It is widely and unanimously believed by readers all around that murder mystery originated by Edgar Allen Poe in his 1844 story “The Murders in the Rue Morgue.” It was one small step in the history of literature, and fast forward to today. Every year, thousands of books are published that revolve around the domain of this genre. It is loved by all, and no specific demographic fans. Novels, books, plays, and screenplays have been written on them, movies, TV shows, and stage plays have been directed on them, and no matter what, the readers and viewers don’t get enough of it. Here are the following elements that a writer should include in their novel:
Write a compelling hook
There is a simple and plain theory in any genre, whether writing or making, to get the audience’s attention from the get-go. It is not necessarily essential for a good murder mystery novel, but it is indeed crucial for ensuring that the audience stays around. Suppose you start watching a movie. At least for the first 30 minutes, you are still in your decisive mode. If you feel bored by the movie, you will simply change the movie.
Create complex characters
One of the fundamentals of an epic fictional novel is the characters. The readers love to idolize the characters rather than the story and that is how the novel sticks around in their minds. It does not matter whether you have one character in your novel or many, what truly matters is how well that character is managed. Their transformation, their values, their actions, their inner conflicts, their dialogues, and many more create a good, worth-remembering novel.
Crafting an intriguing setting
The setting, theme, and atmosphere excite the readers; it compels them to put their visionary minds into action and direct the novel as they write it. The setting is everything: Star Wars setting is in space, Dune is set in the desert in a utopian society, and Game of Thrones is set in a dystopian society. It creates the atmosphere of anticipation an excitement, and favorably hooks the audience too.
Plant a Clever plot
A murder mystery novel feeds from their plot. For this genre, the plot is everything every little detail that goes into the story that will play a huge role later in the story. A clever plot engages the readers by letting them guess as they read through the story. The anticipation keeps them at eh edge of their seats and there is never a dull moment in reading.
Trigger a plot twist
This is the most loved part by the readers. Every reader is subconsciously aware that plot twist is inevitable in a murder mystery but they read with patience. They don’t want to ruin the surprise and give themselves a spoiler by thinking too much. To tackle this, they let the writers lead and follow to where the wind blown by them takes them.
Conclusion
The art of murder mystery will never die out, it will continue, and the readers will only increase. If you are writing a murder mystery novel, then you should definitely read Scott L. Miller’s books. Scott l Miller interrogation book and The Virtual Suicide Machine The Mitch Adams series are a classic that will motivate you write your own.
