Crafting Crime Fiction

John le Carré said the best place to start a crime novel is as near to the end of the story as possible. But how do you know what the story is?

As writers, we all have different experiences and skills to draw upon, and this book will help you identify the right beginning, middle and end for your own crime novel.

Whether you are writing a police procedural or a psychological thriller, you will need to consider the basic elements of a gripping narrative. Within these pages, you’ll learn to master the art of storytelling, from creating a compelling plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats to choosing the perfect point of view to bring your characters to life. Dive into the depths of suspense, mystery, and surprise, as you unravel the intricacies of crafting a crime novel that captivates and entertains.

This guide will help any new or experienced writer to navigate the writing journey, uncovering the core principles that will make your crime fiction truly exceptional.

Henry Sutton is Professor of Creative Writing and Crime Fiction, and the convenor of the Creative Writing MA Crime Fiction. He is the author of 15 novels and a collection of short stories. He is also co-editor of the monograph series ’Elements in Crime Narratives’ (Cambridge University Press), and co-edited the essay collection, Domestic Noir: The New Face of 21st Century Crime Fiction (Palgrave Macmillan, 2018). He was a literary critic for many years and has judged numerous awards, including the Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year. He is the director of the ’Noirwich Crime Writing Festival’.