Richard Osman, known for the Thursday Murder Club series, Louise Penny, celebrated for her Chief Armand Gamache novels, and Tracy Clark, creator of the Detective Harriet Foster series, unravel the art of mystery writing. They discuss crafting compelling characters that resonate with readers and the evolution of narrative across series. The trio emphasizes the importance of knowing a story's conclusion before diving into revision, the balance of creativity with structure, and the key elements that hook audience interest in their whodunits.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Gamache's Inspiration
Louise Penny based Armand Gamache on her husband, Michael.
Michael, head of hematology, taught her about finding happiness amidst cruelty.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Finish Your Draft
Finish your first draft before extensively rewriting.
Many surprising developments will occur, allowing for more effective revisions.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Mystery Writing Rules
Make every character a suspect in your mystery.
Play fair with the reader; the clues to the killer's identity must be present, though hidden.
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Richard Osman's "We Solved Murders" is a captivating mystery novel featuring a group of amateur sleuths. The story unfolds in a charming setting, with a cast of quirky and endearing characters. The plot is cleverly woven, keeping readers engaged with unexpected twists and turns. The novel's humor and heartwarming moments add to its appeal, making it a delightful read for mystery enthusiasts. The book's success has led to a series of sequels, further exploring the lives and adventures of the endearing characters.
Still Life
Sarah Winman
Still Life by Sarah Winman tells the story of Ulysses Temper, a young British soldier, and Evelyn Skinner, a 64-year-old art historian, who meet briefly in Tuscany in 1944 during World War II. This encounter sets off a chain of events that transforms Ulysses' life and those of the people around him. The novel spans several decades, following Ulysses as he returns to London after the war, navigates his relationships with his wife Peg and her daughter Alys, and eventually returns to Florence. The story is enriched by an ensemble of characters, including the eccentric patrons of the Stoat and Parrot pub, and Claude, a witty and charming parrot. The book explores themes of art, culture, and the power of human connections, set against the backdrop of historical events such as the 1966 Florentine floods[2][3][5].
Writing a book can be hard. Add in the twists and turns of a mystery... Where to even start?!
Three authors join us today to help us cozy up to confusing capers. In the latest edition of our "Ask A" series, we're asking mystery novelists about how they mystify and confound amateur sleuths and gumshoes the world over.
From the red herrings to the smoking guns, how do they craft their whodunits?
1A 
