When you think of classic detective novels, the names Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, and Miss Marple might come to mind. These legendary figures have influenced the history of popular detective fiction for decades. Detective stories have a special charm that keeps us reading to find out what happens next. There is an estimated $1 billion market in the United States for crime fiction, which includes detective stories. If you’ve ever wanted to know how to put together a detective story that reads just like the old ones, you’ve come to the right place.

Aspiring detective writers may find it difficult to find their way through the publishing industry. The wide range of literary forms and narrative ideas can be overwhelming. Professional book writers fill this void by providing authors with vital guidance and expertise as they work through the complex process of writing a compelling novel and getting it to market.

In this article, we’ll talk about how to write a detective story by scurrying through the works of famous detective fiction writers. Keep reading to find out tips on how to write a good detective story.

Detective Fiction Stories: The Basics

So, what is detective fiction? Before starting to write a detective story, it’s important to know the different kinds of detective fiction. Knowing the unique characteristics of each sub-genre might help you zero in on the best fit for your novel.

Behind the Scenes of a Police Department

Crime fiction known as “police procedurals” typically follows a group of detectives as they work together to solve a case. These stories give readers a glimpse into the inner workings of law enforcement by focusing on the everyday aspects of the job. The Inspector Morse novels by Colin Dexter are a great example.

Read More:How to Write a Young Adult Novel

Whodunits with a Warm Touch: Cozy Mysteries

Cozy mysteries are humorous detective stories centered on friendly towns with a strong sense of community. Amateur detectives are the foundation of this genre, as is an emphasis on interpersonal relationships. Deduction and intuition are more common than forensics in solving crimes. Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple series is a classic example of a cozy mystery.

Hard-boiled Detective Stories Set on the Seedy Side of Town

The characters of hardboiled detective fiction tend to be cynical and have seen much of the world. Crime, corruption, and brutality are common themes in these novels, and the investigators aren’t willing to break the laws to get the job done. Raymond Chandler’s Philip Marlowe stories exemplify this sub-genre.

Heart-Pounding Suspense: Thrillers

Action and suspense are at the core of thrillers, which are detective stories written specifically to keep readers on the edge of their seats. The stakes are high, and the protagonists are usually in a race against the clock to catch the villain. The Silence of the Lambs, by Thomas Harris, is a thriller story example.

Mystery Within a Mystery: Locked Room Enigmas

A locked-room mystery is a type of detective story in which an impossible crime, such as murder, takes place in a small area with few possibilities of intervention. The detective’s job is to figure out the problem and uncover the secret answer. The classic locked-room mystery example is “The Murders in the Rue Mortuary” by Edgar Allan Poe.

Read More:Top 15 Most Famous Contemporary Book Authors & Their Famous Books

The Building Blocks of a Great Detective Story

There are standard components of any good detective story that make it interesting and exciting to read. If you can master these elements, you’ll have a great starting point for your narrative.

The Detective or Sleuth

Whether they are a professional investigator, amateur sleuths, or a reluctant participant, detectives are always at the center of detective stories. They need to be interesting, believable, and competent enough to figure out what happened. Think of Sherlock Holmes and his keen observational skills or Hercule Poirot with his “little grey cells.”

A Murder or Another Crime

Every good detective fiction needs a crime to investigate. This murder, or other serious crime, creates a puzzle for the detective to solve. The reader will be more interested in the story if the crime is complex and intriguing.

Suspect Lineup

Suspects, each with their own backstory and motivations, are necessary for every good detective fiction. These people should have depth and individuality, leaving the reader wondering if they are innocent or guilty until the very end.

The Ultimate Enemy

A rival, usually the criminal, who is working against the detective. A good villain will be smart, sneaky, and able to keep up with the detective, making them an impossible challenge for the hero to defeat.

Read More:How To Hire A Ghostwriter

Chilling Atmosphere & Setting

The setting of a mystery novel plays a key role in establishing the story’s mood and drawing the reader in. The backdrop, be it Victorian London’s smoky streets, a quiet English village, or a bustling modern metropolis, needs to be well-described and integral to the plot.

How to Write an Incredible Detective Novel: Experts’ Advice & Tips to Follow

Give Your Characters Interesting Backstories

Having complex characters with interesting backstories is essential for good detective fiction. The more you learn about your characters’ motivations, the more believable and interesting your story will be. Think about the crime’s underlying reasons and the detective’s own motivations for investigating.

Find Out How Detective Investigations are Carried On

Knowing the fundamentals of a detective’s work is essential for writing a believable and exciting mystery. Investigate policing methods, forensics, and criminal psychology to give your story more legitimacy and depth.

Avoid Making It Too Simple

In a good detective story, the solution isn’t obvious until the very end. Avoid giving away the ending too soon, and place red herrings and false leads throughout the story to keep your readers guessing.

Make Sure the Ending is Worth It

The mystery in your detective story should be solved neatly and satisfactorily by the end. Make sure the ending is satisfying to the reader, both in its creativity and its logic.

Explore and Develop New Ideas

Don’t be scared to try new things with your writing and deviate from the norm. The best detective fiction is the kind that takes risks with its storytelling, narrative structure, or the genres it draws from.

Conclusion: How to Craft a Compelling Detective Story

In conclusion, here is everything you need to know to write a good detective story:

• Being aware of the multiple subgenres of detective fiction
• Using the standard elements of the detective story
• Creating dominant characters with compelling backstories
• Finding new ways to keep readers wondering through researching detective work
• Bringing about a happy ending

If you’re having trouble writing your detective novel, the experts at Gnome Book Writing Company are ready to help. Using our advice, you can make your detective story as exciting as possible and impress readers with your story of mystery and suspense.

Read More:Self-Publishing vs Traditional Publishing

FAQs

How do I choose the right sub-genre for my detective story?

Think of the atmosphere, setting, and topics you want to include in your novel. Each subgenre is distinct in its own way; pick the one that fits your goals best.

How can I create an interesting detective character?

Make sure your detective has a memorable appearance, a distinct personality, and some special abilities to make them stand out. Think on the character’s history and the things that drive them, as this will inform their choices and actions.

How important is research in writing a detective story?

Writing a credible and authentic detective novel requires extensive research into real-world detective techniques, police processes, and forensic science. The reader is more likely to become engrossed in a story if the author has done thorough research.

Read More:How to Get a Literary Agent for Your Book?

How can I balance giving clues and keeping the reader guessing?

The key is to strategically place clues throughout the story without overwhelming the reader with information. Ensure the hints are puzzling enough to keep the reader thinking without being so unclear that the solution seems impossible.

How can I give my detective story a satisfying ending?

Make sure the finale is shocking while still making sense and ending the main mystery in a way that makes sense. The ending should wrap things up for the reader without deviating too much from the story’s characters or tone.