We all love a good old mystery tale. Something spooky happening around the corner, a few drops of blood here and there, a missing persons case maybe, fraud, stolen money, expensive jewelry, and a beat-up detective who lost all hope in the world?
That’s the recipe for a great crime fiction novel. But that’s not all. There are technical things that go into writing a best-selling crime fiction novel, and here are ten of those elements summarized:
Captivating Characters:
The heart of any great crime fiction novel lies in its characters. From the brilliant detective to the cunning villain, compelling characters drive the narrative forward and keep readers invested in the story.
Take enough time out to plot down what your characters will actually look like. This involves both how they physically look and what their emotional strengths and weaknesses look like.
Remember, Sherlock Holmes would not have been who he is if he never had his Professor Moriarity.
Intriguing Plot:
The plot needs to make sure that it keeps you on your toes at all times. Create a storyline that is filled with twists, turns, and unexpected revelations that keep readers guessing until the very end.
Remember, you have to make sure that you don’t bore your readers to death. Make sure you create a good balance between action-packed scenes and moments of suspenseful buildup to maintain a nice momentum throughout the narrative.
Think about Agatha Christie’s masterpiece in the Murder on the Orient Express. Imagine yourself walking into the luxurious Orient Express. But by the time you leave that night, the train is one person less. Now, that is an intriguing plot!
Atmospheric Setting:
The setting of your crime fiction novel needs to work in such a way that it takes your readers to another time and place. Whether it’s a bustling urban metropolis or a quaint countryside village, the setting should be set in such a way that it reflects the actual tone of your crime fiction novel as well.
Think about Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment. Think about St. Petersburg in the 1860s. The city is experiencing population growth and poverty, and the tone is rightfully brooding and dark and Dostoyevsky reflects that very well in the setting.
Puzzling Mystery:
At the center of every crime fiction novel lies an engaging mystery waiting to be solved. Plant clues, red herrings, and cleverly concealed twists throughout the narrative to keep readers engaged and guessing until the final reveal. The key is to strike a balance between challenging readers’ intellect and delivering a satisfying resolution.
Tension and Suspense:
Keep readers on the edge of their seats with tension and suspense that builds steadily throughout the novel. Create high-stakes scenarios, life-threatening dangers, and moral dilemmas that test the resolve of your characters and keep readers eager to uncover the truth.
Compelling Dialogue:
Dialogues severely humanize your work, and who does not love a work that is set in reality?
Dialogue is a powerful tool for revealing character traits, advancing the plot, and building tension in a crime fiction novel. Create dialogues that are natural, authentic, and memorable and carry the personalities of your characters while driving the story forward through natural interactions and meaningful exchanges.
Twists and Turns:
Surprise your readers with unexpected plot twists and turns that challenge their assumptions and keep them guessing until the very end. Whether it’s a shocking revelation about a character’s true identity or a sudden betrayal by a trusted ally, well-executed twists can take your crime fiction novel to new levels.
Moral Ambiguity:
Confusion creates character; remember that.
Explore themes of moral ambiguity and ethical dilemmas that force your characters to confront difficult choices and grapple with the consequences of their actions. Blurring the lines between right and wrong adds depth and complexity to your story, inviting readers to ponder the deeper implications of justice and morality.
It also makes sure that the readers leave with these questions for themselves which ultimately is the aim of any novel, for the readers to question how they would have played things out.
Research and Authenticity:
Attention to detail is something that is greatly appreciated by readers, especially in a detail-oriented genre that is crime fiction. Conduct thorough research into police procedures, forensic science, and legal protocols to ensure accuracy and authenticity in your writing.
Incorporate realistic details and expert insights that lend credibility to your story and immerse readers in the world of law enforcement and criminal investigation.
Satisfying Resolution:
Above all, deliver a satisfying resolution that ties up loose ends, resolves lingering questions, and provides closure for your readers. The conclusion of a crime fiction novel should feel earned and impactful, rewarding readers for their investment in the story while leaving them eager for more.
Conclusion:
Obviously, you are free to experiment along the way but if you can keep these basics running throughout your novel, then your work is guaranteed to develop an audience that will return for a sequel!
One series, encapsulating all the elements of a perfect crime fiction novel is Bob Kelly’s Chicago Detective Jack Fallon, the coolest detective in the world! In the second installment of the series, Jack investigates the murder of a Chinese Consulate General and the theft of the artwork of The Egg of Chaos.
Grab your copy now from Amazon.
