Drawing on examples from the best and most popular works in mystery writing--from Raymond Chandler and Mickey Spillane to Scott Turow and Thomas Harris--this book introduces the fledgling writer to his or her most indispensable "partners in crime": character, plot, and procedure; the secrets to creating heroes and villains; the art of scripting the sex scene; and the lowdown on violence. The book's introduction muses on the joy and vitality of the mystery genre and why there is always a strong market for mysteries. Besides basic considerations already mentioned, the book explains how to: design a plot that keeps readers guessing; write dialogue that hooks readers until the last page; develop rich, rounded characters; find the proper format, from intricate tea cozies to hard-boiled private eye capers; work with agents and publishers while maintaining sanity; and learn about writing from teachers or practice writing and be self taught. (NKA)