Customer Reviews: Read 25 more reviews...
 Avoid doing in your work before it has a chance September 24, 2008
Borsia Novak (Where am I? What day is it?)
Don't Murder Your Mystery
Is full of great advice and tips about what not to do and gives a good picture of what you should.
It isn't a step-by-step how to write. But rather what to avoid and how to look at your work from the perspective of the publisher, agent and the all important screening process that you must get through before it reaches the eyes of someone who can say "yes"!
It is well written and easy to read and I am certain that it was money well spent.
Exhaustive list of amateur writing mistakes March 16, 2008
David B. Schlosser (Flagstaff, AZ USA)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
This book is a terrific primer for first-time or relatively new writers -- and not just writers of mysteries, but all fiction and even non-fiction. The examples of poor choices and better alternatives that Chris Roerden chooses are clear and relevant. My only nit to pick is the negative construction of the book: with some background in teaching, my preference is always to suggest the right thing to do first, rather than to point out what not to do or how not to do something. A valuable addition to the library of anyone who wants to become a better writer, editor, or reviewer.
 Don't Murder Your Mystery Testimonial December 4, 2007
Nancy Field (Middleton, WI USA)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
DON'T MURDER YOUR MYSTERY is a remarkable book. Not only is it a boon to mystery writers, but also it has excellent examples, techniques and tips for authors of all genres. I plan on gifting this book to friends and all authors who write for Dog-Eared Publications. Nancy Field, Publisher
A Must-Have for Fiction Writers November 8, 2007
John N. Thornburg (San Jacinto College, Pasadena / Houston, Texas)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Recently published in 2006, this how-to book of "24 Fiction Writing Techniques to Save Your Manuscript" has already garnered 26 reviews, all of them top-rated with five-star! As the reviews all agree, fiction writers of any disposition or genre will find this book beneficial and delightful! The suggestions are exactly right for improving fiction manuscripts, the examples clear and valuable, the author's tone amusing, the book's presentation entertaining! Without qualification, I recommend this book to fiction writers--be they literary, mainstream, or genre writers.
Don't Murder Your Mystery October 17, 2007
Beth Solheim (Minnesota)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
An absolute necessity for any fiction writer, whether new to writing or used as a refresher. Easy to understand with crucial points listed at the end of each chapter. Discusses the pros and cons of using mystery and suspense elements, pacing, prologues, creating a hook and completing the cycle of hints, red herrings and resolution. This would be a perfect book for a writing class. After manuscript completion, every writer should revisit this book to evaluate their project before submitting to agents or publishers. There are many books on how to write mystery or suspense, but this is by far my favorite. Well Done!
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![Don't Murder Your Mystery [Agatha Award for Best Nonfiction Book]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51W1yZbedRL._SL160_.jpg)
