In a murder mystery, the scene of the crime is usually the pivotal point for the detectives working the case. As a writer, you have to think about who will arrive first on the scene. Is your victim found by a civilian or law enforcement? How is the scene secured? What exactly do you need your detectives to find or not find at the scene? How much forensic information is necessary for your reader to know to stay involved with the mystery?
Because of the digital age, readers are more savvy about crime investigations, particularly murder. C.S.I. and Criminal Minds provide plenty of forensics and behavioral analysis to make armchair experts of most of us. Consequently, it creates a wide spectrum for writers when it comes to deciding how much is too much and how much is not enough. Personally, I don't think there is a hard and fast rule. Go with your gut! Whatever you feel enhances the story line or broadens the scope of your characters is the right choice.
The bottom line is that writers and readers are not different from each other. Most readers just want to be carried along by the characters, feeling what they feel, and to exist in their worlds for a short period of time. Writers want the same thing. If we can come together in a special experience called a novel, well then ...
Because of the digital age, readers are more savvy about crime investigations, particularly murder. C.S.I. and Criminal Minds provide plenty of forensics and behavioral analysis to make armchair experts of most of us. Consequently, it creates a wide spectrum for writers when it comes to deciding how much is too much and how much is not enough. Personally, I don't think there is a hard and fast rule. Go with your gut! Whatever you feel enhances the story line or broadens the scope of your characters is the right choice.
The bottom line is that writers and readers are not different from each other. Most readers just want to be carried along by the characters, feeling what they feel, and to exist in their worlds for a short period of time. Writers want the same thing. If we can come together in a special experience called a novel, well then ...
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