Tips for Writing Crime Fiction

Imagine a dimly lit room, a detective poring over clues, and the tantalizing question hanging in the air: whodunit? Crime fiction has long captivated readers with its suspenseful plots, complex criminals, and clever twists. But if you’re writing crime fiction, you already know it’s not as easy as it looks.

Crafting a compelling crime novel means more than just placing a dead body on page one. It’s about building suspense, creating compelling characters, and keeping readers guessing through red herrings, twists, and reveals. Whether you're new to the genre or polishing your debut novel, here are our top tips for writing crime fiction that readers won’t be able to put down.

What is crime fiction?

Crime fiction is a genre of literature that focuses on solving a crime—usually a murder—and follows an investigator (professional or amateur) as they piece together clues. These stories are all about answering the big questions: who committed the crime, how, and most importantly, why?

Crime fiction often overlaps with the mystery genre and thriller novels, as well as subgenres like:

• Classic detective fiction: Think Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes or Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot, solving puzzles with logic and deduction.
• Police procedurals: A look at detective work from inside law enforcement.
• Psychological thrillers: Tense, emotional stories exploring the minds of both victims and perpetrators.
• Legal thrillers: Crime and justice collide in the courtroom.
• Historical crime fiction: Crime stories set in the past, sometimes with a modern twist.
• Noir fiction: Dark, gritty tales with morally complex characters.

If you're new to the crime fiction genre, reading widely across these subgenres can help you discover what kind of story you’re writing—and what tropes you can subvert or use to your advantage.

The core elements of crime stories

At the heart of every good crime story are several essential ingredients. Understanding these will help you write a crime novel that grabs attention and doesn’t let go.

The crime

The central crime is what launches the narrative. It might be a locked room mystery, a cold case, a kidnapping, or even a heist. The best writing in the crime genre uses the crime as more than a plot point—it connects to the characters, themes, and tone of the story. To write a mystery novel that matters, ensure the crime is tied to deeper themes, such as justice, corruption, or revenge.

The investigator

Your detective (professional or amateur) is the driving force of your story. Whether it’s a seasoned police officer, a private eye, or an amateur detective drawn into events against their will, make them more than a stereotype. The best writers of crime fiction create fully developed investigators with interesting backstories and personal stakes in the case. Think of how Sir Arthur Conan Doyle writes his beloved character Sherlock Holmes: brilliant, but also deeply flawed and fascinating.

The suspects and antagonist

A solid crime novel keeps readers guessing. Populate your story with suspects who each have motives, secrets, and hidden agendas. The antagonist may not be revealed until the end, but they should always be influencing events. Great crime writers know how to use plot twists, misdirection, and slow reveals to build tension and raise the stakes.

The theme

Beyond solving the mystery, what is your crime novel about? The best crime fiction delves into deeper themes, such as morality, justice, inequality, or the psychology of violence. In psychological thrillers, for instance, the crime often serves as a window into the darker corners of the human mind.

Tips for writing crime novels

Ready to craft a story that resonates? Here are ten tips for writing crime fiction that will help your story hit all the right marks.

Choose a crime that connects to a theme

Start by choosing a crime that isn’t just shocking; it should say something. In The Cutting Season by Attica Locke, the murder on a former Louisiana plantation is not just a mystery to be solved—it digs deep into themes of history, race, and the haunting legacy of slavery. That’s what writing the best crime fiction does: it entertains and challenges readers at the same time.

Craft a multi-dimensional investigator

Your crime novel’s main character shouldn’t feel like a cliché. Avoid the tired "grizzled cop with a drinking problem" trope and instead create someone with depth. Show their life outside the case. What drives them? Why does this case matter? In IQ by Joe Ide, Isaiah Quintabe is a brilliant, self-taught investigator with a strong moral compass. He’s not a traditional sleuth, but his character makes the mystery genre feel fresh and human.

Do your research

Accuracy matters, especially in detective stories or police procedurals. If your plot involves forensic science, law enforcement procedures, or legal issues, do your homework. Interview experts, read case studies, or connect with crime writers' communities like the Writers Detective Facebook group. Realistic details will elevate your story and keep mystery readers from rolling their eyes.

Set up the crime early

In detective fiction, the crime should be introduced as early as possible to hook your reader. If your story blends genres, such as cozy crime mixed with fantasy, you may need a little more world-building upfront. But don’t wait too long to raise the stakes. Remember, you’re writing crime fiction. Readers came for the mystery, so deliver it early.

Handle victims and violence with care

Crime fiction often includes violence, such as a gruesome crime scene, but don’t use it purely for shock value. Avoid treating victims as props. Ask: Why does this crime matter? What does it reveal about the world, the character, or society? In The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Stieg Larsson explores misogyny and abuse through its crimes, not to sensationalize, but to challenge.

Avoid harmful stereotypes

Many bestselling crime novels fall into the trap of lazy or harmful tropes, like equating mental illness with villainy or defaulting to racial stereotypes. If you want your crime writing to reflect the real world, be mindful. Strive to create interesting characters from all backgrounds with authenticity and empathy. Consider hiring a sensitivity reader, especially if writing outside your own lived experience.

Build Suspense with Structure

Compelling crime fiction thrives on structure. Carefully plot out how and when clues are revealed, how red herrings mislead, and how tension builds toward the final plot twist. A great thriller plot isn’t about shock alone—it’s about earned surprise.

Ready to write a crime novel?

Writing crime novels is a creative challenge, but one that’s deeply rewarding. With strong themes, a gripping crime, and characters your readers care about, your story can be the next bestseller on crime readers’ shelves! Want to learn more about structuring a bestselling novel? Check out the Official Save the Cat! Novel Writing Course inside Writing Mastery Academy!