Murder Musts for Mystery Writers

A great murder mystery doesn’t have to be elusive, here are some tips and tricks for any aspiring murder mystery writer.

Sometimes a murder can be a crime of passion. The mystery may not have to be in the method, maybe the murderer lost their temper in the moment? That doesn’t mean they weren’t good at covering their tracks, however, and much of the mystery can center around the trail of clues rather than the details of a diabolical plot.

The victims can be bad guys too. Maybe it was a betrayal? Maybe a bad debt finally did them in? Or perhaps it was an old score to settle? Whatever the reason, just because someone’s a victim, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re innocent. Bad blood between the bad guys can make for a compelling read, especially if the sleuth is at all conflicted when it comes to preventing more bloodshed.

Why stop at one? A central murder is a great way to get the ball rolling, but who says the fun has to stop there? The murders can multiply as the sleuth tries to solve the case, with each wasted minute endangering another life.

Armed with these tips you’ll be writing a great mystery in no time, and as your plot progresses you may just come up with some tips of your own. Happy writing!

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