Introduction to the second edition
Writing a modern whodunit: Elements of mystery fiction
Protagonist: Sleuth as hero or heroine
Lineup: Villains, victims, suspects, and other characters
Point of view: Giving your reader a place to stand
Setting: Scene of the crime
Getting It started: Setting the narrative hook
Structuring the story: Building tension
Building conflict to make scenes work
Dialogue: Lifeblood of mystery fiction
Getting It Right: Rewriting and revising
Other important considerations: Writing the mystery series
Standalone or series mystery?
Seeing double: Making collaboration work
Doing business with agents
Editing and publishing mysteries
Catch-23: Publicizing your mystery novel
