Simple and straightforward–the nuts and bolts of writing mysteries.
Father John and son Andrew–both authors and teachers of crime fiction–offer a brief, well-outlined guide for budding mystery writers.
With focused chapters devoted to specific topics–“Creating Suspense and Action,” “The Story & The Hook,” “Voice, Voice, Voice,” etc.–the authors encourage aspiring mystery writers to organize their thoughts in a logical, systematic way. They begin by explaining the differences between mystery and suspense, and move on to pacing and title selection. They provide definitions for various writing terms–many of which are often used but rarely understood–and emphasize the importance of combining personal experience with information provided by outside sources, especially members of the law-enforcement community. The crux of this resourceful guide, however, is in the fundamentals–plot structuring, character and thematic development, narrative hooks, symbolism, strategic placement of clues, red herrings, etc. Some of the most informative advice lies not in the body of the text, but in the concluding materials–specifically, Andrew’s interviews with such big-name authors as William Tapply, Robert Parker, Margaret McLean and Rex Stout. The question-and-answer format provides insight into the minds of the authors, highlighting the decisions they made in their own novels.
Simple and straightforward–the nuts and bolts of writing mysteries.Pub Date: Jan. 15, 2007
ISBN: 978-1-59663-505-0
Page Count: -
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 23, 2010
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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