--- product_id: 1274465 title: "Plotting and Writing Suspense Fiction" price: "NZ$42" currency: NZD in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 url: https://www.desertcart.nz/products/1274465-plotting-and-writing-suspense-fiction store_origin: NZ region: New Zealand --- # Plotting and Writing Suspense Fiction **Price:** NZ$42 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Plotting and Writing Suspense Fiction - **How much does it cost?** NZ$42 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.nz](https://www.desertcart.nz/products/1274465-plotting-and-writing-suspense-fiction) ## Best For - Customers looking for quality international products ## Why This Product - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Description Patricia Highsmith, author of Strangers On a Train, The Talented Mr.Ripley, Found In The Street, and many other books, is known as one of the finest suspense novelists. In this book, she analyzes the key elements of suspense fiction, drawing upon her own experience in four decades as a working writer. She talks about, among other topics; how to develop a complete story from an idea; what makes a plot gripping; the use (and abuse) of coincidence; characterization and the "likeable criminal"; going from first draft to final draft; and writing the suspense short story. Throughout the book, Highsmith illustrates her points with plentiful examples from her own work, and by discussing her own inspirations, false starts, dead ends, successes, and failures, she presents a lively and highly readable picture of the novelist at work. Anyone who wishes to write crime and suspense fiction, or who enjoys reading it, will find this book an insightful guide to the craft and art of a modern master. Review: It does what it is supposed to do, even if in mysterious ways - This book is not exactly a how-to book. It is more like a long conversation with a mystery author I highly revere. Patricia Highsmith had her own style and a unique atmosphere in her stories. She always managed to bring a likable quality to her characters while still carrying them to a point of disturbance where the reader almost feels claustrophobic. Of course authors get inspiration from others, but she was not someone trying to write like somebody else to gain notoriety. So how much help will you get from an author who was arguably in a category by herself? By receiving precious ounces of what is most valuable to any aspiring writer: inspiration. She will make you think of your own feelings about the structure of your story, about the discipline you need as a writer. And she does this without the formality of a college textbook, but rather by pointing your attention towards major points. Don't read the whole book while on a long flight. Read it over several reading sessions and let it sink in. Then, if you are contemplating your own creation while reading "Plotting and Writing Suspense Fiction", you will suddenly find yourself getting much more from this book than the mere arguments the author makes. It will become significant to you in a unique and personal way. I have also experienced that this book, like an old friend, can bring your attention back to the writing project that really matters to you when you get distracted. Review: Suspense writing by a self-confessed non-suspense writer - Not a book to read to learn about writing suspense fiction in general, because (as she admits in the last chapter) she doesn’t consider herself to be a suspense writer(!): but recommended if you are a Patricia Highsmith fan and want to know more about how she writes. ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Best Sellers Rank | #179,712 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #16 in Mystery Writing Reference #203 in Authorship Reference #260 in Fiction Writing Reference (Books) | | Customer Reviews | 4.4 out of 5 stars 479 Reviews | ## Images ![Plotting and Writing Suspense Fiction - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71S4gfVF9CL.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ It does what it is supposed to do, even if in mysterious ways *by E***L on July 15, 2012* This book is not exactly a how-to book. It is more like a long conversation with a mystery author I highly revere. Patricia Highsmith had her own style and a unique atmosphere in her stories. She always managed to bring a likable quality to her characters while still carrying them to a point of disturbance where the reader almost feels claustrophobic. Of course authors get inspiration from others, but she was not someone trying to write like somebody else to gain notoriety. So how much help will you get from an author who was arguably in a category by herself? By receiving precious ounces of what is most valuable to any aspiring writer: inspiration. She will make you think of your own feelings about the structure of your story, about the discipline you need as a writer. And she does this without the formality of a college textbook, but rather by pointing your attention towards major points. Don't read the whole book while on a long flight. Read it over several reading sessions and let it sink in. Then, if you are contemplating your own creation while reading "Plotting and Writing Suspense Fiction", you will suddenly find yourself getting much more from this book than the mere arguments the author makes. It will become significant to you in a unique and personal way. I have also experienced that this book, like an old friend, can bring your attention back to the writing project that really matters to you when you get distracted. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Suspense writing by a self-confessed non-suspense writer *by G***Y on February 20, 2021* Not a book to read to learn about writing suspense fiction in general, because (as she admits in the last chapter) she doesn’t consider herself to be a suspense writer(!): but recommended if you are a Patricia Highsmith fan and want to know more about how she writes. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A meditation *by T***D on October 29, 2024* This book is wonderful. A look inside her writing life. Thoughtful and provocative. It isn't necessary to agree with her take on writing to get a great deal from the book!. --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.nz/products/1274465-plotting-and-writing-suspense-fiction](https://www.desertcart.nz/products/1274465-plotting-and-writing-suspense-fiction) --- *Product available on Desertcart New Zealand* *Store origin: NZ* *Last updated: 2026-05-17*