter had motives to kill.

While in her most recent adventures(N Is for Noose,O Is for Outlaw)Kinsey has acquired new digs, an extended family, and a few more gray hairs, inthis one (which takes place some time in the mid-'80s), she's 36,still living in the remodeled garage that was blown up in an earlier novel.Easier than a facelift, and while Sue Grafton is a solid enough writer to pull it off, dedicated Kinsey fans will miss the more complex and multidimensional character who aged so ruefully and interestingly in the '90s. This isn't Grafton's strongest case; it's hard to care about any of Purcell's women or his associates. More exciting is the secondary plot, which involves a handsome landlord who offers Kinsey the new office space she's been seeking and turns outto be a lot more trouble than she bargained for. Despite its somewhatplodding pace and the echo of a more evolved heroine that rings through its pages, Grafton's many fans will probably shoot P Is for Peril right to the top of the bestseller list. --Jane Adams ... Read more

Customer Reviews (262)

DETECTIVE FICTION, OR TRAVELOGUE?
I enjoy the Alphabet novels, but this one struck me as a bit flabby, and I went back and checked. Sure enough, A Is For Alibi ran to 368 pages, which was about right, but this manages to stretch things out for 513, which is about a hundred too many. I noticed that every time Kinsey climbs into her car we're exposed to a detailed account of her journey, and every new house she visits receives a detailed description. This adds nothing to the plot, but slows down the action. I can only surmise that Sue Grafton's publishers have prevailed on her to increase the size of the book. But for whatever reason, she'd be well advised to cut out the padding, and revert to writing crisp plots, as she used to.

Least Favorite of the Series
Having read all the books in the series, I must say this is my least favorite.I read it on my iPad and when I got to the end of the story (or lack thereof) I thought it was a technical glitch.After a bit of googling, it turns out there is no conclusion, no final summary from Kinsey, etc. The reader was left to figure it out for themselves (which was not difficult).

Interesting literary technique, but had no value add in this case.

Publisher on drugs?
I read and enjoyed this book as I have all in the series, however, the Kindle price is a joke, right?

AWESOME BOOKS
I BOUGHT THESE BOOKS FOR MY BROTHER IN LAW AND HE SAID H REALLY ENJOYED READING THEM

p is for pause
what happened....the download doesnt give the wholebookand leaves one in the lurch ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (65)

Need a 'K'-2 to determine what happened
***Possible Spoilers*** This is a very curious entry in this series. I started with 'D' but otherwise have read in alpha order. I have found all up to this point at least interesting and mostly very good. I have come to really like Kinsey. She's funny and likeable and for the most part at least has a moral code most can accept (despite some B&E). Here she loses her moral compass. She throws the perp to some mysterious mafiosi, who BTW appear from out of nowhere for no reason (victim was going to marry him ???). Who knows. Said mafiosi kill said perp (or atleast he disappears) but we never know why. The victim's sister discovers the body within 24 hours of the murder(?) but never reports it; so body decays for 2 weeks and cause of death is never determined. Why doesn't she report it? Was it really murder? Seems like Serena might have been involved. In chapter 19 Kinsey is not sure which is worse: a) sister not reporting the death or b) respected pol having affair with victim. Say what? Not reporting a death is a crime! And your own family member? Come on! So cannot recommend this one, though since I have all thru 'T' will obsessively complete the series. Hope the remainder are not so haphazard and Kinsey becomes herself again.

Another great book
Another great book about Kinsey. These series just keep getting better and better. I love a book that by the end, my mouth is hanging open and I cant seem to turn the pages fast enough. I love to read about a stealthy, smart witted girl!!

Cluttered Web-Site results in mistaken purchase
I was looking for books by Sue Grafton.The Amazon web-site has gotten so cluttered that I mistakenly bought a verion of her book simplified for students learning to read English.The picture now showing in my screen is the full version--NOT the simplified version.I don't think I will be buyiing books from Amazon unless you get rid of some of the clutter.

Lorna Keppler in 'K' IS FOR KILLER
This was the very first of Sue Grafton's novels that I had listened to many years ago when I was on vacation in Maine.I had it on tape and thanks to AMAZON, I now have it on CD.It is one of my favorites since I have now read ALL the Kinsey Millhone mysteries OR have listened to them, including the new one "U' IS FOR UNDERTOW.Thanks, AMAZON, for making it possible for me to hear the story again, this time on CD.I am sure my old tape of the story is falling apart.
Dr. Alan Clarke-Hudson

definitely satisfied
I was very pleased with this book. As a follower of the Kinsey Milhone books I found this one just as good as the previous. The ending was fine and not at all unfinished...it does leave you wondering what happened to the killer but I think that was a great way to end it.....leave the reader thinking. Great job Sue! ... Read more

Product Description
A New York Times bestselling author appears for the first time ever in an omnibus edition!Old fans and new friends will welcome this collection of Sue Grafton's first three alphabet crime novels:A Is for Alibi, B Is for Burglar, and C is for Corpse.The award-winning mysteries all feature former cop turned detective, Kinsey Milhone, one of the most loved heroines of modern mystery fiction. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

A Great Way to Play Catch-Up
My first Sue Grafton book was "S". Afterward I read a couple more of the later alphabet series books & liked them.
Trying to eventually start from the beginning of the series, I found this on Amazon. Three complete novels under one roof.
Though they were reviewed separately, I have to give this hardcover 5 stars for the ability to conveniently catch up on three early novels in one shot. A great idea

Do not use this seller
Product reeked so heavily of cigarette smoke, you could smell it when the mailbox was opened. A waste of money as the book is unusable. Very disappointing for a seller supported by Amazon.

I loved them all
I've read the whole series and can't wait for the next one to come out.

Splendid
Sue Grafton's writing is catchy and her characterization is superb.I don't want to regurgitate what must be countless remarks regarding how great it is to have a believable strong female character, but suffice to say I want to be Kinsey Milhoune when I grow up.

The collection of three is a lot more convenient for someone who plows through books like I do.I don't have access to a bookstore, so Amazon is my primary source of books right now.This way I can order the collection and take the time to move through three books while placing the next on order and not have to worry about running out of reading material or dealing with numerous paperbacks taking up space.Also, even though you can really pick up the books at any time throughout the series, you still get a better sense of continuity this way.

She is excellent
I've bought them all and read most of them.I reviewed G and H somewhere on Amazon -- excellent of course -- so here's my review of I:

My first impression was that something was missing but that I couldn't quite figure out what it was. A workable mystery, as always, and those memorable characters she's so great at, but something was missing. Dare I say boring? Was I burned out on Sue Grafton?

Later, it hit me. None of the quirky non-sequiturs that make Grafton's alter ego Kinsey Millhone so memorable. As if some publisher or editor told her to write a straight mystery for commercial reasons. Well, stripping the author of what makes her stand out from everybody else isn't a wise commercial decision.

I resolved to read on, since this is Sue Grafton. I've read A through H, plus a couple of other letters, so she'd certainly earned that. It'd be a shame, though, with seven unread Sue Grafton titles on my shelf, to burn out on her now.

1/3 of the way through the book, it all made sense. Kinsey's form came back, full force. What had happened here was that, back at the end of H IS FOR HOMICIDE, Kinsey's confidence was rattled. This lack of style in the first part of I IS FOR INNOCENT was what we "in the business" call "a literary device."

But the risk is that, if you've never read a Sue Grafton title and you start here, you might give up unless you like a straight mystery. Hence this warning. This is another great Kinsey Millhone mystery. It must've hurt like hell for Grafton to restrain herself early on.
... Read more

Product Description
Here is our third exciting collection of crime novels in the alphabet mystery series by New York Times bestselling author, Sue Grafton. Featuring former cop turned private investigator, Kinsey Millhone, one of the most popular female sleuths in modern mystery fiction, these three complex stories demonstrate the intricate plots, conflicted relationships and strong heroine that Grafton consistently portrays. Loyal fans and new friends alike will welcome this hardcover volume of bestselling novels, where G is for great read, H is for highly entertaining, and I is for instant classic. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

hard cover
Received timely, book was not in very good condition. book contents fell out of cover. was able to glue book back in cover but still not in good condition as stated in review when i ordered it.

Book Review
Book arrived quickly. There was a small tear in the paper jacket that I wasn't happy about. Great stories though.

Three books in one-COOL!
It was so easy to read three in a row. I think I had the whole three books finished in three days! It's nice to have many books into one because then you don't have to buy the next one or wait to go to the library when it opens next, or even to see if the library has it! It was so nice!!!

I got stuck with "Gumshoe"
"G is for Gumshoe" was my first Kinsey Millhone novel.I will tell you that I went back and read everything leading up to "G" before "H" came out.I have been an avid Sue Grafton fan since the beginning.She makes Kinsey so fun and fallible.You just have to love her and her stories.I especially love Henry.

Gotta Read!!
I love all the alphabet books, but even better was having three in one!
I am currently reading K is for Killer, each one gets better and better! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Outstanding, as usual!
Sue Grafton is one of the best white-knuckle writers I have read.I am acquiring all of her books, and wish her many more productive years.Don't read this one unless you want to get hooked and then have to buy all of her books.

great service
The book was delivered in great time, before expected and in great condition.Was very pleased with service and item purchased.

Sue Grafton - M N O
This is a brand new book that came in excellent condition.As usual Sue Grafton is up to par with Kinsey Millhone investigations.I can't wait until I get to the end of each novel.

Sue Grafton!!! Enough said!!
I have read all the Alphabet series in which our heroine, Kinsey Milhone, a female gunmshoe. She finds more trouble, mystery, scandal and murder in the small town of Santa Theresa, California. These books keep you on the edge of your seat and keep you glued to every page. I cannot wait for the next installment. Enjoy!!!

Respectfully,
Fred T.

Good books
If you like her novels, you will continue to enjoy the stories.Sometimes her conclusions are a bit rushed and leave you feeling let down but all in all they are entertaining. ... Read more

Product Description
3 Hardcover Books ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

It was a gift for my mother in law
I ordered this for my mother in law for mother's day and she really enjoyed it. It got to her faster than anticipated which is always a bonus. I will probably buy the next three stories for her birthday.

Entertaining as expected of Sue Grafton
As with all of Sue Grafton's books and audiobooks, they are always entertaining, especially the audiobooks.The narrator has a delightful story telling ability that makes it fun and interesting.

Sue Grafton ABC Gift Collection: "A" Is for Alibi, "B" Is for Burglar, "C" Is for Corpse
Loved it!I listened during my work commute.I couldn't wait to get going in the morning.Better than espresso!

rather enjoyable
The stories are not great, but all of them pretty enjoyable. And the narration is excellent. Good for pastime. The order was delivered in time, no complaints.

A good intro to the series
First off, excellent reading.

About the stories, they are fine, well writen books. Kinsey Milhone is a female PI in a small costal California town who takes on a series of murders in these three books. Better written than most of the series murder mysteries. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Sue Grafton: Three Complete Novels; J, K, & L: J is for Judgment; K is for Killer; L is for Lawless
I have read several of her books & they are all great. I have enjoyed each & every one. If you like suspense you will enjoy them as well.

good collection
A handy little collection of some of the best Kinsey Millhone mysteries. Sue Grafton writes with a gift, and Kinsey is as spunky an anti-heroine you could ever wish for.

KMM are Great!
The Book arrived quickly and in excellent condition.It's three Kinsey Millhone Novels by Sue Grafton which insures exciting plots and surefire entertainment with a good readable character.I am an alphabet mystery fancier and was certainly not disappointed by this collection.Kinsey is always endearing and guttsy.They were excellent novels!Bravo, Sue Grafton!Purchasing the three story combination proves very economical and more satisfying because after reading one you're always anxious to continue with the savvy private's eye's adventures.

The best mystery author there is
This month we have J IS FOR JUDGMENT by Sue Grafton. Of course it's great. It's Sue Grafton. In this entry, we find out a bit about Kinsey Millhone's big Southern family that she didn't know about. Also, the first book I read was K IS FOR KILLER, so now I've read all 10 prequels. It's time to read the sequels, which are on my bookshelf waiting. Oh, except for L IS FOR LAWLESS, which I read immediately after J IS FOR JUDGMENT. Great stuff. Go to the library and have a blast.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

"G is for Gumshoe"
"G" is for Gumshoe (The Kinsey Millhone Alphabet Mysteries) The best thing I can say is that while ill I lost my complete library of 3,000 books in storage - mysteries, history, biography, everything. Obviously, I can't replace them all...but the series by Sue Grafton is one I'm going to do.I have several "favorite" mystery authors and she's up there with the best.I would suggest readers to start with "A is for Alibi" and just keep going. I lent it to a friend who is not much of a reader and she once she started she couldn't stop. And was thrilled when she found out how many more that were available in the series.Turning a non-reader into a reader is probably the best proof that I can think of that this is definitely a book to buy. ... Read more

Product Description
Here together for the first time on CD is the continuation of Kinsey Millhone’s adventures…

"D" Is for Deadbeat
Alvin Limardo hires Kinsey Millhone to deliver $25,000 to a fifteen-year-old kid. Seems pretty straightforward; or it would have been if Limardo wasn’t a phony. Burned but determined, Kinsey finds Limardo–dead. Finding the killer will be a tough assignment, but not as tough as making a stiff pay his debts.

"E" Is for Evidence
When Kinsey is framed for insurance fraud, she is expecting a complicated, tiring investigation. But she’s not counting on the involvement of her long-departed ex-husband. And she’s certainly not counting on murder.

"F" Is for Fugitive
Kinsey must prove the innocence of a man already found guilty of murder. Bailey Fowler, escaped convict of a crime he swears he didn’t commit, is picked up on a fluke of mistaken identity and turns to Kinsey to keep him from being sent back to prison, by finding the real killer. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

book in good condition
Received book timely and in very good condition especially for a used book.title of book was d,e,f by sue grafton

Kinsey Millhone at her best!
I didn't buy this item as a 'set' but as individual books in her
series; however, these 'early' novels are excellent!I can really say no more.

Thank you, Sue.

Terrific!
I am addicted now.I started with Sue Grafton's first three books on audio.My husband had them in his collection.Since then I have ordered the next 6 in the alphabet series.I have to drive for my job and these books on CDs make it a short trip!

Fun
Really like using this form when taking long trips - makes the time fly but doesn't distract from driving.Her stories are always interesting and if you like this series, these are good ones.

really charming
I ordered the disc after I had bought the ABC stories. The stories themselves are not great, but I enjoyed the excellent narration and on the whole the disc is pretty amusing. I think I will buy the whole alphabet. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Big disappointment
The description on this item said it was a boxed set but all I got was one book, the first (A is for Alibi).I was very disappointed to spend the money on one paperback book...

great book
wasn't like any other grafton book... had multiple murderers, and it kept on going after the first murderer was found out. it did a complete u-turn in the end in terms of who did what and that was very surprising. all inall, it was a great book and I highly reccomend it. ... Read more

Product Description
Finally in paperback and now fully revised and updated through "O" Is for Outlaw, the reader's companion to the world of Sue Grafton's Kinsey Millhone

With the cooperation of Sue Grafton, who provided unprecedented access to her working journals, authors Natalie Hevener Kaufman and Carol McGinnis Kay have created a fully dimensional biography of Kinsey Millhone that will answer every question readers have ever had. Here is a feast for Kinsey's fans, including such features as time lines, maps, floor plans, case logs, and photographs.

But this book is also a revealing journey into the mind and work habits of Kinsey's creator. You'll learn why Grafton chose to write detective fiction and how she responds to runaway plot lines and unruly characters. You will find out what titles she has discarded in the series, what she plans for Kinsey's future, and how she sees their evolving relationship. Ultimately, you'll understand why Grafton is so esteemed in the field of detective fiction and, from an analysis of her craft, why she has earned so prominent a place in American letters.
Amazon.com Review
If you need help picturing Kinsey Millhone's sweats and tousled hair; listing her personality traits; modeling your dietary habits on hers; or reviewing her early childhood, education, career and marriages, pick up G Is for Grafton. Coauthors Kaufman and McGinnis--a political scientist and an English professor, respectively--have, with the cooperation of Sue Grafton, delved into the writer's working journal to flesh out this fictional biography. Once and for all, those nagging questions that keep fans pacing and tooth-gnashing between the M-N and O of Grafton's series will have something to keep their heroine alive between mysteries. How old is Kinsey, exactly? Why do her car and her home need to be so small? Why did she become a PI--was it the wardrobe?

Included in this monument to Millhone is a delightful spread ofblack-and-white photos of Kinsey'sSanta Teresa haunts: her offices, the marina, and, yes, the jogging path. Readers are also treated to Sue Grafton's discussion on the creation of her famous character: "Kinsey is my alter ego--the person I might have been had I not married young and had children.... While our biographies are different, our sensibilities are the same.... I think of us as one soul in two bodies, and she got the good one." G is for Grafton will grab Kinsey Millhone fans. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Slow Go...
I am a world class fan of Sue Grafton AKA Kinsey Milhone!BUT, I cannot get into the stories about the life of Kinsey.Perhaps it's me, but it seems too darn much like a dry history lesson.I know that I have tried to read this five separate times and put it down.There is no Alphabet novel that I have put down without extreme distress.Kinsey calls me from the next room to get back and see what's up or down as the case may be.Sorry!I wanted to love it.

D s for Dated
Or maybe, O is for Old. Much has happened to Kinsey since my copy was published. Even if it were up-dated, it is quite scholarly, and has a little more detail than I care to know. It's almost like going back to college.

"G" is for Great!!!
I received this book yesterday in the mail.Have had a hard time putting it down!It's full of all sorts of information about Sue and Kinsey in one handy place.A few photos and maps, too.There's even a good index!

I recommend this highly for anyone who reads Sue Grafton's books.I have read all of them to date and am anxiously waiting for "U".

A Must for Grafton Fans
I love this book. It has made me appreciate the novels as one continuous work. I only hope the authors will update it when Sue Grafton reaches "Z."

Long Live Kinsey Millhone
I've read all of the Kinsey Millhone books; in fact, I was recently recovering from surgery and re-read the whole series! So I was delighted when I discovered this book and eagerly read it. It's a great reference and a memory jogger dating from the first Sue Grafton novel.

If you haven't read the Millhone series, do so! And "The World of Kinsey Millhone" is a great companion book. ... Read more

Product Description
Here together for the first time on CD, Santa Teresa P.I. Kinsey Millhone is still on the case…

"G" Is for Gumshoe
Kinsey Millhone’s thirty-third birthday brings about final renovations to her apartment, a new case, and the top slot on Tyrone Patty’s hit list. Obviously, it would turn out to be a birthday to remember.

"H" Is for Homicide
To the cops, the death of claims adjuster Parnell Perkins looked like a robbery gone sour; to Kinsey Millhone, it looks strangely suspicious. As the evidence leads Kinsey to insurance scammer Bibianna Diaz, she must race to get to her before Bibianna’s spurned and violent suitor Raymond Maldonado does.

"I" Is for Innocent
Kenneth Voight thought that justice had not been served when David Barney was acquitted in the shooting death of Voight’s ex-wife, Isabelle. Five years later, Voight is the plaintiff in a civil suit in which Barney stands accused of Isabelle’s wrongful death. When Voight hires Kinsey to gather the necessary damning evidence, a simple civil case becomes a deadly hunt for someone who once got away with murder–and may again. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Sue Grafton d,e,f CD collection
The package was in great shape and shipped very quickly bue E would not even load onto my MP-3 and D and F had spots that skiped when I played them. I went on e-bay and bought the hardcover books

Excellent
I am a fan of Sue Grafton.This is just another one in her series

Love Sue Grafton
Kinsey Milhone could be a relative.The Alphabet Murder series is outstanding.I have read and heard them all.Never been disappointed.

Happy Customer!
Amazon is great, easy ordering, quick turnaround, and great merchandise. What more can you ask for?
As for the quality of this particular item I cannot give first hand. I bought it as a gift, but I have heard NO complaints. The packaging was impeccable and money value great. I am sure it is of the same high quality as all the things I purchase form Amazon or it's convenient marketplace. Thumbs up from this happy shopper.

For those with long drives to and from work
I drive 35-45 minutes each way to work.The news is too depressing.I found these mysteries to be an enjoyable diversion.Not too deep, but good mysteries.Following a single character through three mysteries makes her a friend on my otherwise lonely drives.I have now gone through 9 such mysteries.Enjoy! ... Read more

Product Description
Sue Grafton Kinsey Milhone series from A is for Alibi through T is for Trespass ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Kinsey Millhone series-A thru T
It was so great getting so much of the series at once. When you have to hunt down the next book in a series, sometimes it takes awhile. Keep up the good work.
Shilo46 ... Read more

Product Description
Now available: the first three titles in Sue Grafton's Alphabet Mystery series, collected in one deluxe, six-cassette package.

6 cassettes / 9 hours
Read by Judy Kaye

Includes A is for Alibi, B is for Burglar, and C is for Corpse

In the mega-selling Alphabet Mystery series, Sue Grafton has created one of America's most popular fictional detectives--Kinsey Millhone, P.I.She's smooth, sexy, and oh-so-wise--a tough cookie with a soft center who's out to crack every case that comes her way!

In "A" is for Alibi--Kinsey Millhone's first appearance in the world of bestselling mysteries--the P.I. is hired by a woman out on parole after eight years of wrongful imprisonment to find out who really killer her husband. . .

In "B" is for Burglar, Elaine Boldt is missing and her sister wants Kinsey Millhone to find her.Seems like a routine job.Not so.And the killer is still at large . . . and looking for Kinsey . . .

In the third exciting and action-packed adventure, "C" is for Corpse, Kinsey Millhone is hot on a trail that leads to nowhere but trouble, Kinsey must capture a coldblooded killer--before he kills again. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

abridged
I did not get any further than one half of the first tape.This was an abridged set.YUK!

Sue Grafton's alphabet series is The Best!!!
This series is great!!Start with A and work your way through.I love them all.

Missing chapters in the book
The set was incomplete, what a bummer.I happily listened to one book, and then began the other only to discover, no ending due to a missing tape!

Sue Grafton's ABC books on tape
I recently had brain surgery.They were perfect for listening to them at night when I couldn't sleep.

SHE IS THE BEST
I LOVE THIS SERIES, ALL OF THEM FROM A TO Q ARE FANTASTIC. THIS SET IS GOOD VALUE FOR THE MONEY AND I ENJOYED THEM CONSIDERABLY. HIGHLY RECOMMEND! ... Read more

Product Description
Writing mystery fiction can be a special kind of puzzle. In this new, revised edition of the Mystery Writers of America classic, Sue Grafton weaves the experience of today's top mystery authors into a comprehensive mystery writing "how-to." Writers will learn how to piece a perfect mystery together and create realistic stories that are taut, immediate and fraught with tension.

The book's contributors include a "who's who" of the mystery writing elite: Faye and Jonathan Kellerman on conducting accurate research; Michael Connelly on mastering characterization; Tony Hillerman on writing without an outline; Lawrence Block on overcoming writer's block; Sara Paretsky on creating successful series characters; Tess Gerritson on writing the medical thriller;Ann Rule on the art of writing true crime. And many more!Amazon.com Review
The mystery, like other stories, relies on believable characters, a strong narrative, and crisp prose. But it is also "a way of examining the dark side of human nature," says Writing Mysteries editor Sue Grafton. The book's 37 contributors ponder everything from brainstorming ideas to dealing with editors. Jeremiah Healy jump-starts the book with a piece that considers the unwritten "rules" of mystery writing. Stuart Kaminsky discusses research--experts, it turns out, are just waiting for you to contact them--and Sandra Scoppettone discusses vivid villains. Sara Paretsky contemplates the pitfalls of using a recurring hero, and Michael Connelly contributes a fine piece on characterization. "The best crime novels," Connelly says, "are not about how a detective works on a case; they are about how a case works on a detective." Other chapters focus on amateur sleuths, convincing dialogue, depiction of violence, and specialty genres. The book's short chapters form a sort of mystery writer's antipasti plate. Some won't resonate, while others will leave you wishing you had a larger serving. An ideal primer for mystery writers. --Jane Steinberg ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Useful, Within Limits
The MWA handbook, Writing Mysteries, is one of the best of the how-to books for aspiring mystery writers.Each chapter is written by a well-known professional and each important part of the activity is covered: preparation/research, the essential elements (character, setting, plot, etc.), subgenres and practical advice on markets, interactions with agents and editors and writing practices.There is also some bibliographical material (the `best of the genre'; reference books, etc.).

How useful the book will be to individual writers depends on the writers.Broad experience as a reader, in my opinion, trumps the advice of a ten-page chapter.In other words, a broad reader could write the chapters here, once he or she thought about the issues under consideration.If you are not a broad reader it is unlikely that a set of encapsulated recommendations will be sufficient to introduce you to the mystery/crime fiction genres and the diverse ways in which highly-skilled writers practice their craft.

I would normally argue that there are certain things that can only be learned through long practice: plot architectonics, tone, pace, e.g., but some of my students have been able to do these things `naturally' in ways that surprise and even mystify me.Other things can only be learned by experience--things which I call `lore' rather than `learning'.Writing Mysteries is very helpful in this regard, with, e.g., a nice chapter by Ruth Cavin on the ways and means of the NY editor's office.

I would recommend that Writing Mysteries (and similar books) be used like the bible: read in it; read around in it.There is information here and there is inspiration as well.Some material will be of great use to one writer, but not to another.Sometimes it is good for all of us to be reminded of essentials.Sometimes we will learn much more from an offhand comment or random insight than from a nearly-exhaustive examination of a subject.

I advise my own students to read widely in internet material, particularly that in which successful authors discuss their views of their work and talk specifically about the manner in which that work was created.Each approach (like each author) is unique, though there are commonalities.The ultimate goal is to nurture your own, specific talent, but learning the techniques and attitudes of others can be very suggestive and sometimes enable you to work through a problem or issue that you are confronting.In seeing how some `do it' we learn how we ourselves actually `do it'.That enables us to see our own particular strengths and capitalize on them.There is no successful `way', only the way that works for you.Writing Mysteries may help you find that way (or find your way back to it).

Mysteries
The product arrived later than I like, but in reasonable time. It was also in excellent shape, and its contents was very informative.

Learn to Write Mysteries from the Masters
There is much to learn writing in the mystery genre, and these masters freely give of their time and knowledge as they share the results of their experience.

Writing Mysteries is divided into three parts: Preparation, the Process, and Specialties. Essays provided by over three dozen mystery authors include examples from their published works.

The preparation begins with how to bend, not break, the rules of mystery writing. The section continues with how to keep a work schedule, and how to research and create background, location, and setting.

The process involves the beginning, middle, and end of each story. Character development plays an important role in establishing the beginning of a good mystery. Outlining and point of view are also discussed. In the middle, the reader learns the art of writing convincing dialogue, pacing, suspense, including such plot devices such as clues and red herrings.

The end portion of the process notes how important a plausible ending is to the story and how important it is that the writer know what the end of the story will be right from the beginning. Also important is how to revise the story, finding and working with an agent, and how to market the writer's next bestseller.

Finally, specialty mysteries such as short stories, medical and legal thrillers, historical, true crime, and young adult are addressed.

Not only will the reader of this marvelous compilation glean a wealth of important information geared toward their success as a writer, they will sit at the feet of talented well-known published writers of mysteries, thrillers, and true crime novels.

Sue Grafton successfully entered the field of mystery writing in 1982, and from her experience has gathered an incredible treasure trove of information. This anthology is highly recommended for any writer desiring to write saleable mysteries.


Writing Mysteries

Very good writing handbook
This is an easy-to-read collection of essays written by mystery writers. Authors include Lawrence Block, Michael Connelly, Tony Hillerman, Faye and Jonathan Kellerman, Ann Rule, Sara Paretsky, Bill Granger, and others.

There are 35 entries or chapters that range from how to create characters to marketing to dialogue--and everything else a mystery writer has to deal with.

Some of the short chapters are better than others, but I believe there are enough solid nuggets of info in these pages to improve just about any writer. The sections include Preparation, The Process, and Specialties. In this last section chapters focus on children's books, the short story, the medical and legal thriller, historical mysteries, true crime, and more.

There's even a section where the writers pick their favorite books and authors. This is an excellent book for someone contemplating writing their first mystery as well as experienced mystery writers who want to improve their skills.

First impression - looks like it'll be very helpful!
I've always had a mystery novel floating around inside my head, so with my husband's encouragement, I thought I'd give it a whirl!Before I start, though, I want to make sure I really know what I'm doing, so I bought this book (no sense in getting a brand new copy if a used copy will do!).I've skimmed through it, and it looks just like what I was hoping for.With the holidays approaching faster than I'd like, I need to wait until the 'dead' of January to start!My first impression is that this book will definitely give me the guidelines I've wanted, and I know Ms. Grafton won't steer me wrong! ... Read more