This new edition of How to Write Killer Historical Mysteries is the author's personal take on writing historical mysteries, based on over forty years in print as a writer of fiction and nonfiction and the publication of eighteen of her historical mysteries and two collections of historical mystery short stories. Her experiences are the core of the book. The remainder of the text consists of contributions from fellow historical mystery writers--advice, opinions, anecdotes, and suggestions for research--and input from assorted editors, booksellers, reviewers, and historical mystery fans.
The first edition of How to Write Killer Historical Mysteries won the Agatha award for best mystery nonfiction of 2008 and was nominated in that category for the Anthony and Macavity awards. Reviewer Marv Lachman, in Deadly Pleasures, described it as "the best book about writing mysteries that I have ever read." Whether you are an old hand at writing historical mysteries, or a neophyte who has only dreamed about delving into the past, or a reader and fan of the genre, you will find this volume both inspiring and entertaining.