55+ Crime Writing Prompts For Aspiring Mystery Writers
Are you a writer, storyteller, or filmmaker thirsting for a plot that will leave your audience gripping the edge of their seats, their hearts racing with anticipation? Look no further.
This curated list of 55+ crime writing prompts is a goldmine designed to unleash your creative prowess across the mystery genre. From the eerie silence of a murder scene to the heart-pounding chase of a seasoned detective, these prompts offer a labyrinth of possibilities.
Dive into the world of cozy mystery writing, navigate the gritty streets of crime novels, or unravel the complexities of a murder investigation.
Whether it's the tale of a young woman entangled in a web of organized crime, a small-town sheriff solving a murder mystery under mysterious circumstances, or an investigative journalist tracking a serial killer with only a dead body and a cryptic murder weapon as clues, our prompts are tailored to keep your creative juices flowing and your readers guessing.
Embark on this journey to craft your own story, sprinkle it with plot twists, and populate it with characters that resonate—a practicing witch, a cunning arson investigator, or perhaps a detective piecing together the puzzle of their own death.
A long list of crime writing prompts
1. In a bustling metropolis, a seasoned detective stumbles upon a series of murder victims, each branded with an ancient symbol. The investigation leads to a secret society believed to have been dissolved centuries ago.
2. A young investigative journalist discovers her own picture at a crime scene while covering a series of murders. She must unravel the connection before she becomes the next victim.
3. A cozy small town is shaken when the local librarian is found dead, with a cryptic clue left in a book that was checked out but never returned. The librarian's best friend, a local baker, turns detective to solve the mystery.
4. A retired police officer receives a series of letters detailing crimes that will happen in the future. With no one to turn to, he must stop them from occurring or risk becoming a suspect himself.
5. A high-profile bank robbery leads to a murder investigation when the prime suspect is found dead. The detective assigned to the case discovers the robbery is a cover-up for something much more sinister.
6. During a heatwave, a small town sheriff investigates the sudden death of a local farmer, only to discover a series of secret tunnels beneath the town, hiding more than just the town's history.
7. A forensic analyst finds inconsistencies in a series of murder investigations and realizes the murders are being staged to look like accidents. The analyst's pursuit of the truth puts their own life in danger.
8. A crime novelist becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation when the murder scene replicates the one from their latest book. They must solve the mystery using clues from their own story.
9. At a luxury resort, a series of mysterious deaths disguised as accidents leads a vacationing detective to uncover a deadly game where guests are unknowingly the players.
10. A hacker stumbles upon a digital murder confession hidden within a viral online game. They team up with a detective to track down the killer, who is using the game to choose their next victim.
11. An arson investigator links a series of fires to ancient rituals. As they delve deeper, they find themselves caught in a battle against a cult determined to bring about the end of the world.
12. In a world where people can sell or trade their memories, a detective with no memories of their own must solve the murder of a woman whose memory could change the course of history.
13. A small-time criminal discovers a murder victim holding a lottery ticket worth millions. As they investigate, they find themselves in a web of deceit and betrayal among the city's elite.
14. A private investigator looking into the disappearance of a young girl in a sleepy coastal town uncovers a series of old, unsolved disappearances and realizes they might be next.
15. A detective investigating a murder at an exclusive private school must navigate a web of lies and deceit, with the only clue being a cryptic message left in the school's ancient clock tower.
16. A group of strangers receives invitations to a mystery dinner party at a secluded mansion, only to find the host dead upon their arrival. Trapped by a storm, they must identify the killer among them.
17. A ghostwriter is hired to complete the memoirs of a famous detective, only to find that the detective's final, unsolved case may hold the key to solving their own sibling's disappearance years ago.
18. In the aftermath of a city-wide blackout, a detective discovers a series of deaths that occurred during the darkness, each victim found with a mysterious, glowing symbol.
19. A series of murders in a high-tech, smart city leads a detective to discover that the AI controlling the city's systems is predicting crimes—and eliminating potential perpetrators before they act.
20. A historical reenactor at a medieval village stumbles upon a dead body during a live event. To maintain the illusion for guests, they must solve the murder in secret, using only the tools and knowledge of the era.
21. An escape room designer finds themselves caught in a real-life puzzle when one of their rooms becomes a crime scene. With their reputation on the line, they must solve the murder to clear their name.
22. A plane crash survivor on a remote island discovers clues that the crash was no accident. Stranded with the other survivors, they must uncover the truth before the island's secrets claim more lives.
23. A series of murders at a winery are linked to a rare vintage that was supposedly destroyed years ago. The winery's new owner must unravel the mystery before becoming the killer's next victim.
24. In a future where dreams can be recorded and watched, a dream analyst becomes the lead suspect in a murder investigation when a dream of theirs depicts the crime scene perfectly.
25. A detective with the ability to communicate with the dead must solve their own murder by piecing together memories and clues from the afterlife, navigating the challenges of both worlds to find justice.
26. A young girl with psychic abilities is the only witness to a crime. To solve the case, a detective must protect her from mysterious forces that want her silenced.
27. An ancient book is found at multiple murder scenes, leading an investigator to uncover a secret society that has influenced history's most notorious crimes.
28. A detective investigating a series of strange deaths in a desert town discovers an underground society of artists who create deadly masterpieces as sacrifices to an unknown deity.
29. After receiving a heart transplant, a detective starts having visions of a murder that match the murder of the heart donor. They must solve the case to stop the nightmares and find peace.
30. A series of letters sent to random locations across the city detail crimes that will happen within 24 hours. A newly appointed detective sees patterns that connect the letters to a crime spree from decades ago.
31. A renowned food critic is found poisoned at a gala celebrating the city's top chefs. The detective assigned to the case must navigate a culinary world filled with jealousy, secrets, and deadly recipes.
32. In a dystopian society where emotions are regulated by the government, a series of murders linked to illegal emotion-enhancing drugs leads an emotionless detective on a path to uncover a conspiracy.
33. A wildlife photographer in a remote jungle stumbles upon a hidden crime scene. With no way to contact the outside world, they must use their survival skills to evade the killer still lurking in the wilderness.
34. A series of coded messages found in random library books across the city leads a librarian and a cryptographer to uncover a plot for a high-stakes heist planned during the city's annual book festival.
35. At an underwater research facility, a scientist is found dead under mysterious circumstances. The remaining crew must solve the murder while dealing with the isolation and pressures of the deep sea.
36. A graffiti artist witnesses a murder while tagging a secluded alley. With the killer on their trail, they must use their art to leave clues for the police without exposing their identity.
37. A missing person's case takes a bizarre turn when the detective finds a series of paintings depicting the missing individuals, painted years before their disappearances.
38. In a city where everyone wears masks to hide their identity, a masked vigilante finds themselves framed for a series of crimes they didn't commit and must unmask the real criminal to clear their name.
39. A series of mysterious deaths linked to an ancient curse on an archaeological dig site leads a skeptic scientist to confront the possibility of supernatural forces at play.
40. A detective discovers their late partner, thought to have died in the line of duty, might have been involved in the criminal underworld. They must unravel the truth while questioning what they knew about their partner.
41. A hacker accidentally intercepts a digital hit list. With limited time, they must warn the next targets and uncover the identity of the person behind the assassinations.
42. A private investigator is hired to follow a man suspected of infidelity, only to uncover a series of clues suggesting the man is involved in something far more sinister than an affair.
43. An amateur detective attending a murder mystery dinner theater finds themselves solving a real murder when the actor supposed to play the dead body turns up actually dead.
44. A cold case detective finds a series of new clues in the form of children's drawings at various crime scenes, pointing to murders connected over decades.
45. A series of murders in a gated community are eerily similar to a fictional crime series airing on television. The show's writer becomes the prime suspect, forcing them to solve the mystery to prove their innocence.
46. A renowned escape artist is found dead in an escape room they designed, leading to an investigation that uncovers a series of clues meant to be solved posthumously.
47. A detective with synesthesia (seeing colors when hearing sounds) uses their condition to solve a murder case where the killer leaves behind audio recordings as clues.
48. In a town plagued by mysterious disappearances, the only clue is a series of elaborate sand sculptures found at each location where a person vanished.
49. A series of murders at a boarding school are linked to an old school legend. A group of students takes it upon themselves to solve the mystery, uncovering secrets buried for generations.
50. A body is discovered in a closed museum exhibit on ancient Egypt, positioned like a mummy. The curator must help solve the murder that mirrors ancient rituals.
51. A renowned detective returns to their hometown for retirement, only to be confronted with an unsolved childhood mystery when a time capsule is unearthed with a new clue.
52. A sommelier finds a rare bottle of wine linked to a series of historical murders. Drinking it reveals visions of the past, guiding them to solve a centuries-old mystery.
53. A series of murders replicate famous historical duels, leading a history professor and a detective to partner up and use historical knowledge to predict the next crime scene.
54. A detective suffering from amnesia must solve a murder case with clues they apparently left for themselves before losing their memory, leading to a discovery of their own dark past.
55. An urban explorer finds an old, unreported crime scene in an abandoned building. Investigating the scene reveals connections to the city's elite and a decades-long cover-up.
56. A reclusive novelist finds their fictional murder story becoming a reality. To stop further deaths, they must figure out who is recreating the murders from their book.
57. A lighthouse keeper on a remote island discovers a stranded boat with a dead body and a diary detailing a journey of survival and a mysterious treasure.
58. A series of seemingly accidental deaths among members of an online forum dedicated to solving unsolved mysteries leads members to suspect one of their own is a killer.
59. A detective collaborates with an astronomer to solve a murder linked to an ancient astrological event. The clues are hidden in star charts and celestial phenomena.
60. An antique book dealer discovers a collection of books with hidden messages leading to the discovery of a secret society and a treasure that has been hidden for centuries.
Conclusion
Each prompt is a doorway into the unexplored alleys of the mystery genre, from the gripping tension of a murder investigation to the cunning deceit of a prime suspect in a cozy mystery writing adventure.
These prompts have been crafted to spark your creative juices, challenging you to weave narratives that keep your readers guessing, turning pages deep into the night.
Whether it's the tale of a young woman caught in a web of organized crime, a small-town sheriff uncovering false evidence, or a seasoned detective racing against time to prevent their own death, the foundation for your next great story lies within.
We've traversed the spectrum from gritty crime novels to short mystery stories, laying out the clues, the murder weapons, and the suspects for you to mold into your own masterpiece.
Let the mystery of a dead body at a random location, the twist of a murder weapon found in a tree house, or the intrigue of a detective uncovering the real killer under mysterious circumstances fuel your narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crime Writing Prompts (FAQs)
What are crime writing prompts?
Crime writing prompts are creative sparks designed to ignite your storytelling engine. They often involve elements of crime, mystery, and suspense, encouraging writers, filmmakers, and storytellers to explore intriguing narratives around murder investigations, serial killers, and mysterious circumstances.
How can mystery writing prompts enhance my story?
Mystery writing prompts can add layers of intrigue and complexity to your narrative, challenging you to weave plot twists and red herrings that keep readers guessing.
They're a fantastic tool for developing a mystery novel or short story that captivates mystery readers from start to finish.
Can you give me an example of a cozy mystery writing prompt?
Imagine a small-town sheriff investigating the sudden death of a local baker found murdered in a tree house. The only clues?
A half-baked loaf of bread and a series of mysterious letters. This setup combines the charm of cozy mysteries with the intrigue of a murder investigation.
What makes a great murder mystery story prompt?
A great murder mystery story prompt should present a unique murder scene, a compelling main character (like a seasoned detective or a practicing witch), and a twist that leaves the audience in suspense.
It should inspire writers to craft a story where the investigation turns dark, revealing false evidence or mysterious deaths under strange circumstances.
Using writing prompts, how can I incorporate a serial killer into my short story?
Use prompts focusing on the detective's perspective, the killer's pattern, or the victims' stories. For example, "A detective must track a serial killer who leaves victims at random locations, each marked with a cryptic symbol. The only clues are found in the victims' bank accounts and false identities."
What unique twist can I use in a murder investigation story?
Consider a plot where the prime suspect in a series of murders investigates their own death, revealing a complex web of organized crime, false identities, and potential suspects, all leading to a showdown with the real killer under mysterious circumstances.
How can mystery prompts help me with a gritty crime novel?
Mystery prompts can push you to explore the darker aspects of human nature and society. Use them to craft narratives around gritty crime scenes, complex characters like an investigative journalist or a young woman entangled in a dangerous web, and the psychological depth of your prime suspect or murder victims.
Any advice for using story prompts to keep creative juices flowing?
Rotate through different prompts to challenge your narrative skills. One day, write about a murder weapon found in a cozy small town; the next, a sudden death investigated by an arson investigator.
This variety will keep your creative juices flowing, offering more inspiration for your own stories.
How do I write a mystery story about a young girl as the main character?
Center the story around a young girl with a unique perspective or skill, such as being a practicing witch or a genius at solving puzzles.
The plot could involve her uncovering mysterious deaths in her small town or finding her best friend dead under a mysterious circumstance, driving her to solve the mystery.
What's the key to creating suspense in mystery fiction?
The key lies in crafting a narrative that weaves together compelling characters, intriguing plot ideas, and unexpected plot twists.
Keep your readers guessing with false leads, develop your characters' backstories, and slowly unveil the truth to keep the tension high until the final piece of the puzzle is revealed.
