Plotting and Writing Suspense Fiction

Author of Strangers on a Train, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Found in the Street, and many other works of fiction, the late Highsmith remains one of our very best suspense novelists. In this book, she analyzes the key elements of suspense fiction, drawing upon her four decades of experience as a working writer. She discusses developing a complete story from an idea; what makes a plot gripping; the use (and abuse) of coincidence; characterization and "likeable" criminals; going from first to final draft; and writing suspenseful short stories. Throughout, she illustrates her points with examples from her own work. Plotting and Writing Suspense Fiction is an insightful, readable, and candid how-to guide that meticulously depicts the methods and strategies of a modern master.