I love reading mysteries, so I decided to write one. Thinking that because I knew about writing in other genres mysteries would be no different, I made an Attempt. It went poorly. I can write dialog, build character, and create suspense, but nothing was meshing like I wanted. So I typed "writing mysteries handbook" into my library collection search bar and Writing Mysteries: A Handbook by the Mystery Writers of America popped out.

Armed with sticky notes and a notebook, I delved in. Written in 2002, some information is dated and there are few mentions of using the Internet. The collected essays are directed at writers who are absolutely new, so I skipped some entirely. I found most helpful the following essays: "The Rules and How to Bend Them" by Jeremiah Healy, "Vivid Villains" by Sandra Scoppettone, "Outlining" by Robert Campbell, "Pacing and Suspense" by Phyllis A. Whitney, "Clues, Red Herrings, and Other Plot Devices" by P.M. Carlson, and "Revision" by Jan Burke.

Since I'm writing a medieval mystery, I also read "Historical Mysteries: The Past is a Foreign Country" by Laurie R. King. That one was a little confusing. King starts her essay by disagreeing with her essay's title and posits that people have been the same since the beginning of time. Only circumstances change. Which, I mean, sure, but isn't that also what traveling in a foreign country is like? Same people; different cultural, historical, and environmental context.

All in all, I found this handbook helpful. Yes, it's from 2002 and meant for beginners, but I took lessons from the content that did apply. I needed to go back to basics, in a way. Not having a list of websites strangely focused the authors' advice. I was never overwhelmed. I felt capable and finished the book only more so. I'd recommend Writing Mysteries to colleagues who want to steady their footing the mystery genre.