This is a writer's resource book for anyone who is interested in writing thrillers, mystery, or suspense fiction. Carolyn Wheat, award-winning author of many suspense and legal mystery novels, takes you step-by-step through the processes of writing both mystery and suspense.

writers who are interested in improving their writing style. Anyone who wants to write either mystery or suspense should pick up this book.

I liked the way she clearly separated the two types of writing, making it easy to understand which is which. This makes it easier for the writer to decide on the genre she prefers to write in. Wheat calls these two the "Funhouse of Mystery" and the "Roller Coaster of Suspense." If you've been unsure of what the difference between the two was, this will point you more surely toward the direction you wish to write in.

Her insights into the genres is helpful without being condescending. She assumes that the writer already knows the basics of writing and just wants to improve the overall quality of his or her work.

Write suspense, and get better at it by practicing and following her suggestions. I also wanted to read more of her fiction.

Carolyn Wheat is a past winner of the Anthony, Agatha, Macavity, and Shamus Awards. These are awards given to top authors, generally by their peers.

It's an easy read and it's full of fascinating ideas. She puts forth the information in an interesting way. I liked being able to look into the way her mind works, and how she creates suspenseful fiction.

The end of her book offers "Fiction to Learn From," which are books she mentioned in How to Write Killer Fiction. She says, "The best part of reading them is that they entertain as they teach." I've read several of the recommended books, and enjoyed each one.

If you're interested in Wheat's fiction, try:







I enjoy her "Cass Jameson" Legal Mysteries because her writing never lets me down. Follow this link for a more complete listing of her work, available at Amazon.com.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encodi...

Happy Reading!

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Created Oct 12, 2008 at 8:23pm • Submit your own review...