What makes a good crime story or suspense novel? Lesley Grant-Adamson analyzes the elements of this broad genre, covering the classic detective story, the espionage thriller, comic crime fiction, romantic suspense, the feminist sleuth, and more. Let this experienced author lead you through the process of crafting your material: recognizing an idea for a novel; setting the scene; shaping your characters; evolving plot; researching your background; maintaining style and using literary techniques; and finding a way out if you get stuck. This practical book also includes advice on presenting your work to a publisher and enjoying your new role as a published crime writer. Whether you are a novice or already established, this book shows you how to find your voice as a crime writer, without cramping your style.