Using examples from contemporary specialists in each of the chosen genres, this book provides the reader with practical pointers, clear explanations and step-by-step exercises to develop their skills and understanding, and find their own voice.

Using examples from contemporary crime writers, this book provides practical pointers, clear explanations and inspiring exercises to develop your skills

It will equip you with a comprehensive overview of all the different kinds of crime fiction to help you identify the sort of novel or short story you’re best suited to write. You’ll learn about the tricks and techniques used by bestselling authors to make their stories work, with explanations and exercises so that you can hone your own craft and find your own voice - and tell your story in a way that will captivate readers.

From the darkest noir to the most comfortable cosy, from the courtroom to the morgue, crime writers’ secrets are laid bare for you to explore, learn from, apply and make your own.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of all the different kinds of crime fiction, with examples from successful contemporary writers in each of the different genres, and clear explanations and exercises to help the beginning writer hone their craft, and discover the kind of crime fiction, the plots, the themes, the language, that work best for them.