Writer Resources for Crime & Mystery Authors
The best way to learn how to write is to do it--write, write, write. But of course, it doesn't hurt to read the type of book you plan to write (some might say it's an undeniable necessity and I'd have to say I agree with that particular perspective). Regardless, there will probably come a time when one wants the advice of other (published) authors. Instructional books can help. Since this site is devoted to crime & mystery novels, we decided to list books that offer help in writing crime and/or mystery novels. General writing references can be found here.
Books for the Crime & Mystery Writer
- Murder and Mayhem: A Doctor Answers Medical and Forensic Questions for Mystery Writers
by D.P. Lyle, M.D.
- The Weekend Novelist Writes A Mystery
by Robert J. Ray
- Pickin' Fleas: Writers Grooming Writers
by Athenes Writer's Group
- Facts in a Flash: A Research Guide for Writers
by Ellen Metter
- Mystery in the Sunshine State: Florida Short Stories by Florida's Mystery Writers
by Stuart M. Kaminsky
- The Crime Writer's Reference Guide: 1001 Tips for Writing the Perfect Murder
by Martin Roth
- Howdunit Book of Police Procedure and Investigation: A Guide for Writers
by Lee Lofland
- Forensics and Fiction: Clever, Intriguing, and Downright Odd Questions from Crime Writers
by D.P. Lyle, M.D.
- Body Trauma: A Writer's Guide to Wounds and Injuries
by David W. Page
- Don't Murder Your Mystery
by Chris Roerden
- Forensics For Dummies
by Douglas P. Lyle
- Scene of the Crime: A Writer's Guide to Crime Scene Investigation (Howdunit Series)
by Anne Wingate
- Writing and Selling Your Mystery Novel
by Hallie Ephron
- Plot & Structure: (Techniques And Exercises For Crafting A Plot That Grips Readers From Start To Finish) (Write Great Fiction)
by James Scott Bell
- Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Second Edition: How to Edit Yourself Into Print
by Renni Browne and Dave King
- The Weekend Novelist Writes A Mystery
- Characters, Emotion & Viewpoint: Techniques and Exercises for Crafting Dynamic Characters and Effective Viewpoints (Write Great Fiction)
by Nancy Kress