Mystery Writing for Beginners: Tips to Get Started
There’s something undeniably thrilling about a good mystery. The twists, the secrets, the unraveling of a puzzle one clue at a time—it’s a genre that pulls both readers and writers into its grip. If you're a writer who loves suspense, unexpected turns, or simply enjoys asking what if, mystery might be your genre.
Whether you're dreaming up a cozy small-town whodunit or a psychological thriller with dark secrets, here are a few foundational tips to help you get started writing your own mystery novel.
1. Start with the Crime (and Work Backward)
Most mysteries are built around a central crime—usually a murder, but not always. Before you dive into chapter one, try sketching out the crime itself:
Who committed it?
Why?
How did they cover it up?
Who discovered it?
Knowing the ending first gives you a map to follow as you construct the clues, red herrings, and reveals. Working backward allows you to build layers of tension and ensure that the final reveal feels both surprising and earned.
2. Create a Sleuth Readers Can Root For
Your protagonist doesn’t have to be a police officer or private investigator—many beloved mysteries are led by amateur sleuths (think: Miss Marple or Veronica Mars). What matters most is giving your main character a strong reason to get involved in solving the mystery, and the smarts, curiosity, or tenacity to follow it through.
Ask yourself:
What personal stake does my character have in solving this crime?
What unique perspective or skill do they bring to the table?
What internal journey or transformation will they undergo?
3. Scatter Clues and Red Herrings
A compelling mystery offers breadcrumbs throughout the story—some leading to the truth, others misleading readers entirely. This balance keeps readers engaged and guessing.
Try this:
Drop clues subtly (in dialogue, actions, background details).
Use red herrings to heighten suspense.
Keep a timeline or chart to track what each character knows, when, and what they do with that knowledge.
Remember: Fair play matters. Readers should be able to look back and see how it all fits together.
4. Build Tension with Pacing and Stakes
Mystery thrives on tension—emotional, psychological, and physical. Whether it’s a ticking clock, a close call, or a secret waiting to be exposed, keep the stakes high and the pressure mounting.
Tips to keep your pacing taut:
End chapters with new questions or discoveries.
Introduce twists that shift the direction or raise the stakes.
Allow moments of quiet or reflection to deepen emotional impact—but don’t let the story stall.
5. Ground It in a Compelling Setting
Setting is more than just backdrop—it can be a tool to reinforce theme, atmosphere, and character. A sleepy coastal town with nosy neighbors will feel very different from a gritty urban environment, and each offers unique opportunities for tension and discovery.
Think about:
What tone do you want the mystery to have?
How does the setting complicate or enrich the plot?
How does your sleuth interact with or belong to this world?
6. Don’t Worry About Getting It Perfect the First Time
Mystery novels are intricate, and first drafts are often messy. Don’t let that stop you. Get the story down—twists, red herrings, big reveals and all—and then revise with clarity and structure in mind. You’ll likely spot new opportunities to tighten the mystery once the full picture is on the page.
Ready to Start Writing Your Mystery? You don’t need to have all the answers before you begin—just curiosity, a little structure, and a willingness to explore. Start with what intrigues you the most: a strange disappearance, a family secret, or a character who knows more than they’re letting on.
