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THE TECHNIQUE OF THE MYSTERY STORY

Surinam Turtle Press #16

By Carolyn Wells

 

Introduced by Jon L. Breen

 

In 1913, this was the first book-length guide for mystery writers ever published. Carolyn Wells, the author of 170 books, many of them detective novels, was a pioneer of the impossible crime and locked room puzzle, and was admired by John Dickson Carr, so she was a natural for the task. The book is full of tips for those considering writing a mystery novel, and most of them are surprisingly apt and contemporary. She references Arthur Conan Doyle and Edgar Allan Poe and other well-known writers so the examples are not as obscure as you mind think.

Read Jon Breen's introduction to learn more about this book which was so important for many other writers who followed Wells in the detective field. Then get the book and read it. The next step is obvious. Write the mystery story you know you have in you.

Available Editions

$18  Trade Paperback 6" x 9"

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