This week: Reviewing the Mystery Edited by: Carol St.Ann  
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3. Letter from the Editor
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6. Ask & Answer
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| “To keep structure simple, think of the mystery novel as having four parts. Within each part style, voice, psychological depth, action, dialogue, and setting are up to your discernment. But, to satisfy the mystery reader’s desire for a puzzle, following this four-part structure will help you (know if your story will) meet reader expectations.” — Zara Altair |
| ASIN: B07NPKP5BF |
Product Type: Toys & Games
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Amazon's Price: Price N/A
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How to review the mystery.
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The four part mystery review, while addressing all aspects of craft and clarity, should focus on four main parts.
Set up The Sleuth aka protagonist
Has the sleuth been introduced? Has sleuth’s skillset been defined?
Has the crime been introduced?
Do you, the reader/reviewer know enough about the sleuth to care about & like him or her (or them)?
Discovery The Victim et al
Have we met the victim?
Have we learned sufficient information about the victim to decipher his or her world?
Have we been introduced to a suspicious character or two?
Have we learned enough about these suspects to formulate a hypothesis?
Do we suspect some red herrings? Can we identify them?
Are we sure?
Funnel**
Are the subplots worthy of investigation?
Has your clever sleuth noted new information?
Is sleuth intelligently eliminating suspects?
Are the subplots sensibly defined, addressed, revealed, and solved or discarded?
Is it becoming clear the suspect field is narrowing down to one?
Does it make sense to you, the reader/reviewer?
Reveal
This should be a satisfying moment for the reader/reviewer.
Have you had an inkling about the villain?
Were you right?
Were you close?
And finally, once the answers are all revealed, did the story close at the appropriate moment - or did the author carry it on to far?
Share your experience and thoughts with the writer every step of the way, and don’t be shy about gushing or lamenting a good or bad moment in the story. Let the author know if s/he’s got you where they want you.
This is not fluff; it’s sincere encouragement.
Conversely, be honest if you’ve become hopelessly lost. Show them where the wheels fell off the wagon. This is not bad manners, folks; it’s what helps the writers learn and grow.
This is where reviewers - especially WDC reviewers, shine. We are all here to improve our craft, style, beat structure, and yes, story-telling abilities.
Be a pal. Write honest, helpful, guidepost reviews. The kind you’d want a true friend to write for you.
Happy writing until we meet again!
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One Last Thing!
Remember to nominate great mysteries and great mystery contests and mystery how-tos!
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If you’ve got a mystery in your head:
Try out your mystery chops here:
| |  | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#2281662 by Not Available. |
Flesh out your mystery story here:
A Few Good Reads:
| |  | Under Pressure (18+)
Words are powerful and may have unintended consequences as one journalist discovers.
#1764693 by Diane  |
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Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
Don't forget to support our sponsor!
| ASIN: B07B63CTKX |
Product Type: Kindle Store
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Amazon's Price: $ 6.99
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Please let me know what you’d like to read in this newsletter. I’d be most grateful for your input and ideas.
Thanks!
Carol |
| ASIN: B01CJ2TNQI |
Product Type: Kindle Store
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Amazon's Price: $ 5.99
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Mystery: November 29, 2023 Issue [#12299]
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