Writing a mystery story is a challenge that only a few writers take up, and daunting as it may seem, you can master it too — with a few simple steps, tips, and (of course) lots of practice!
Mystery stories typically revolve around a protagonist trying to solve a recently committed crime. Also known as a whodunnit (in the case of murder), the culprit is usually discovered at the end.
A strong opening sentence, or ‘a hook’
While all novels need a strong hook to draw in the reader, it’s crucial that a hook in a mystery story make the reader feel curious and intrigued. You can’t bank on a reader simply seeking out the genre; the genre may make them find your book, but the hook makes them stay.
A hook should build curiosity within the reader, and they should want to know about what is to unfold. It could tease information, ask a question that the reader is yearning to know the answer for, or be a set-up for a dramatic event.
Whether it’s a mundane event or an immensely action-filled moment you’re beginning with, remember that tone plays a key role here. The air you’re building is one of mysterious intrigue, capturing the reader’s interest.
A mysterious setting
The setting is immensely important for a mystery story, seeing that most crimes occur at a location. It’s also where the lead detective and the reader are going to hunt for clues, so it’s your job, as a writer, to create tension through the setting as well.
You can effectively create the tense moods of a mystery in its setting. In addition to picking locations that evoke the tension, think about how you can describe them to create the urgency of the atmosphere of uncertainty and suspense.
A cast of characters, each with their own secrets
Within the ambit of a mystery story, you’ll find yourself crafting characters in the following categories:
- Detectives: The characters solving the crime, although these people may not necessarily be professional detectives. Think of characters like the amateur detective, the police, the local youngster interested in solving crime, etc.
- Witnesses: People in the vicinity of the crime, and people who possibly know the victim or the suspect. These are the people who saw the crime being committed, and are your best chance in knowing what happened.
- Suspects: These are the characters who are likely to have committed the crime.
Clues for the reader to pick up on.
Make the reader a detective. One of the most interesting things about reading mystery novels is that it is not passive. Many of us are in it for the thrill of solving the puzzle along with the characters. So try to drop subtle hints that readers that pick up on. You could embed these clues in locations, things people say or do, or even objects that are of importance to the investigation.
