WRITING A "COZY" MYSTERY
RBHS Main / Mancoff Main / Mystery Main

Introduction
Task
Process
Resources
Conclusion

Introduction:
 

    As we have learned, Murder on the Orient Express is a particular type of mystery called a "cozy".  What techniques make this type of mystery appealing?  How does an author like Agatha Christie put one together?  What makes this kind of mystery different from any other?  By trying your hand at being a mystery author, you will investigate the answers to these questions.

 

Task:

    Write a short mystery story in the style of the cozy genre.  Your story may have any plot, characters, and elements that you desire as long as it fits within our established genre.  You may wish to use some of the online writing resources I've provided as well to help you compose your story.

Process:

1.    Familiarize yourself with the mystery writing resources listed below.

2.    Remember that a cozy mystery has the following elements:

  • It has a unique detective (e.g. Hercule Poirot).
  • It often deals with high society.
  • It focuses on deductions and the collection of clues.
  • It rarely involves violence DURING the story.
  • It is generally a "whodunnit?" story in format.

    3.    Before you begin, fill out the following handouts;

    • Detective Map
    • Character Biographies
    • Plot Questionaire

    (note: each handout is available on the main mystery page under 'handouts online')

    4.    In the end your story must:

    • meet the basic requirements of a country house mystery
    • be at least three pages in length
    • be broken into clearly organized paragraphs
    • be spell-checked and edited for punctuation and grammar

Resources:

Mystery Writing with Joan Lowery Nixon
(Some opening pointers for your stories)

Mystery Writers Forum
(Many links - check out police procedure, forensics, etc.)

RedInk Works:  Mystery Resources
(Many links helping with research for your story)

Writing Tips and Help
(Want to get it published?  View some tips here)

Conclusion:

Now that you have finished writing your story, you can appreciate how difficult it was for Agatha Christie to craft such interesting tales!  Far from easy, mystery writing requires great attention to details, plot, and pacing.  It's hard to keep a story exciting without giving away one too many clues.