Hillary Waugh's Guide to Mysteries & Mystery Writing - Hardcover

Waugh, Hillary

3.2

10 ratings by Goodreads

9780898794441: Hillary Waugh's Guide to Mysteries & Mystery Writing

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0898794447 ISBN 13: 9780898794441

Publisher: Writers Digest Books, 1991

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Provides a study of the mystery novel as art and as entertainment, traces the history of the genre from Edgar Allan Poe to Mickey Spillane, and analyzes the secrets of their success

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Review:

A more accurate, but clumsier, title of Hillary Waugh's "Guide" would be Mysteries and Tbeir Autbors and Mystery Writing. The first of the book's two parts traces the history of mystery fiction in brief essays on the early masters of the craft that not only survey the literature but also describe the background and character of the authors, beginning with Edgar Allan Poe. Waugh credits Poe with creating the model for the modern detective novel. Chapters covering Arthur Conan Doyle (and his incomparable creation, Sherlock Holmes), Agatha Christie, Dashiell Hammett, Raymond Chandler, and a few lesser lights carry the survey through several stages of development: the Classical Age, the Hard-Boiled and Private Eye mysteries and into recent innovations, the Police Procedural and the entry of the tough female private eye. The book's second section, "The Making of the Mystery," briefly covers a few elements of mystery-writing: plot development, the use of series vs. non-series detectives, research, and outlining (pros and cons).The volume is a composite of new and old material. Roughly a third of the book borrows from previously published articles. This results in an annoying amount of repetition. Moreover, one wishes that such a distinguished practitioner of the genre as Waugh would have expanded his coverage of modern authors. Ed McBain and Sue Grafton are here, but where are Tony Hillerman, Colin Dexter, Sarah Paretsky and Amanda Cross, among others? In sum, Hillary Waugh gives the reader two slices of the mystery genre pie. They're not half-baked, but the portions are skimpy. -- From Independent Publisher

From School Library Journal:

YA-- A fascinating insider's guide, this concise volume is both a history of the genre and a how-to manual for budding authors. Tips range from the necessity of research and accurate information to the pros and cons of producing a one-shot detective story or a series focused on a continuing character. Even mystery fans not planning to write will be entertained by the information on famous suspense novelists and by Waugh's list of recommended reading.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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