Want to write a murder mystery that will knock readers dead? On this course you'll learn how to plot a murder most horrid and develop your writing to create maximum suspense.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
Murder mysteries remain one of the popular genres on the commercial market. This six-week course will teach you how to plot your own tale of butchery and betrayal, and offer pointers on creating a central sleuth who would give even Sherlock a run for his money.
What will we cover?
- The conventions of murder mystery and how to break them with style - Set ups and pay offs - Creating a compelling and believable villain - Crime scene settings - Red herrings and plot twists - Helping your sleuth uncover the truth.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Plot a murder mystery in accordance with a three act structure - Create characters that will intrigue and delight readers of the genre - Select and effectively describe settings appropriate to the genre.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Prior experience of creative writing is beneficial but not essential.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
A mix of group work, workshopping, writing exercises, pair work, excerpt analysis and formal instruction from the tutor.
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit.
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Writing materials.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
City Lit offer a range of writing courses for aspiring authors. Browse the writing section of our website to find the perfect course for you.
All students are invited to join us at Late Lines, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to Between the Lines, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on Facebook and Bluesky.
A former journalist, Sophie McKenzie attended a writing class at City Lit in 2003 and has been writing fiction ever since. She has published over 25 books - including award-winning teen thrillers and crime fiction novels for adults. She is currently writing a new story featuring several strong female characters and working on a drama script for a TV production company.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/how-to-write-a-murder-mystery3049777How to write a murder mysteryhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Writing-the-body-in-fiction-HW604-1024.jpg179179GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Writing/Novels and short stories/Novels and short stories/Courses/Writing/Courses/Writing/Novels and short stories/Courses/Online courses2285158813581135991731122851358113599Want to write a murder mystery that will knock readers dead? On this course you'll learn how to plot a murder most horrid and develop your writing to create maximum suspense.003035896How to write a murder mystery179179https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Writing-the-body-in-fiction-HW604-1024.jpgInStockEveningThuOnlineAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-09-24T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceSep 2026WritingHW659179179How to write a murder mystery179116179Sophie McKenziehow-to-write-a-murder-mystery/hw659-2627Want to write a murder mystery that will knock readers dead? On this course you'll learn how to plot a murder most horrid and develop your writing to create maximum suspense.0000-Available|2026-09-24 00:00:00<p>Murder mysteries remain one of the popular genres on the commercial market. This six-week course will teach you how to plot your own tale of butchery and betrayal, and offer pointers on creating a central sleuth who would give even Sherlock a run for his money.</p>Want to write a murder mystery that will knock readers dead? On this course you'll learn how to plot a murder most horrid and develop your writing to create maximum suspense.<p>- The conventions of murder mystery and how to break them with style<br>- Set ups and pay offs<br>- Creating a compelling and believable villain<br>- Crime scene settings<br>- Red herrings and plot twists<br>- Helping your sleuth uncover the truth.</p><p>- Plot a murder mystery in accordance with a three act structure<br>- Create characters that will intrigue and delight readers of the genre<br>- Select and effectively describe settings appropriate to the genre.</p><p>Prior experience of creative writing is beneficial but not essential.</p><p>A mix of group work, workshopping, writing exercises, pair work, excerpt analysis and formal instruction from the tutor.</p><p>City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/expectations-for-participating-in-writing-courses" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit</a>.</p> <br />
<br />
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/expectations-for-participating-in-writing-courses" target="_blank">expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit</a>.Writing materials.<p>City Lit offer a range of writing courses for aspiring authors. Browse the writing section of our website to find the perfect course for you.</p><p><br>All students are invited to join us at <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Late Lines</a>, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/betweenthelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Between the Lines</a>, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/citylitcreativewriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/citylitwriting.bsky.social" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bluesky</a>.</p>Novels and short storiesNovels and short storiesvirtual3035872How to write a murder mystery179179https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Writing-the-body-in-fiction-HW604-1024.jpgInStockEveningTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-01-12T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceJan 2027WritingHW464179179How to write a murder mystery179116179how-to-write-a-murder-mystery/hw464-2627Want to write a murder mystery that will knock readers dead? On this course you'll learn how to plot a murder most horrid and develop your writing to create maximum suspense.0000-Available|2027-01-12 00:00:00<p>Murder mysteries remain one of the popular genres on the commercial market. This six-week course will teach you how to plot your own tale of butchery and betrayal, and offer pointers on creating a central sleuth who would give even Sherlock a run for his money.</p>Want to write a murder mystery that will knock readers dead? On this course you'll learn how to plot a murder most horrid and develop your writing to create maximum suspense.<p>- The conventions of murder mystery and how to break them with style<br>- Set ups and pay offs<br>- Creating a compelling and believable villain<br>- Crime scene settings<br>- Red herrings and plot twists<br>- Helping your sleuth uncover the truth.</p><p>- Plot a murder mystery in accordance with a three act structure<br>- Create characters that will intrigue and delight readers of the genre<br>- Select and effectively describe settings appropriate to the genre.</p><p>Prior experience of creative writing is beneficial but not essential.</p><p>A mix of group work, workshopping, writing exercises, pair work, excerpt analysis and formal instruction from the tutor.</p><p>City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/expectations-for-participating-in-writing-courses" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit</a>.</p> <br />
<br />
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/expectations-for-participating-in-writing-courses" target="_blank">expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit</a>.Writing materials.<p>City Lit offer a range of writing courses for aspiring authors. Browse the writing section of our website to find the perfect course for you.</p><p><br>All students are invited to join us at <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Late Lines</a>, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/betweenthelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Between the Lines</a>, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/citylitcreativewriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/citylitwriting.bsky.social" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bluesky</a>.</p>Novels and short storiesNovels and short storiesvirtual179179116HW659,HW464NONEThu,Tue24/09/26 - 29/10/2618:00 - 20:0018:0020:006 sessions (over 6 weeks)65-10 weeksWeekdayOnlineOnline,Keeley StreetBeginners, Some experienceAvailable courses2026-09-24T00:00:00+00:00,2027-01-12T00:00:00+00:00EveningSep 2026,Jan 2027Writing179179How to write a murder mysteryhow-to-write-a-murder-mystery/hw659-2627,how-to-write-a-murder-mystery/hw464-2627Want to write a murder mystery that will knock readers dead? On this course you'll learn how to plot a murder most horrid and develop your writing to create maximum suspense.0000-Available|2026-09-24 00:00:00<p>Murder mysteries remain one of the popular genres on the commercial market. This six-week course will teach you how to plot your own tale of butchery and betrayal, and offer pointers on creating a central sleuth who would give even Sherlock a run for his money.</p>Want to write a murder mystery that will knock readers dead? On this course you'll learn how to plot a murder most horrid and develop your writing to create maximum suspense.<p>- The conventions of murder mystery and how to break them with style<br>- Set ups and pay offs<br>- Creating a compelling and believable villain<br>- Crime scene settings<br>- Red herrings and plot twists<br>- Helping your sleuth uncover the truth.</p><p>- Plot a murder mystery in accordance with a three act structure<br>- Create characters that will intrigue and delight readers of the genre<br>- Select and effectively describe settings appropriate to the genre.</p><p>Prior experience of creative writing is beneficial but not essential.</p><p>A mix of group work, workshopping, writing exercises, pair work, excerpt analysis and formal instruction from the tutor.</p><p>City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/expectations-for-participating-in-writing-courses" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit</a>.</p> <br />
<br />
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/expectations-for-participating-in-writing-courses" target="_blank">expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit</a>.Writing materials.<p>City Lit offer a range of writing courses for aspiring authors. Browse the writing section of our website to find the perfect course for you.</p><p><br>All students are invited to join us at <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Late Lines</a>, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/betweenthelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Between the Lines</a>, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/citylitcreativewriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/citylitwriting.bsky.social" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bluesky</a>.</p>Novels and short storiesNovels and short storiesconfigurable
158813599Novels and short storieshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/writing/novels-and-short-stories/novels-and-short-stories-11/2/285/13581/13599/1588/Courses/Writing/Novels and short stories/Novels and short stories
