Critical companions to popular contemporary writers

Provides an analysis of novelist Robin Cook's medical thrillers written between 1977 and 1995, discussing their plots, characters, and themes, and includes biographical information about the author, a complete bibliography of his fiction, general criticism, and a listing of reviews.

Studies the work of novelist V.C. Andrews, discussing her use of the gothic style blended with horror fiction and fairy tale covering the works "Flowers in the Attic, " the Dollanganger Chronicles ("Petals on the Wind, " "If There Be Thorns, " "Seeds of Yesterday"), "Garden of Shadows, " "My Sweet Audrina, " and the Casteel Story ("Heaven, " "Dark Angel, " "Fallen Hearts").

A critical study of the works of science fiction writer Anne McCaffrey, featuring biographical information about the author, discussion of the science fiction genre, and analysis of plot, theme, and character development in her individual novels and series.

Presents a critical examination of eight novels of author John Grisham beginning with his 1997 "The Partner;" and includes a profile of his life and earlier works.

Profiles twentieth-century African-American author Gloria Naylor, describing her life and literary heritage, and discussing the novels "The Women of Brewster Place," "Linden Hills," "Mama Day," "Bailey's Cafe," and "The Men of Brewster Place.".

Presents biographical information about American author Anne Rice, discusses how her work fits into the supernatural genres, and analyzes each of Rice's vampire, mummy, and witch novels written between 1976 and 1995.

Provides a critical look at the writings of Stephen King, offering biographical information and summaries of all of his novels with a focus on the styles, themes, and character development of nine representative works.

Provides an overview of the life and career of author Larry McMurty, along with scholarly readings of several of his works and a primary and secondary bibliography.

Provides an examination of thirteen novels by mystery writer Tony Hillerman, published between 1970 and 1995, and includes biographical information about the author, a discussion of his contribution to the detective fiction genre, and a bibliography.

Provides analyses of seven novels by Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison, written between 1970 and 1998; and includes biographical information about the author, a bibliography of her writings, and a list of selected reviews and criticism.