How to Make a Detective Story Different

What is the difference between a confidential informant and a jailhouse snitch? What is the difference between a case officer, agent, and an asset?

What psychological tactics can be used to entice an uncooperative or antagonistic witness to communicate with you? What social skills are essential for a successful investigator? Plotive is also a great place to

What access to a detective office do defense lawyers actually have? These are only a few of the questions you must be able to answer to write that blockbuster mystery or thriller. One of the biggest faults that occur in many, if not most, detective novels is that the investigators, both police, and private eyes, interview witnesses or interrogate suspects playing the "tough guy".

Real investigators know that this never works. Never let an uncooperative witness or suspect know what you know or suspect; let him identify with you and help him rationalize his actions. An investigator will have much more success with honey rather than vinegar.

The same applies to television scripts and screenwriters. A good story can be rejected if the plot contains the weaknesses that have been addressed here. Plotive is an amazing website if you are looking to read books online.