Carolyn Wells 
The Technique of the Mystery Story (Annotated) 

• This edition includes the following editor’s introduction: Carolyn Wells and other relevant women writers in the origins of the mystery and detective genre

Originally published in 1813, “The Technique of the Mystery Story” is a book by American author Carolyn Wells.

Carolyn Wells was a prolific author of mystery novels. In this detailed book, she teaches the history, types, principles, devices, plots, and structures of mystery writings. She gives advice to would-be authors of this genre, including ghost and riddle stories as well as detective and crime mysteries.

“The Technique of the Mystery Story” begins with a justification of mystery as a legitimate literary art form, with numerous quotations from authorities. Then proceeding systematically through her topics, she explains and illustrates the mystery-writing craft with excerpts from mystery works and quotations of literary critics and notable authors.

The lover of mystery will find many authors and stories cited and excerpted in this book, which would be a good resource for finding more material to satisfy the reader’s thirst for the genre. Aspiring authors will find insights through the critical eyes of this successful mystery author and of the many authors whom she quotes.

“The Technique of the Mystery Story” remains a valid complete practical guide for detective and mystery story writers of today.