Writing Crime Novels not only assists writers in storytelling techniques, but also offers detailed technical information that is absolutely essential to the modern crime novel. After giving practical advice on how to find the right ideas for a crime novel, the author looks at various methods of committing murder and the techniques used by detectives in their investigation of the crime. The budding crime writer is then taken in easy stages through the development of the novel and the shaping of its plot, creating flesh-and-blood villains, victims, and investigators, and increasing tension and interest with the incorporation of one of more sub-plots.