Drawing on the expertise of top crime writers, including Ian Rankin and Val McDermid, this book looks at how to write a successful crime novel-from the critical points in the development of the book, including story setting, creating characters, building suspense, use of sex and violence, the importance of research and the basic rules of story construction, to how to get published. It carries advice from leading publishers, agents and booksellers in the field, looks at legendary figures in crime fiction, and has an extensive, comprehensive listings and information section.