Carolyn Wheat is a former criminal defense lawyer whose Cass Jameson mysteries take the reader into the gritty world of Brooklyn night court. Two of the books were nominated for Edgar awards. She is also the author of numerous short stories which have won her an Agatha, an Anthony, a Shamus, and a Macavity award. Her book How to Write Killer Fiction is a must-read for anyone writing a mystery or suspense novel. She teaches writing at UCSD Extension and conducts writing workshops.