- Detective stories typically revolve around a sleuth or investigator unraveling a mystery or solving a crime. Classic favorites include Sherlock Holmes and Miss Marple. A good contemporary example is Harry Bosch (LOVE the Hieronymus Bosch series).

- Police procedurals emphasize the investigation and frequently include in-depth descriptions of police tactics and procedures.

- Legal thrillers typically revolve around the courtroom setting and legal proceedings, emphasizing tactics and dramatic courtroom scenarios.

- Psychological thrillers take you deep into the minds of criminals, victims, and detectives as they unravel the psychological complexities behind crimes and investigations.

- True crime stories delve into infamous or notorious cases for compelling storytelling purposes.

- Cozy mysteries are shorter, lighthearted crime stories featuring amateur citizen detectives and small, close-knit communities. This subgenre typically avoids sex, graphic violence, and swearing.

- Create a storyline by incorporating a crime that has connections to the characters, such as passion-driven incidents of revenge and betrayal that evoke strong emotional responses from the readers.

- Try something unexpected. Unconventional plots can be just as intriguing and captivating to explore.

- Weave hints of what's to come and keep secrets close to the chest to build suspense and keep readers on edge. A hint here and there draws them in without giving away too much.

- The main character in a mystery story is usually the detective or investigator who must be relatable and have flaws and depth to be compelling. A flawless protagonist would lack the intrigue that imperfections bring to the character.

- The bad guy doesn't have to be a stereotypical mustache-twirling villain. Readers expect complexity and layers to the characters they love (or love to hate). Why do they engage in illegal activities? What drives them to do what they do? What inner conflicts do they grapple with? Creating a multi-dimensional villain with nuances and moral ambiguity can lead to a more captivating and stimulating narrative.

- Kick off with the crime promptly, followed by an unraveling of the investigation bit by bit. Incorporate plot twists and revelations along the way, with setbacks strategically placed to sustain a gripping atmosphere throughout the narrative.

- Sometimes telling the story through different character viewpoints or timelines enhances the suspense. Maybe one chapter is written from the detective's point of view and the next from the villain's. Try alternating these with chapters written from the victim's perspective. Various viewpoints or timelines can heighten the intricacy and allure of the storyline.

- Switch between action sequences and introspective investigative moments for a harmonious blend of suspense and contemplation.

- Without being too conspicuous, plant hints at the beginning of the narrative to set the stage for a "Eureka!" moment when they are revealed later on.

- Misdirection can be just as important as the clues themselves. Guiding your audience along a certain path before surprising them with a turn of events is crucial for engagement and suspense.

- While realistic investigations may progress slowly and methodically in life situations, a good crime story sets a steady pace and should maintain an element of surprise and unpredictability to keep readers engaged.

- It is common to create a brooding and ominous atmosphere by using descriptions that evoke feelings of unease and tension.

- Symbolism plays a role in storytelling as settings can represent themes like urban decay or rural loneliness. Often the environment mirrors the inner conflicts of the characters.