鈥淪leuth: Gail Bowen on Writing Mysteries鈥�
by Gail Bowen
Published by University of Regina Press
Review by Keith Foster
$18.95 ISBN 978-0-88977-524-4
If you鈥檝e ever considered writing a mystery novel, Gail Bowen provides the perfect opportunity in her latest book, Sleuth: Gail Bowen on Writing Mysteries. She reveals the secrets to her success and offers a step-by-step, how-to process for other writers to emulate.
Bowen coaxes writers 鈥� all writers, not just those working on mystery novels 鈥� to ask themselves, 鈥淲hat do I hope to accomplish with this piece of writing?鈥� In her opinion, giving readers pleasure is ample enough reason to write in the mystery genre.
Bowen stresses the need for accuracy. Just because you鈥檙e writing fiction doesn鈥檛 mean you can play loose with the facts. If a reader finds just one discrepancy in logic, the entire novel may become suspect.
Bowen also uses examples from her own work. With eighteen novels (and counting) in her Joanne Kilbourn mystery series alone, she has a lot of material to draw on, supplying the secrets to sustaining a series of novels. By following her tips and guidelines, writers can transform their material into novels that stand out. Her tips alone are worth the price of the book.
Although she concedes there are similarities between herself and her main character, Bowen says her novels are not autobiographical. She explains why she selected Regina as the setting for her Joanne Kilbourn novels and how she made this location work for her.
Sleuth is delightful reading, with a synopsis of many of Joanne Kilbourn鈥檚 activities over the years, and a hint of what is yet to come. If your purpose is simply an enjoyable read, Sleuth will do the trick. If you do plan to write a mystery novel, why not learn from one of the best?
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