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Mystery Newsletter by Dawn
About the main characters in a mystery story where one isn't a cop/detective but keeps getting involved and helps solve things. A way to get around regulations and following strict rules, or is it something else? |
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When it comes to a mystery, in particular one that involves trying to solve murders, having a main character who is a detective or on a type of police force is not only common but it makes complete sense. However, those characters also face limitations due to regulations and having to follow the book (rules, etc) unless they are one of those random, rogues who somehow get away with doing whatever they want. One way some writers get around this detail is by including another character who helps solve things but is very much not a detective or close to that career field. They really probably shouldn't be solving murders (or other crimes) but there is something that gets them involved.
This is something that can also be found in mystery romance stories, in particular when the two start falling in love with each other. The one I've read recently, which is a good example, is The Mystery of Nevermore by C.S. Poe. It follows the main character who runs an oddities antique shop and one morning discovers a heart under the floor near the register. The book uses influences from Edgar Allan Poe with the murders that occur. It also has the love interest, which is a detective put on the case, who at first finds the main character as a possible suspect. That is just book one of the series as the author has a couple of them that use a detective and someone who is very much not one solving murders.
Whether a romance is included or not, there is quite the potential when including a non-professional when it comes to solving a mystery.
Now, for the obvious part. It is quite helpful to have a detective as a character in a mystery. They have a reason to be involved in the investigations necessary to solve the mystery. They are supposed to be there. Law enforcement has specific training that may come in handy during situations that often happen during investigations. However, with the job involvement that means there are also restrictions.
This is where the non-professional comes into play. The character who is not a detective thus is not held to the rules and regulations involved. They can ask questions when a police officer can't. They can go places without getting a warrant. And for some reason, they are the type of character where the drama just finds them. It helps if there is a reason or connection for their involvement but once that gets establishes, oh the places the story will go.
And remember, mystery doesn't have to stand on its own. Mixing genres is just as fun as picking careers for the non-detective character when writing a duo. Romance is a good option because there is a reason for the two characters to be involved but also the possibility for different levels of tension. Then there is fantasy or science fiction that can be the setting for a great mystery. Options, options... let them exist. Or if you want a drag queen wording: choices. 
In the end, what I'm trying to say here is that with a mystery story where there are two key characters used that take part in solving the murder/mystery, having one as a detective and one that very much is not might be a good option to take. So, what non-detective or law enforcement type of character do you want to use or read about? |
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What does your non-professional do for a living and how does that help them solve the mystery?
I rarely ever write for this newsletter, so if there were comments for one who knows how long ago when I did write one, I'm sorry that it hasn't been featured.
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Mystery: April 09, 2025 Issue [#13071]
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