Ah, murder mysteries: they are the perfect blend of suspense, intrigue, and intellectual challenge. Murder mysteries are amazing at drawing readers in as they keep you guessing every clue. Whether you're reading about a cozy small-town sleuth or a stern detective, murder mysteries offer an escape into the world of investigation. If you are seeking to write an engaging murder mystery, read below for five things you need to keep in mind!
Create a Timeline
Murder mysteries typically have a lot of plot points, and every event is important. As a result, it is a good idea to create a timeline of the events in your book. This helps ensure that clues, red herrings, and character events all align logically. That will help your readers understand what is occurring and it will give your book increased consistency. Overall, a detailed timeline can help you track when key information in your murder mystery and allow you to pace the suspense and tension effectively throughout your story.
List All The Characters
You should also consider creating a list of all the characters in your story. Murder mysteries are usually full of characters, including suspects, victims, detectives, and witnesses, each with their own motivations, alibis, and secrets. Keeping track of their personalities, relationships, and involvement in the plot can help ensure that their actions are believable and consistent. A character list can also help you know when and how each character is introduced, making sure all of your characters are fleshed out.
Include Plot Twists
Murder mysteries are known for their plot twists, which is why it is a good idea to include them in your writing. Plot twists make your writing more engaging and keep your readers on the edge of their seats. Plus, a well-executed twist is sure to add layers of complexity, surprise, and excitement to your story. That being said, your plot twists should be carefully thought out and foreshadowed before they occur. For inspiration on what plot twists to include in your novel, click on the button below.
Engage Readers
While I know this sounds obvious, it is incredibly important that you engage your readers. By this, I mean that you should interact with readers through false clues, red herrings, symbols, and more. Murder mysteries are...mysteries, so you need to ensure that you include puzzles that readers can solve alongside the detective or protagonist. Adding false leads and red herrings keeps your readers guessing, encouraging them to actively engage with the plot as they try to solve the mystery. Overall, your murder mystery should be so engaging that readers can't help but continue reading.
Determine the Gore Level
Lastly, you must determine the level of gore in your story. All murders are gruesome, however, the amount of gore you depict/explain is up to you. Will your descriptions be intense and vivid, showing the full brutality of the crime? Or will you leave much of it to the reader’s imagination, focusing more on the mystery and suspense? Ultimately, this decision is up to you, but it will surely affect the tone of your story. Some readers prefer a more psychological approach, while others may appreciate a more detailed and graphic portrayal of the crime scene. So, make sure that the level of gore you incorporate fits with the overall mood you want to create.
Murder mysteries are one of the most beloved novel genres, yet they are hard to execute well. Thankfully, the tips listed above will help you write the most interactive and enthralling murder mystery yet. You got this!
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