How to Plan a Murder Mystery

Writing a great murder mystery sometimes takes more planning compared to other fiction genres. If done well, the process should be fun for you as an author, and the results will be entertaining and hold your readers. In this article, I'll show you tips and ideas you should consider.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Begin with the end in mind.
   
   At least to some extent, mysteries are planned and written backwards. As an author, you know the identity of the killer and how the murder was committed. Your main job is to guide the reader to this information over the course of the story in an interesting way. While there are some exceptions to the rule (think of the old TV show Columbo), readers usually don't want to be told this information outright. So it becomes a balance of dropping the right clues at the right time.

2. Put a lot of time into developing your lead character.
   
   What makes your lead character any different from the lead characters in other mysteries? Do they have an unusual quirk, or is there something about why they are involved in the case that is unique? Developing a well-rounded and interesting character will draw your readers into the story compared to if you depend solely on the plot. Give readers a reason to care as soon as possible, and they will keep reading.
   
   Many mysteries have a lead character that is a police detective, private investigator, or in some cases a relative or friend of the victim. While in some cases you can't be completely realistic (having your character spend chapters doing paperwork would not work), take the time to read up in areas such as police procedure and forensics so you know the basics.

3. Get feedback on your rough drafts.
   
   Find someone you trust and have them read through the rough draft of the story. Ideally, you want them to figure things out close to the same time your lead character does. Clues need to be embedded within the story in such a way where your readers will find themselves turning back to previous chapters--realizing the pieces of the answer were there right in front of them the entire time, but don't overdo it to where they guess too early (unless that is your intention.)

4. Cat-and-mouse thrillers are an exception to typical mystery rules.
   
   According to how you want to approach your mystery, there is a way of addressing your reader knowing the killer's identity by still having the lead character not know. The entertainment value for the reader comes from watching the lead character figure things out while avoiding other dangers and conflicts along the way. In this case, you may want to alternate between the lead character trying to catch the murderer and the murderer trying to outsmart the lead character. Make them at least an even match intellectually and in resources--or for a challenge give the murderer some kind of edge your lead doesn't have.

Tips & Warnings

• Under the resources tab below, I have some related links and suggested reading you may find helpful.

Resources

• Web Writer Central
• The Writer's Library--Over 45 Writing How-to's and Resources
• The Fictional Character Development Template
• Recommended Reading: Police Procedure & Investigation: A Guide for Writers by Lee Lofland
• Recommended Reading: Forensics: A Guide for Writers by D.P. Lyle M.D.
• Recommended Reading: The Book of Poisons by Serita Stevens and Anne Bannon
• Patricia Gilliam's Author's Blog (For Updates/News/Latest Articles)
• Patricia Gilliam's Twitter Page

[sha4852]

on 7/29/2009 For those interested in writing mysteries, you have made some great points. You also give helpful information in your resource links.

Great job!