Elaine Flinn

Writing a mystery novel can be a rewarding and challenging experience, especially for those who are trying it for the first time. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Start with a strong concept: The key to any good mystery is a captivating premise, so take some time to brainstorm ideas and come up with a unique and compelling concept for your novel.
2. Develop your characters: In a mystery novel, the characters are just as important as the plot. Take the time to carefully craft your main characters, including the detective and any suspects, and make sure they are fully fleshed out and believable.
3. Plan out your plot: It can be helpful to create an outline or roadmap of your story before you begin writing. This will help you stay organized and ensure that your plot is cohesive and logical.
4. Create a sense of tension and suspense: A good mystery novel should keep the reader guessing and on the edge of their seat. Use techniques like red herrings, cliffhangers, and foreshadowing to build tension and keep the reader engaged.
5. Pay attention to pacing: A mystery novel should have a good balance of action and investigation, with moments of tension and relaxation. Be mindful of the pace of your story and try to keep it from dragging or feeling rushed.
6. Edit and revise: As with any work of fiction, it’s important to revise and edit your mystery novel to ensure that it’s as strong as it can be. Consider getting feedback from beta readers or joining a writing group to get fresh perspectives on your work.

Writing a mystery novel can be a difficult and labor-intensive experience, but by following these tips and being patient and persistent, you can create a gripping and well-crafted mystery that will keep readers guessing until the very end. At least you can avoid being lame!

There are many great books that can help mystery writers improve their craft and find inspiration for their own work. Here are a few classic and contemporary mystery novels that are highly regarded in the genre:

1. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle – This collection of short stories features the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes, and is a great example of the detective story genre.
2. In the Woods by Tana French – This psychological thriller follows a detective who is trying to solve a murder that is connected to a traumatic event from his own childhood.
3. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson – This bestselling novel follows a journalist and a computer hacker as they investigate a decades-old mystery involving a wealthy family.
4. The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris – This suspenseful novel follows an FBI trainee who is tasked with seeking the help of a cannibalistic serial killer in order to catch another killer.
5. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown – This mystery novel centers around a code hidden within the works of Leonardo da Vinci, and has become a modern classic in the genre.
6. The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith (a pseudonym for J.K. Rowling) – This detective novel follows a private investigator who is hired to investigate the death of a supermodel, and uncovers a web of lies and deceit.

These are just a few examples, but there are many other great mystery novels out there to explore.