How to write a murder mystery

About this course

The course examines how murder mysteries are structured and how their conventions can be used or subverted. Participants develop plots using set-ups, pay-offs, red herrings and twists, while working on believable villains, central sleuths and crime-scene settings. Teaching combines formal instruction with group and pair work, workshops, writing exercises and analysis of excerpts. The course also introduces three-act structure and considers how characterisation and setting contribute to an effective mystery.

What you'll learn

• Structure a murder mystery using a three-act plot
• Create intriguing and believable characters, including a central sleuth and villain
• Choose and describe settings suited to the murder-mystery genre
• Use set-ups, pay-offs, red herrings and plot twists in a mystery

Is this course right for you?

Identified as an Improver-level course, it is intended for writers developing beyond fundamental techniques in this area. Prior creative writing experience is beneficial but not essential. Participation involves group and pair work, workshops, writing exercises, excerpt analysis and formal instruction.

• Prior creative writing experience is helpful but not required.
• The course includes collaborative activities as well as individual writing exercises.

Before you go

• Learners should bring writing materials.