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My students love mysteries! After my fourth graders picked a good mystery book and read it from cover to cover, we created Mystery Book Reports . This is included in my Book Reports That Motivate!

1. Decorate a title page.

2. Write a summary with suspense all the way up until “who did it.”

Paste it inside on the left of the booklet. A graphic organizer or checklist of things for students to include is helpful!

a. Description of the main character and setting at the beginning of the summary.

b. Detailed information about the problem/mystery.

c. Plot is clear, evident, and easy to understand.

d. Good sentence structure and paragraph format.

e. Details have words that create a picture in the reader’s mind

3. Then write the ending and 2 other possible endings.

Paste it inside on the right of the booklet. **Make sure to tell your students to mix up the endings ! This will help when students present the mysteries to the class. They want to be able to stump their classmates and have them guess one of their own endings, NOT the real one!

4. Do a self-rating.

This can be the same as the checklist or a rubric so students make sure they included everything.

5. Present to the class and see how many people you can stump!

Whoever stumps the most, gets a prize! My students love it and I hope yours will too!

If interested in purchasing this book report along with many others, Click Here or the picture below!

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BRYN DONOVAN

tell your stories, love your life

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50 Intriguing Mystery Story Ideas!

Mystery story ideas often follow a similar pattern. Early on, a dead body turns up, a valuable item goes missing, or a puzzle begs to be solved. The reader knows that by the end of the book, questions will have been answered, which is a comforting element in even the most gruesome murder mysteries.

This simple structure allows for endless creative and original variations. And ten different writers could take the same writing prompt here and write ten vastly different stories! I’ve been reading a lot of mystery novels lately — mostly cozy mysteries, not gritty crime novels, although I might enjoy those, too. That inspired me to write this list of prompts for mystery story ideas.

You can also use this list as an idea generator for free-writing. Whether you stumble across a story idea you love in the process, or you just get your creative writing juices flowing again, it’s so worth it.

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Although I had mystery novels in mind, some of these could become a subplot in a different fiction genre, from fantasy and romance (especially romantic suspense), to historical fiction and thrillers. (And you might also be interested in my list of 50 thriller plot ideas !)

Be sure to save the post for future reference (or pin it on Pinterest!)

Mystery Story Ideas

1. A woman asks a writer to write the story of her life. Then she goes missing.

2. Murder victims are found buried with some of their wordly goods, Viking style.

3. Three people close to the murder victim have confessed. Each of them swears they acted alone.

4. Notes and gifts from her “Secret Santa” at work take a strange turn.

5. It’s going to be a beautiful wedding at a beautiful destination, but two people in the wedding party have been murdered.

6. The creator of a high-tech prototype that will change an industry has gone missing.

7. Her parents believe her to be their biological child, but they all learn otherwise.

8. The dead woman’s wedding ring is found in a ditch forty miles away.

9. A museum conservator is restoring an old painting, and an X-ray reveals something shocking or mysterious painted or written in the layer beneath.

10. A sorority sister who bullied prospective pledges is found dead.

11. As a man researches his genealogy, he finds that ancestors from a few different generations and a few different countries made visits to the same remote place.

12. Someone replaced the woman’s contact lens solution with a damaging liquid. (This mystery story idea brought to you courtesy of a phobia of mine!)

13. He’s always been a faithful husband, but someone has planted false evidence of his having an affair.

14. A detective is hired for a high price to find a thief who stole something that doesn’t appear to have any real value.

15. Every unmarried lady at the ball wanted to dance with the duke, so it’s too bad he was found stabbed in the garden.

16. In the middle of a wilderness, someone finds an abandoned bunker with security cameras, powered by a generator.

17. The graves of historic figures are being robbed.

18. Clues to the mystery come to him in dreams, but nobody believes him.

19. Serial murders in cities in two different countries are very similar.

20. A man she didn’t know left her a valuable and unusual item in his will.

21. A writer researching his biography of a Golden Age movie star comes across something that makes him suspect that contrary to the official story, she was a murder victim.

22. The accidental death of this investigative reporter seems a little too convenient.

23. The murders all relate to common fears, such as public speaking, flying, and heights.

24. A woman wakes up with a headache and goes into work, only to learn that she’s been missing for a month.

25. Writers are being murdered at the mystery writers’ convention.

26. The painting must have been stolen from the museum in broad daylight, but the security cameras malfunctioned and no witnesses have come forward.

27. Three different guests at the Air BnB died later under mysterious circumstances.

28. A practicing witch or voodoo priestess is accused of murder.

29. The murders are re-enactments of famous murders in novels or movies.

30. He claims to be the rich man who was lost at sea two decades ago.

31. The inspector’s friend is murdered while he is talking on the phone to the inspector.

32. A dead body is found in an unclaimed piece of luggage at the airport.

33. He was murdered on his honeymoon on a cruise ship, and his new, much-younger bride was the only one on board who even knew him.

34. A woman who didn’t know she was adopted meets her twin sister, who gives her a dire warning.

35. One of the pies submitted to the state fair contest was poisoned.

36. The report of a celebrity’s death is false, but he dies soon after.

37. The murder victims all have the same tailor.

38. Who would kill the guest of honor at their 100 th birthday party?

39. The victim was found drowned in a whiskey barrel at the distillery.

40. A wife arranges a romantic “scavenger hunt” for her husband, but someone else changes a few of the clues.

41. The thief who steals rare books always leaves a sonnet behind. (As someone who’s written a few sonnets, I’m particularly fond of this mystery story idea, but you can think of all kinds of creative “calling cards” for criminals!)

42. The wrong body is in the casket at the visitation. No one knows who it is, or where the other body is.

43. The murders were definitely committed by a human, but resemble the attacks of wild animals.

44. After the woman returned the lost wallet, someone began stalking her.

45. The book she’s reading seems to be telling the story of her own life, though she doesn’t think she’s ever met the author.

46. A man who faked his own death must be found in time.

47. Someone in a villain costume and mask attempts to kill an actor at a fan convention. The actor is saved by a fan dressed as a superhero.

48. An Egyptian mummy, or what appears to be one, is found in an unlikely place.

49. A man is found murdered following a heated argument with several people on social media.

50. A body is found in the organic vegetable garden at a hippie commune.

Do you have some thoughts on mystery story ideas?

If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comments!

And if you want more inspiration, please check out my book 5,000 Writing Prompts ! It has 100 more mystery writing prompts in addition to the ones on this list, plus hundreds of other master plots by genre, dialogue and character prompts, and much more.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and happy writing!

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Writing Prompts

70 Mystery Writing Prompts That’ll Keep Your Readers Hooked

From whodunits to unsolved crimes, here are over 70 mystery writing prompts that will keep your readers hooked from beginning to end.

The mystery genre is all about gathering clues and evidence to solve a crime or mystery of some sort. Common mysteries to solve may include murder, kidnappings, theft and any other unsolved crimes. The thing that makes a mystery story so appealing is that no one knows who the true culprit is until the very end of the story. And the big reveal at the end is always shocking to the reader. The secret to a good mystery lies in the plot twist . You have to be two steps ahead of your readers – Get inside the head of your readers and think, “Who would your readers think the main culprit is?” Then switch it around, and pick someone who is highly unlikely to be the real baddie.

You can pick a random prompt from our mystery writing prompts generator below to practice your plot twist skills on:

In a mystery novel, characters are a huge part of the mystery. Common characters may include:

Street smart detective – They ask all the right questions, but are the answers to be trusted?
Bent cop – Known for planting fake evidence at crime scenes.
Mysterious guy – No one knows anything about them, and therefore they could be an easy suspect in the case.
The scapegoat – The one everyone is blaming.
The obvious suspect – All clues point to this person.
The unobvious suspect – No real evidence against this person, but somehow they link to the crime in question.

When writing your mystery story think about the characters you would include carefully before diving in. We even recommend creating character profiles for each character, and maybe even a mind map to show their connection to the crime in question.

Take a look at this collection of the best mystery books for teens for some more ideas!

70 Mystery Writing Prompts

List of over 70 mystery writing prompts, from unsolved murder cases to items that vanished into thin air:

The richest man on Earth has a hidden vault filled with millions of dollars, expensive jewellery and gems. One night he goes to add to his collection of gems and notices a sentimental piece of jewellery missing.
One-by-one random things keep on going missing in your house. First your watch, then a teapot. Who is taking them and why?
One of your classmates mysteriously stops coming to school. It’s been nearly 2 weeks since you last saw them. What could have happened to them?
A police officer finds a dead body at a barber’s shop in town. The cause of death was drowning. No one knows how the body got there and who did it.
A person takes a game of snakes and ladders too literally. In random locations around the city, snakes and ladders have been placed. Where do those ladders go? Why are snakes placed in these random places? Can you solve this strange mystery?
You wake up in a warehouse with no memory of how you got there. The warehouse office is filled with newspaper clippings of missing people from the past 20 years. Who is the kidnapper and why are you in this warehouse?
Last night a series of supermarkets and warehouses across the city were robbed. The thief or thieves only steal toilet paper. Can you solve this case?
Meet Benji, the cat detective. Benji is a feisty feline who is on a mission to capture the great tuna can thief.
At exactly 7.08 pm last night a scream was heard from 59 Pebble Lane. The neighbours knocked but no one was home. Later that night, the police arrived at approximately 2.13 am to find a cold dead body on the floor in a pool of spilt tea.
You are a reporter for the Imagine Forest Times newspaper, you are writing an article on the missing bird eggs in the local forest.
Imagine you are a security guard. It’s your first night shift at the local art Museum. The next morning a priceless painting goes missing, and you are blamed. You need to prove your innocence before you are sent to prison, but how?
Write a time travel mystery story where the main character keeps going back in time to find out who really murdered their parents.
You and your friends go to the fairground. You decide to ride the carousel. Round and round you go, and then the ride stops. When it stops you notice one of your friends is suddenly missing. Where did they go? (See our list of writing prompts about friendship for more ideas.)
The main character in your story is caught red-handed with the missing jewel in their hand. But did they really steal this jewel?
Write a diary from the perspective of a paranoid person who thinks their neighbour is stealing from them.
Write down an action scene where the main character trails the secondary character to an abandoned warehouse. What do you think will happen next?
Someone has been stealing mobile phones at your school. You think you know who it is, so you set up a try to catch the thief.
A bent police officer has been planting false evidence at crime scenes for years. Who are they protecting and why?
Write a script between two characters who are meeting in secret to discuss some new evidence in a murder trial.
Imagine you are a detective interviewing a suspect in the crime of jewellery theft. Write down some questions that you might ask the suspect. If you have time, you can also write the possible answers from the suspect’s point of view.
You discover a note in your bag. It says, “I know what YOU have done!” – Who can have left this note, and what are they talking about?
Write a story about a young police officer who is solving the murder case of his best friend from high school. The twist is that this police officer turns out to be the murderer.
For over 10 years, your twin sister was missing. But there she is – Suddenly walking in the middle of the street. Where has she been? What happened to her?
Imagine you are an investigator examining the scene of a murder crime. What types of clues would you look out for? Can you make a list of at least 10 possible clues you might find?
A police car is chasing a potential suspect in a murder trial. Halfway through the chase, the police car disappears. The suspect slows down their car, and wonders, “What happened? Why did they stop coming after me?”
You come home from school one day and notice that your mother’s things are gone. Your first thought is that she left you and your father. But the truth is that she was kidnapped by someone.
A mysterious person has stolen all your teddy bears and is holding them for ransom somewhere. Each day you get a cryptic riddle. If you can solve each riddle you will receive one teddy bear back each time.
It’s the year 3,000. Your main character is a lawyer for a robot. They must prove this robot’s innocence in a human murder trial. (See this list of sci-fi writing prompts for more inspiration.)
Someone keeps stealing textbooks from your school. One day you go to school and see a huge statement art piece outside the school made from the stolen textbooks. Can you find out who did this?
Cinderella has turned into a detective. She needs to solve the case of the stolen glass slippers. After all those glass slippers are super rare.
The main character in your story must prove their innocence in a murder trial. How would they do this? What evidence would they need?
The main character in your story discovers that their brother is the real killer. They then try to destroy all evidence linked to their brother to protect them.
“Poppy! Poppy! Where are you, buddy?” Mindy searched for her pet Labrador everywhere. But she was nowhere to be seen. It turns out all the dogs in town have been missing since last night. What could have possibly happened to them?
Someone has been leaving embarrassing photographs of various people all over town. Can you track down this person? Why are they posting these photos?
Write a mystery story titled, ‘Piece-by-Piece’ about a jigsaw puzzle thief who is stealing random puzzles pieces.
You notice some muddy footprints leading into a thick forest at your local park. You follow this trail of footprints to a secret hatch in the woods. The door of the hatch has been left open. When you go inside you discover something shocking.
Your dog digs up an old lunchbox in your backyard. Inside the lunchbox, you find a key, an address and some old newspaper clipping of missing people. You think you can solve this case of the missing people by just visiting that address. But things get a little more complicated…
This is a mystery story about a boy named Billy who’s home alone and is playing with a toy truck when he finds a strange box. His mother, a lady with a past, is suspicious of this mysterious box, so she calls the police. Billy’s mother is a detective, and they find that the box is really a trap, and Billy is kidnapped.
Write a crime mystery story about how a little girl’s dream of becoming a scientist led to her death. Why would anyone murder a young girl who wants to be a scientist? How did this happen?
A small-town sheriff gets caught up in the biggest robbery in history. When over a million dollars just vanish into thin air, people are quick to blame the shifty-eyed sheriff from out of town. But is he really the culprit in this crime?
When Sara was a young girl she was kidnapped by a strange man and woman who took care of her. But now Sara wants to know what happened to her real parents. Are they still alive? Are they still looking for her?
The clock is ticking. Somewhere in the city, a group of hostages are locked up. With every hour that goes by, one hostage will be killed. The main character, a street-smart detective must solve the clues to find the location of these hostages in time.
A police officer finds himself in a very unusual situation. It is just before 6 pm on a Friday night when police were called to a disturbance in the street. The call came from a man who was allegedly threatening a woman with a knife. The man was arrested at 6.05 pm and taken to the police station. However, it was later revealed that the woman left at home has been murdered by someone else, but who?
A murder mystery party takes a dark turn when one of the guests is murdered for real.
Write a mystery story titled, ‘Who Stole My Homework?’ The main character’s A* worthy English essay is stolen by someone, but who?
Use this sentence as inspiration: Inspector Robins pulls out his notebook and writes down two words: Green fingers.
“10 car windows broken in 10 days! What does it all mean? What does it mean?” Exclaimed Detective Riley.
During a stop and search, a police officer finds a dead body in the boot of a car. But is the car driver really to blame?
A lost bracelet ends up in your best friend’s locker at school, along with other precious items. Your best friend is wrongly accused of stealing these items.
One girl must find her stolen prom dress before the prom. In the days leading up to the prom, more and more of her accessories for prom night are being stolen. Who is this thief?
Write a mystery thriller titled, “Come and Get It”. It’s about an arrogant criminal who is stealing sentimental items from each police officer in the state, He leaves these items in random locations in the city, along with a note that says: Come and get it!
Every night the car alarms for every car on your street turn on at exactly 2.03 am. why is this happening, and who is responsible?
A mysterious hacker has hacked into the city’s power grid. They have the power to on and off electricity whenever they want. Can you catch them before they do any more damage?
A secret admirer is leaving expensive gifts for your main character. At first, these gifts seem great, but then they soon take a dark twist (see our Valentine’s Day Prompts for more inspiration).
Your main character is at their senior prom. Dancing the night away. Suddenly the lights go off. Pitch darkness for a minute. When the lights come on, your best friend is gone. And there’s a message in red paint on the wall: You’re next!
Your teacher gives back your English assignment, and you got an F! Looking closer, you realise that this is not your assignment at all! The same starts happening in your other classes. Someone has been swapping your assignments – But who?
For the past few days, you have been receiving anonymous emails from someone. The emails are telling you not to be friends with him. You don’t take any of these emails seriously until the police come knocking on your door.
A family picnic at the park becomes unbearable when you open up the basket to discover every family members untold secrets.
You are at a Chinese restaurant with your family. It’s time to open up the fortune cookies. When your mother opens up her fortune cookie, it says: “One of your children has been very naughty!”. Then your father opens his cookie up, it says: “Who’s been sneaking around behind mommy’s and daddy’s back?” All eyes at the table are on you. But what did you do?
Your main character is a bent cop. Trying to manipulate the course of justice, and helping real criminals get away with murder. One day, someone plants evidence that gets this bent cop arrested for a murder they did not commit.
Write down a scene between two characters. In this scene, the ‘real’ criminal is trying to convince a detective that someone else is guilty of the crime of stealing from a church.
There are three potential suspects in the murder case of Phillip Green. You are the lead detective on this case. What questions would you ask these suspects to find the real murderer? Make a list of at least 10 questions you may ask.
A health inspector arrives at a vegan restaurant to discover rotten vegetables, and raw, old meat. The owners know nothing about this and believe someone planted this as sabotage. Who can have sabotaged the vegan restaurant?
Write a short mystery story for kids titled, ‘Why is the sky blue?’ One child’s curiosity about the sky leads them to discover a secret playground in the park.
Your main character is a news reporter who is convinced that the killer of Rosie Moore is still out there. They know that the police have convicted the wrong person for this heinous crime. Can your main character find the real killer before the wrong person is sentenced to life in prison?
Someone has been replacing all shampoos around town with a hair removal solution. When half the town’s hair starts falling out, it is up to you, a top detective to solve this crime.
Write a mystery story set in the future where a secret cyber group called the ‘Merry Man’ are hacking the bank accounts of rich people and giving this money to the poor. Your main character is a police detective trying to hunt the members of this cyber group down.
A mysterious person is playing a nasty game of hide and seek with you. They have kidnapped your friends and family members and hid them in various locations within the city. You have exactly 1 hour to find each person before something bad happens to them.
Someone has left a note in your locker at school. The note reads: Help me, please! You ignore this note, but more notes start appearing in your notebooks, bag and even at home. Until eventually you get a package through the mail. You open this package and scream…
Write an animal mystery tale about a dog who wants to find the original owner of a doll he found in the park.
Can you solve this bonus mystery prompt: Someone has been stealing socks from the locals at night. Who could this be and why would they be doing this? (See video prompt below for more ideas.)

Did you find these mystery writing prompts useful when writing your own story? Let us know in the comments below!

Marty the wizard is the master of Imagine Forest. When he's not reading a ton of books or writing some of his own tales, he loves to be surrounded by the magical creatures that live in Imagine Forest. While living in his tree house he has devoted his time to helping children around the world with their writing skills and creativity.

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100+ Mystery Story Ideas – A Guide to Spark Your Imagination

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on Published: September 20, 2022 - Last updated: December 28, 2023

Categories Writing , Inspiration , Storytelling

Are you a lover of a gripping mystery? Well, you’re in for a treat!

As an investigative documentary film director, I’ve always been fascinated by the art of mystery storytelling.

In this article, I’ll give you a treasure trove of 100 mystery story ideas, sorted by genre, to ignite your imagination and get your creative juices flowing.

Whether you’re an experienced author or just beginning your writing journey, these imaginative prompts will inspire you.

As you explore these enticing story ideas, you will find intriguing plotlines and unique elements that make your mystery stand out from the rest.

From cozy mysteries and crime fiction to false clues and fascinating characters – we’ve got you covered!

Key Takeaways

Discover 100 mystery story ideas sorted by genre, perfect for igniting your imagination
Uncover unique plot elements and tips to create a captivating narrative
Enhance your writing with intriguing characters, false clues, and unexpected twists

10 Mystery Story Ideas

A Mysterious Figure In A Hooded Robe Navigates Through The Dense Forest, Clutching A Lantern Tightly.

Lost Girl: Imagine a young girl vanishing from her small town, leaving everyone puzzled about her whereabouts and the events leading to her disappearance.
Unsolved Murder: Picture a murder case with many baffling aspects, lacking a definite suspect or reason behind the crime.
Forest Secrets: Envision a shadowy forest concealing innumerable mysteries and hidden forces.
Haunted Mansion: Delve into a spooky mansion with dark, dust-covered halls and empty rooms echoing with peculiar sounds throughout the night.
Murder Series: Think about a series of horrifying murders with no apparent links or discernable patterns, leaving law enforcement utterly perplexed.
Cryptic Riddle: Explore a mysterious riddle guiding you along a winding path full of unexpected twists, resulting in disorientation and bewilderment.
Ancient Secrets: Contemplate an ancient book containing cryptic symbols and mysterious text that appears to unlock forbidden or hazardous knowledge.
Town Mystery: Visualize a quaint, eerie town where inhabitants seem to protect a deep, dark secret.
Cult Mystery: Consider a person disappearing after attending an enigmatic cult gathering, never to be seen again.
Family Secret: Ponder the sudden reappearance of a long-lost family member believed dead, not explaining their absence or return.

10 Murder Mystery Plot Ideas

Werewolf Suspect: In a small town, the sheriff looks into the homicide of a local woman and starts suspecting that the murderer could be a werewolf.
Vanishing Killer: A detective is on the trail of a serial killer who appears to vanish without a trace after each crime.
Conspiracy Discovery: While trying to figure out the cause of their friend’s death, a group of friends stumbles upon a conspiracy, making them believe the government is involved in the murder.
Crime of Passion: After discovering her husband’s infidelity, a woman kills him in rage, leading the detective on the case to start suspecting her involvement in the crime.
Robbery Gone Wrong: A man’s death seems to be the result of a botched robbery, but the investigation goes awry when it turns out someone close to him might have been involved.
Rose and Glasses: A murder victim is found in an alley with just a pair of broken glasses and a single red rose as the only clues to solve the case.
Forest Symbols: The naked body of a woman discovered in the middle of the woods appears to be covered with bizarre symbols.
Undercover at School: A detective goes undercover at an elite prep school to solve a student’s murder and begins to suspect that the killer may be one of the student’s classmates.
Mysterious Cruise Death: After a wealthy businessman’s death at sea on a cruise ship is declared a suicide, his wife begins to question if there was foul play involved.
Computer Clue: The mysterious death of a man leaves behind only a puzzling note on his computer as the sole clue to solving the murder mystery.

In each of these scenarios, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with elements of murder, whodunits, and murder investigations, all while keeping readers guessing until the very end. So, sharpen your detective skills and get ready to solve these captivating murder mysteries.

10 Cozy Enigma Ideas

Here are some cozy mystery ideas you can explore:

Detective Retreat: Imagine a group of amateur detectives visiting a small-town bed and breakfast, only to find themselves entangled in an intriguing mystery.
Bookstore Sleuths: Picture a cozy mystery series starring two sisters running a charming little bookstore while solving perplexing crimes together.
Countryside Mystery: Imagine a retired detective moving to the countryside for a peaceful life but unexpectedly becoming involved in an exhilarating mystery when her neighbor is discovered dead on her front lawn.
Book Club Conundrums: Contemplate a lively neighborhood book club that delves into thrilling mysteries and scandals while attempting to untangle each one.
Sherlock the Cat: Think of a crime-solving cat named Sherlock, strolling through his snug neighborhood and assisting his human friends with investigating mysterious occurrences and disappearances.
Sleuth’s Journal: Visualize an amateur detective with an insatiable curiosity, writing a personal journal that documents every case she cracks, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant.
B&B Mysteries: Consider an aspiring detective who transforms her home into a bed and breakfast in the hope her sleuthing abilities will come in handy if any of her guests encounter trouble during their stay.
Baking Detective: Ponder is a sleuth who loves baking and works as a private investigator, unfolding various exciting cases and striving to solve them all.
Moonlit Mysteries: Imagine an amateur investigator haunted by images of a mysterious woman wearing a long white dress whenever she walks out under the moonlight.
Divorce Dilemma: Picture a series of murders connected to a man’s acrimonious divorce, where both parties receive a fortune in truffles and a sinister warning, demanding they sign the divorce papers within a month.

These ideas feature elements such as small towns, cozy mysteries, and elderly women to enjoy as you create captivating stories.

10 Crime Fiction Ideas

Heist Betrayal: Imagine a group of criminals joining forces to execute a daring heist, only to discover one is a traitor. The tension mounts as they scramble to figure out who’s betraying them.
Detective’s Dilemma: Envision a seasoned detective hunting down a relentless killer. As the investigator gets closer to cracking the case, they are shocked to realize they might know the culprit better than anyone else.
Amnesiac’s Mystery: Picture a woman waking up in a hospital with no recollection of her identity or how she arrived there. She soon learns she’s been accused of a crime she can’t recall committing, making her quest for the truth even more harrowing.
Friend’s Quest: Consider a young woman brutally murdered, leaving her best friend determined to find the killer. As she delves into the investigation, she stumbles upon a tangled web of secrets and surprises.
Wrongful Conviction: Put yourself in the shoes of a man wrongly convicted of a crime. Desperate to clear his name and uncover the perpetrator, every minute counts as he strives for exoneration.
PI’s Predicament: Follow a private investigator as they take on what appears to be a simple case at first. But everything changes when they realize they’re on the trail of a ruthless psychopath who won’t go down without a fight.
Writer Detective: Explore the world of a crime writer who doubles as a detective. They embark on a chilling cold case revolving around the murder of a woman with an enigmatic connection to their family.
Officer’s Investigation: In the shoes of a police officer moonlighting as a private investigator, uncovering chilling evidence that deeply implicates a serial killer in a string of gruesome murders. The proof is so damning that it leaves everyone involved reeling.
Underworld Debt: Picture a man trying to make quick cash to pay off his debts, only to find himself entangled in the dangerous underworld of organized crime. He quickly realizes that extricating himself from this web of deceit will be no easy task.
Mobster’s Trap: Imagine a woman unwittingly immersed in a world of crime and corruption when she attempts to help a friend repay a debt owed to a ruthless mobster. The stakes couldn’t be higher as she navigates this treacherous terrain.

10 Murder Victim Mystery Writing Prompts

Two Men In Suits And Hats Wandering Through A Mysterious Street.

The Stolen Dreams: A young woman’s life is tragically cut short before realizing her dreams and ambitions.
The Silenced Musician: A talented young musician’s life is senselessly ended without any clear motive.
The Deceptive Accident: An elderly woman’s death is ruled an accident, but suspicious circumstances suggest foul play.
The Night Out Nightmare: A college student meets a gruesome end during a night out with friends, shocking everyone.
The Businesswoman’s Unsolved Murder: A prosperous businesswoman’s baffling murder leaves her community in disbelief and confusion.
The Innocent Victim: A tragic murder of an innocent bystander caught in a gang shootout, leaving a painful void in their family and community.
The Philanthropist’s Dark Ties: A wealthy philanthropist’s death reveals deep connections to dangerous criminal organizations, shocking those around him.
The Truth Seeker’s Demise: An investigative journalist’s dedication to uncovering the truth ultimately leads to their untimely death.
The Tragic Addict: A young man’s life is abruptly ended due to his addiction, leaving behind a legacy of unfulfilled potential.
The Lost Artist: A young woman with exceptional artistic talent and the power to inspire others is senselessly robbed of her future.

10 Murder Weapon Ideas

Calculated Poisoning: Imagine a meticulously calculated poisoning where the ideal dosage is used to guarantee a swift, painless end.
Sniper’s Choice: Envision a sniper rifle or another long-range firearm employed to eliminate a target from a safe distance, avoiding detection.
Deadly Meal: Picture a razor-sharp blade secretly placed in someone’s meal or drink, causing a quick and excruciating end.
Bomb Trap: Think of a bomb concealed in a person’s dwelling or office, resulting in instant death from the blast or a slow demise due to unattended injuries.
Poison Dart: Consider an untraceable poison dart aimed with lethal precision and effectiveness at its target.
Assassin’s Knife: Visualize a keen-edged knife in the hands of an expert assassin, capable of inflicting deadly wounds effortlessly and accurately.
Savage Beating: A savage beating brings about various severe injuries to the victim, who eventually dies in agonizing pain on the cold ground.
Hidden Gun: A firearm concealed within a folded newspaper or newsstand, ready to be used at any moment to abruptly terminate someone’s life.
Remote Explosion: A remote-controlled explosive device set off by someone knowing their target would be nearby, granting the victim little opportunity to flee.
Rampaging Fire: Picture a rampaging fire that burns uncontrollably, with an insatiable hunger to engulf everything in its path.

10 Investigative Agencies

Shadow Police: You come across a shadowy organization functioning as a high-level police unit, focused on dismantling criminal networks.
Secret Intelligence Agency: A secret agency gathers intel on various foreign governments and extremist factions, acting as a key crime-fighting asset for the government.
Elite Agents Group: Discover a hidden group of elite agents highly skilled and trained to handle the most demanding cases.
Private Detective Agency: A private detective agency partners with local law enforcers, offering valuable insights and support for complex cases.
Missing Persons Organization: A private organization excels in locating missing individuals, acting as detectives for those who vanished without experiencing violence.
Abduction Specialists: A detective agency specializes in finding abducted or forcibly detained missing people.
Paranormal Detectives: A covert team of detectives and investigators focus on solving paranormal or supernatural cases that can’t be addressed through regular methods.
Quirky Investigators: Meet a quirky and charismatic team of private investigators skilled in unraveling peculiar or challenging cases with grace and expertise.
Innovative Crime Solvers: A group of proficient detectives armed with cutting-edge tools, much of which they invented, solves the most difficult crimes.
Dark Secrets Uncovered: A team of seasoned detectives shares collective experience in uncovering the world’s darkest secrets and bringing them to light. Remember to keep a friendly tone and maintain a second-person point of view while discussing these investigative agencies in your article.

10 False Clue Ideas

The serial killer’s deceptive trail : Imagine a serial killer leaving false leads to mislead investigators and keep them busy searching for non-existent clues.
Accomplice-planted misinformation : Consider an accomplice or associate of the culprit providing investigators with false information to protect the true offender.
Personal vendetta setup : Picture someone with a grudge against the victim planting fake evidence to frame them for a crime they didn’t commit.
Deliberately withheld key details : Visualize crucial facts intentionally kept from investigators, possibly by the killer themselves or by someone shielding a loved one from punishment.
Shifty informant misguidance : Envision an informant or criminal enthusiast willingly feeding false information to bring the case closer to resolution.
The killer’s fabricated alibi : Ponder a killer weaving an intricate web of lies to appear innocent and drive suspicion away from themselves.
Contradictory witness accounts : Think about witnesses providing conflicting accounts of the crime, whether due to faulty memories or intentional deception.
An uncontainable rumor : Contemplate a rumor that spread rapidly after the crime, causing confusion among witnesses and investigators about the true events and perpetrator.
The wildfire false lead : Reflect on a phony clue that gained traction and was taken as fact, further clouding the case and helping the actual culprit escape.
The victim’s puzzling narrative : Imagine a story crafted by the victim before their demise to confuse investigators and guarantee the actual offender gets away.

Keep these false clue ideas in mind as you craft your mystery masterpiece, carefully weaving in elements of misdirection and intrigue to keep your readers enthralled until the very end.

10 Ideas for False Witnesses

Bribed Witness: Imagine a witness who is bribed by the criminal to point the finger at someone else, effectively steering the investigation in the wrong direction.
False Testimony for Escape: Consider a witness hoping to disentangle themselves from a crime by testifying falsely, thinking it will help them avoid being implicated.
Perpetrator as Witness: Envision a witness who is the perpetrator, providing a dishonest testimony in hopes of receiving a lighter sentence.
Protective Witness: What about a witness shielding the actual offender they care about and providing a misleading testimony?
Evading Responsibility: Picture a witness trying to evade responsibility for their role in a crime by framing someone else entirely.
False Claims for Leniency: A scenario exists where a witness makes false claims to dodge charges and achieve a more lenient punishment.
Inconsistent Testimony: You may encounter a witness whose testimony is confusing, leaving the investigators puzzled about the truth and reliability of their recollections.
Self-Protection: Consider a witness attempting to protect themselves from blame by avoiding another person’s accusations or appeasing their guilt-ridden conscience.
Compulsive Liar Witness: Beware of a compulsive liar witness willingly fabricating stories to throw the detectives off the trail of the actual wrongdoer.
Traumatized Witness: Sympathize with a witness who is so gravely hurt that their account of events is likely to be inaccurate due to their impaired mental state.

10 Crime Scene Ideas

An Illustration Of A City At Sunset, Evoking Mystery And Intrigue.

The Devious Setup: Picture a murder scene where the culprit cleverly staged everything to mislead investigators and throw them off track.
Tampered Evidence: Imagine a dead body that has been manipulated to destroy evidence or plant false clues, making the case even more baffling.
Gruesome Encounter: Visualize a crime scene so horrifying and shocking that it leaves you and other investigators feeling deeply disturbed.
Calm Amidst Chaos: Consider a crime scene that appears eerily tranquil and peaceful, in stark contrast to the savage nature of the crime that occurred there.
Clean Sweep: Envision a crime scene meticulously wiped clean of any DNA evidence, leaving investigators struggling to solve the case.
Isolated Incident: Ponder a crime scene situated in a remote, secluded location, making it difficult for you to access and conduct a thorough investigation.
Crowded Environment: Consider a crime scene in a bustling area, where constant interruptions make gathering evidence and speaking to witnesses challenging.
Hidden in Plain Sight: Imagine a crime scene in an ordinary location, with no apparent signs that something sinister has occurred there.
Public Sphere Complications: Visualize a crime scene within a public building, surrounded by witnesses and people with conflicting interests, further complicating the investigation.
Contaminated by Accident: Consider a crime scene inadvertently compromised by first responders, unwittingly tainting any potentially useful evidence.

What Makes a Good Mystery Story?

Engrossing plot development.

An intriguing mystery story thrives on suspenseful plotting. You want your story to grasp the reader’s attention from the get-go and hold it until the very end. Incorporate unexpected twists and turns, keeping your readers guessing and deeply engaged with the story. Crafting a mysterious and puzzling plot will leave your audience hungry for more.

Multifaceted Characters

To create a captivating mystery, you’ll need complex characters. Not just your protagonist, but also the supporting characters should be well-developed and believable. The most compelling mystery stories are those that make readers genuinely care about the characters and their predicament. Make sure your audience feels invested in the characters’ journey and eager for them to uncover the secrets and motives behind the mystery.

Gratifying Conclusion

Lastly, a rewarding resolution is essential for a great mystery story. Ensure that your story is well-crafted, tying up all loose ends in a neat and satisfying manner. The conclusion should make sense while avoiding any sense of disappointment or deception for your readers. Remember, the power of your mystery lies in your plot twists, suspense, and the unwrapping of hidden secrets, all culminating in a satisfying ending.

What Are Some Good Mystery Genre Topics to Write About?

Here are some captivating mystery genre ideas to inspire your creativity in crafting short stories or thrilling novels:

Delve into an unresolved cold case that has captured public attention for years, leaving readers wondering about the truth.
Explore supernatural occurrences in a haunted house where no one can stay for more than a year.
Uncover a dark secret simmering beneath the surface of a seemingly idyllic small town.
Chronicles the search for a missing person with an unexpected outcome, either found dead or alive.
Investigate an identity theft ring specifically targeting people within a certain profession.
Connect the dots between a series of murders and determine whether they point to a single suspect or multiple perpetrators.
Follow the elusive con artist who always manages to outsmart the police.
Delve into the unexpected consequences of a botched hostage situation and who is responsible for it.
Question the honesty of a witness who has come forward with vital information about a crime.
Reveal the family drama stemming from buried secrets and lies, and the upheaval caused when the truth finally surfaces.

Remember to keep your writing engaging and friendly as you invite your readers to become part of these mystery genre stories. Good luck in your creative journey!

How to Craft a Cozy Mystery

Step 1: develop an intriguing set of characters.

To create a captivating cozy mystery, start by designing a group of characters readers can relate to and invest in. Your main character should be someone they can empathize with and support, while your villain should evoke dislike. Reflect on your favorite books and movies to identify the emotions you want to invoke in your readers.

Don’t forget to fill your story with an interesting array of supporting characters. They can offer humor, assistance, or play a role in the crime itself. Make sure each character is well-developed and captivating.

Step 2: Concoct an Ingenious Offense

Next, focus on the crime your main character needs to unravel. Consider creating a puzzling situation that is not immediately evident to keep things challenging. Rather than murder, opt for crimes like theft, embezzlement, or fraud. You can also personalize the crime for your main character, such as having their pet kidnapped or their home burglarized.

With the crime in mind, delve into the details. Who is the perpetrator? How did they commit the offense? And most importantly, for what reason? Addressing these questions will help shape your story with added intrigue for the readers. For instance, if the victim was at odds with your protagonist, it could provide an extra incentive for solving the mystery.

Step 3: Incorporate Deceptive Red Herrings

An essential component of any enthralling mystery is the use of red herrings—clues or information that mislead and distract both the investigator and the reader. Skillfully weaving red herrings into your narrative can add challenges for your main character and readers as they attempt to solve the case. However, be cautious not to overuse them, as excessive misinformation may result in confusion and frustration.

What Contributes to an Effective Clue in a Mystery?

The Importance of Clue Placement

An essential factor in developing an engaging mystery is the strategic placement of clues throughout the story. Providing key information too soon may leave your readers feeling confused, while delaying its reveal until the very end might result in frustration. To strike the perfect balance, aim to introduce crucial clues around two-thirds into the narrative. This strategy allows readers ample time to process previous events and gradually piece together the puzzle.

Subtlety: A Crucial Element

When crafting clues, it’s essential to be subtle and avoid any heavy-handedness. Overemphasizing vital information may cause readers to overlook or grow annoyed by its obviousness. Instead, sprinkle hints carefully and allow readers to make connections on their own. Trust us; they’ll appreciate the challenge and feel a sense of accomplishment when everything falls into place.

Focusing on Crucial Details

In a mystery, less is often more, especially when it comes to presenting clues. Including an excessive amount of evidence can overwhelm your readers and detract from the central storyline. Concentrate on one or two essential details that drive the narrative forward, and remember that additional information can be unveiled later if needed.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to craft engaging stories filled with satisfying clues and intriguing mysteries that keep your readers captivated until the final reveal. Make sure your clues are well-placed, subtle, and to-the-point to provide your audience with the gripping experience that they desire.

How to Create a Mysterious Character

Crafting a hidden past.

To establish an enigmatic character, it’s crucial to devise their hidden past. Consider the secrets they conceal, the hardships they’ve encountered, and the reasons behind their guarded nature. Developing answers to these questions will help you create a well-rounded character that intrigues your readers. As you work on their past, maintain a delicate balance—don’t disclose too much too early, but avoid making your character seem hollow. You may want to jot down potential secrets and gradually incorporate them throughout your story.

Describing Their Look

Another essential element for constructing a mysterious character lies in their physical appearance. Reflect on their appearance: do they don all black clothes and a lengthy trench coat, or do they have a more understated style? Similarly to their past, avoid revealing too much about their appearance too soon—only include essential details and leave the rest to the reader’s imagination.

Finding a Voice for Your Character

Discovering the appropriate voice for your mystery character can be challenging, as they should be hesitant to share information about themselves while avoiding being dull or flat. A helpful strategy is employing short, concise sentences for your character’s dialogue. This approach adds a sense of mystery and allows them to express themselves and engage with other characters throughout the story.

Deciding the Number of Suspects in a Mystery Novel

Choose suspects based on book length.

When determining the number of suspects in your mystery novel, consider the length of your book. A shorter book should have fewer suspects, as there’s limited space to develop multiple characters. On the other hand, a longer book can support more suspects, allowing you to explore their motivations and backstories in greater detail.

Keep Your Readers’ Abilities in Mind

It’s essential to think about your readers’ ability to track multiple characters. If your novel targets a younger audience, they might find it challenging to follow along if there are too many suspects. In this case, focus on one or two primary suspects. However, if your mystery novel appeals to adult readers, you can introduce more complexity by adding additional suspects.

What Do You Want the Story’s Resolution to Be?

Lastly, consider the type of solution you’d like for your mystery. If you want the readers to have a fair chance at guessing the solution, it’s better to limit the number of suspects. However, if you’d like to surprise your audience with an unexpected twist, more suspects can help you achieve that surprise element.

Mystery Writers to Study

As a budding mystery writer, immerse yourself in the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of the legendary Sherlock Holmes. Additionally, explore Chris Van Allsburg’s intriguing collection, The Mysteries of Harris Burdick. Happy reading!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are engaging mystery story themes.

You might be wondering what themes can make your mystery story more captivating. Some themes to consider include haunted places, secret societies, or even cursed objects. Drawing inspiration from a variety of sources can help create a fresh and engaging story.

How to Craft a Unique Mystery Plot?

To create a unique mystery plot, focus on developing interesting characters, unexpected twists, and a strong setting. You could also try experimenting with different narrative structures or incorporating subplots to keep readers on their toes.

What Are the Main Elements for a Mystery Romance Story?

When writing a mystery romance story , it’s important to mix elements of both genres effectively. This means crafting a suspenseful mystery while also developing a compelling romantic storyline. Add layers of intrigue, emotional connection, and conflict to create a gripping tale.

How Can I Create Intrigue for Young Readers?

To make a mystery story appealing to young readers, consider featuring relatable characters and age-appropriate themes. Keep the plot moving at a steady pace and be mindful of your target audience’s attention span. Remember to maintain a sense of fun and adventure throughout.

What Makes Exciting Mystery Suspense Ideas?

Great mystery suspense ideas can be found by combining elements of danger, tension, and unpredictability. To create an atmosphere of suspense, consider placing characters in high-stakes situations or introducing a ticking time bomb (literal or metaphorical) to keep readers engaged.

How Should I Add a Surprising Twist to a Thriller?

To add a surprising twist to your thriller story , you could include well-hidden clues, unexpected character motivations, or a shocking revelation that sheds a new light on the central mystery. The key is to keep readers guessing while staying true to the overall story and logic.

67 Thrilling And Chilling Mystery Writing Prompts

You’re a huge fan of riveting mystery plots.

You’ve read some of the best mystery fiction ever written (some well-known, some not), and you just know you could create a mystery that would keep your readers enthralled to the shocking end.

Think how gratifying it’ll feel to hear readers raving that you kept them guessing until the final reveal!

All you need right now are some high-quality murder mystery ideas like the ones in this post. Read on to find the seed of your new bestseller .

May it lead to many others.

67 Mystery Writing Prompts

Look through the following mystery story ideas and make a note of those that get your mind working in strange and vaguely uncomfortable ways. You know better than anyone the prompts that speak to you louder than others.

If you get a chill as you’re developing the idea, chances are good, your reader will, too.

1. You’re a memoir writer with a complicated love life. An estranged cousin calls asking if you’ll help her write a “tell-all” memoir . Then she disappears.

2. You’re a private investigator looking into the murder of a philanthropist’s reclusive wife. Two people confess, each swearing they acted alone. You suspect another.

3. You’re the assistant to the creator of the first empathic AI, who disappears just as the first psychopath AI blows away the competition at a global tech convention.

4. Your candle shop wins a prestigious award. Last year’s winner is angry and slanders you and your products. You find their body behind your store, covered in wax.

5. You research your genealogy and find that several people from different branches all died in the same mysterious location — of unknown causes.

6. A well-known motivational speaker is about to give a TED talk when they take a drink from a fresh water bottle and collapse. Their assistant disappears.

7. She’s always been faithful to her husband. So, who’s been trying to frame her for adultery? And what does her husband’s dead lawyer have to do with it?

8. You’re lost in the woods, no thanks to a poorly-planned nature hike, when you find the hatch to an underground bunker. A picture on the wall stops you cold.

9. Someone is stealing items from the graves of historical figures buried in the New Orleans cemeteries near your home. What does your latest Etsy purchase have to do with that?

10. Every eligible woman was eager to claim his attention at the ball, but only one would add his name to her dance card — and something else to her collection.

11. A grandfather you never met has left you an unusual item in his will with a warning: “Don’t underestimate this gift. It’s always been meant for you.”

12. You’re a witness to the opening of an Egyptian sarcophagus that’s only just been discovered in a buried tomb. Resting on the mummy’s chest is an old camera.

13. A few minutes after you buy a friend’s older smartphone from them (for a bargain), you get a phone call from someone who’s tracking your every move.

mysterious man holding a sickle mystery writing prompts

14. Your business computer has just been hacked by a pro, who happens to be a resident in the local nursing home — and the father of last night’s date.

15. You’re on a solitary walk through the woods near your new home, and you find a set of fresh footprints leading deeper in, possibly toward the lake. You follow them.

16. You’re on your way home from a vacation when an airport official tells you your passport must be a fake. Your country of origin doesn’t exist.

17. You take a short walk out in the snow and come back to find a fresh, icy handprint on the glass by your door. There are no footprints leading to it.

18. You visit a tea shop, and a woman pulls you aside and convinces you to buy a special blend she’s created, warning you to only drink one cup a day — and only at night.

19. While looking for the cabin retreat you signed up for, you get lost and end up at a cabin that resembles what you expected. They welcome you.

20. Every night, a new house of worship in your town is ransacked. Each time, the thieves steal a hidden sacred object but leave more expensive things untouched.

21. A rogue doctor overseas has created a life-saving vaccine for a deadly pandemic but disappears before he can share it.

22. You’re a seasoned detective looking over a murder scene at your ex-wife’s residence. So far, her dog is the prime suspect.

23. The winner of the beauty pageant is the last person everyone expected. Then she wins the lottery jackpot and wakes up with a dead guy in her closet.

24. You’ve agreed to deliver a package to a recluse living in a neglected manor in exchange for $100,000,000. They never told you he’d want you to stay.

25. The night before you head home from college, someone calls you from the home phone and leaves a disturbing message. Now, no one’s answering the phone.

26. You think you know the identity of your “Secret Santa” until you see the most recent gift: a gem your suspect could not have afforded (and wouldn’t have given).

27. After the “prophecy,” he changed her name and never expected her to spell out the name “Petra” with her wooden blocks. The near-drowning was not an accident.

28. At night, she sleeps with a different stone beneath her pillow. This morning, she woke to feel as if she’d spent the night running. She wasn’t wrong.

29. The murder victims all had admitted to the same phobia. And all of them died just as they’d overcome it. Now, the hypnotist who’d helped them was missing.

How will you use these mystery writing prompts?

When it comes to storytelling, only a small share of the magic is in the gift of an inspiring prompt. The rest of it lies in you.

Begin by choosing one of these prompts and freewriting for a few minutes — or for as long as you like. Paint a picture for yourself, and describe everything your senses tell you.

Whether you lean toward horror or romantic suspense story ideas, you’ll find a way to make each chosen story prompt your own.

May each adventure teach you something new.

You’re a huge fan of riveting mystery plots. You’ve read some of the best mystery fiction ever written (some well-known, some not), and you just know you could create a mystery that would keep your readers enthralled to the shocking end. #writingprompts

42 Creative Book Report Ideas for Students

Inspire your students to share their love of books.

Responding to what you read is an important literacy skill. Reading about other people’s experiences and perspectives helps kids learn about the world. And although students don’t need to dive deeply into every single book they read, occasionally digging into characters, settings, and themes can help them learn to look beyond the prose. Here are 42 creative book report ideas designed to make reading more meaningful.

1. Concrete Found Poem

A student sample of a concrete found poem

This clever activity is basically a shape poem made up of words, phrases, and whole sentences found in the books students read. The words come together to create an image that represents something from the story.

2. Graphic Novel

Have students rewrite the book they are reading, or a chapter of their book, as a graphic novel. Set parameters for the assignment such as including six scenes from the story, three characters, details about the setting, etc. And, of course, include detailed illustrations to accompany the story.

3. Book Snaps

A picture of a piece of text with comments and visuals added as commentary as an example of creative book report ideas

Book Snaps are a way for students to visually show how they are reacting to, processing, and/or connecting with a text. First, students snap a picture of a page in the book they are reading. Then, they add comments, images, highlights, and more.

4. Diary Entry

Have your students place themselves in the shoes of one of the characters from their book and write a first-person diary entry of a critical moment from the story. Ask them to choose a moment in the story where the character has plenty of interaction and emotion to share in a diary entry.

5. Character To-Do List

This fun activity is an off-the-beaten-path way to dive deep into character analysis. Get inside the head of the main character in a book and write a to-do list that they might write. Use actual information from the text, but also make inferences into what that character may wish to accomplish.

6. Mint Tin Book Report

A mint tin is converted to a book report with an illustration on the inside lid and cards telling about different parts of the book inside as an example of creative book report ideas

There are so many super-creative, open-ended projects you can use mint tins for. This teacher blogger describes the process of creating book reports using them. There’s even a free template for cards that fit inside.

7. Fictional Yearbook Entries

Ask your students to create a yearbook based on the characters and setting in the book. What do they look like? Cut out magazine pictures to give a good visual image for their school picture. What kind of superlative might they get? Best looking? Class clown? What clubs would they be in or lead? Did they win any awards? It should be obvious from their small yearbooks whether your students dug deep into the characters in their books. They may also learn that who we are as individuals is reflected in what we choose to do with our lives.

8. Book Report Cake

A purple cake made from paper cut into slices

This project would be perfect for a book tasting in your classroom! Each student presents their book report in the shape of food. See the sandwich and pizza options above and check out this blog for more delicious ideas.

9. Current Events Comparison

Have students locate three to five current events articles a character in their book might be interested in. After they’ve found the articles, have them explain why the character would find them interesting and how they relate to the book. Learning about how current events affect time, place, and people is critical to helping develop opinions about what we read and experience in life.

10. Sandwich Book Report

A book report made from different sheets of paper assembled to look like a sandwich as an example of creative book report ideas

Yum! You’ll notice a lot of our creative book report ideas revolve around food. In this oldie but goodie, each layer of this book report sandwich covers a different element of the book—characters, setting, conflict, etc. A fun adaptation of this project is the book report cheeseburger.

11. Book Alphabet

Choose 15 to 20 alphabet books to help give your students examples of how they work around themes. Then ask your students to create their own Book Alphabet based on the book they read. What artifacts, vocabulary words, and names reflect the important parts of the book? After they find a word to represent each letter, have them write one sentence that explains where the word fits in.

12. Peekaboo Book Report

A tri-fold science board decorated with a paper head and hands peeking over the top with different pages about the book affixed

Using cardboard lap books (or small science report boards), students include details about their book’s main characters, plot, setting, conflict, resolution, etc. Then they draw a head and arms on card stock and attach them to the board from behind to make it look like the main character is peeking over the report.

13. T-Shirt Book Report

A child wears a t-shirt decorated as a book report as an example of creative book report ideas

Another fun and creative idea: Create a wearable book report with a plain white tee. Come up with your own using Sharpie pens and acrylic paint. Get step-by-step directions .

14. Book Jacket

Have students create a new book jacket for their story. Include an attractive illustrated cover, a summary, a short biography of the author, and a few reviews from readers.

15. Watercolor Rainbow Book Report

This is great for biography research projects. Students cut out a photocopied image of their subject and glue it in the middle. Then, they draw lines from the image to the edges of the paper, like rays of sunshine, and fill in each section with information about the person. As a book report template, the center image could be a copy of the book cover, and each section expands on key information such as character names, theme(s), conflict, resolution, etc.

16. Act the Part

Have students dress up as their favorite character from the book and present an oral book report. If their favorite character is not the main character, retell the story from their point of view.

17. Pizza Box Book Report

A pizza box decorated with a book cover and a paper pizza with book report details as an example of creative book report ideas

If you’re looking for creative book report ideas that use upcycled materials, try this one using a pizza box. It works well for both nonfiction and fiction book reports. The top lid provides a picture of the book cover. Each wedge of the pizza pie tells part of the story.

18. Bookmark

Have students create a custom illustrated bookmark that includes drawings and words from either their favorite chapter or the entire book.

19. Book Reports in a Bag

A group of students pose with their paper bag book reports

Looking for book report ideas that really encourage creative thinking? With book reports in a bag, students read a book and write a summary. Then, they decorate a paper grocery bag with a scene from the book, place five items that represent something from the book inside the bag, and present the bag to the class.

20. Reading Lists for Characters

Ask your students to think about a character in their book. What kinds of books might that character like to read? Take them to the library to choose five books the character might have on their to-be-read list. Have them list the books and explain what each book might mean to the character. Post the to-be-read lists for others to see and choose from—there’s nothing like trying out a book character’s style when developing your own identity.

21. File Folder Book Report

A manilla file folder decorated with elements of a book report as an example of creative book report ideas

Also called a lap book, this easy-to-make book report hits on all the major elements of a book study and gives students a chance to show what they know in a colorful way.

22. Collage

Create a collage using pictures and words that represent different parts of the book. Use old magazines or print pictures from the Internet.

23. Book Report Triorama

A pyradimal shaped 3D book report with illustrations and words written on all sides

Who doesn’t love a multidimensional book report? This image shows a 3D model, but Elisha Ann provides a lesson to show students how to glue four triangles together to make a 4D model.

24. Timeline

Have students create a timeline of the main events from their book. Be sure to include character names and details for each event. Use 8 x 11 sheets of paper taped together or a long portion of bulletin board paper.

25. Clothes Hanger Book Report Mobile

A girl stands next to a book report mobile made from a wire hanger and index cards as an example of creative book report ideas

This creative project doesn’t require a fancy or expensive supply list. Students just need an ordinary clothes hanger, strings, and paper. The body of the hanger is used to identify the book, and the cards on the strings dangling below are filled with key elements of the book, like characters, setting, and a summary.

26. Public Service Announcement

If a student has read a book about a cause that affects people, animals, or the environment, teach them about public service announcements . Once they understand what a PSA is, have them research the issue or cause that stood out in the book. Then give them a template for a storyboard so they can create their own PSA. Some students might want to take it a step further and create a video based on their storyboard. Consider sharing their storyboard or video with an organization that supports the cause or issue.

27. Dodecahedron Book Report

A dodecahedrom 3D sphere made into a book report

Creative book report ideas think outside the box. In this case, it’s a ball! SO much information can be covered on the 12 panels , and it allows students to take a deep dive in a creative way.

28. Character Cards

Make trading cards (like baseball cards) for a few characters from the book. On the front side, draw the character. On the back side, make a list of their character traits and include a quote or two.

29. Book Report Booklets

A book made from folded grocery bags is the template for a student book report as an example of creative book report ideas

This clever book report is made from ordinary paper bags. Stack the paper bags on top of each other, fold them in half, and staple the closed-off ends of the bags together. Students can write, draw, and decorate on the paper bag pages. They can also record information on writing or drawing paper and glue the paper onto the pages. The open ends of the bags can be used as pockets to insert photos, cut-outs, postcards, or other flat items that help them tell their story.

30. Letter to the Author

Write a letter to the author of the book. Tell them three things you really liked about the story. Ask three questions about the plot, characters, or anything else you’re curious about.

31. Book Report Charm Bracelet

A decorated paper hand with paper charms hanging off of it

What a “charming” way to write a book report! Each illustrated bracelet charm captures a character, an event in the plot, setting, or other detail.

32. Fact Sheet

Have students create a list of 10 facts that they learned from reading the book. Have them write the facts in complete sentences, and be sure that each fact is something that they didn’t know before they read the book.

33. Cereal Box TV Book Report

A book report made from cardboard made to resemble a tv set as an example of creative book report ideas

This book report project is a low-tech version of a television made from a cereal box and two paper towel rolls. Students create the viewing screen cut-out at the top, then insert a scroll of paper with writing and illustrations inside the box. When the cardboard roll is rotated, the story unfolds.

34. Be a Character Therapist

Therapists work to uncover their clients’ fears based on their words and actions. When we read books, we must learn to use a character’s actions and dialogue to infer their fears. Many plots revolve around a character’s fear and the work it takes to overcome that fear. Ask students to identify a character’s fear and find 8 to 10 scenes that prove this fear exists. Then have them write about ways the character overcame the fear (or didn’t) in the story. What might the character have done differently?

35. Mind Maps

Mind maps can be a great way to synthesize what students have learned from reading a book. Plus, there are so many ways to approach them. Begin by writing a central idea in the middle of the page. For example, general information, characters, plot, etc. Then branch out from the center with ideas, thoughts, and connections to material from the book.

36. Foldables

A book report made from a paper background and attached flaps as an example of creative book report ideas

From Rainbows Within Reach , this clever idea would be a great introduction to writing book reports. Adapt the flap categories for students at different levels. Adjust the number of categories (or flaps) per the needs of your students.

37. Board games

This is a great project if you want your students to develop a little more insight into what they’re reading. Have them think about the elements of their favorite board games and how they can be adapted to fit this assignment. For more, here are step-by-step directions .

38. Comic strips

A girl stands holding a comic strip book report as an example of creative book report ideas

If you’re looking for creative book report ideas for students who like graphic novels, try comic strips. Include an illustrated cover with the title and author. The pages of the book should retell the story using dialogue and descriptions of the setting and characters. Of course, no comic book would be complete without copious illustrations and thought bubbles.

39. Timeline

Create a timeline using a long roll of butcher paper, a poster board, or index cards taped together. For each event on the timeline, write a brief description of what happens. Add pictures, clip art, word art, and symbols to make the timeline more lively and colorful.

40. Cereal Box

Recycle a cereal box and create a book report Wheaties-style. Decorate all sides of the box with information about the book’s characters, setting, plot, summary, etc.

41. Wanted Poster

Make a “wanted” poster for one of the book’s main characters. Indicate whether they are wanted dead or alive. Include a picture of the character and a description of what the character is “wanted” for, three examples of the character showing this trait, and a detailed account of where the character was last seen.

42. Movie Version

If the book your students have read has been made into a movie, have them write a report about how the versions are alike and different. If the book has not been made into a movie, have them write a report telling how they would make it into a movie, using specific details from the book.

What creative book report ideas did we miss? Come share in our We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

Plus, check out the most popular kids’ books in every grade..

Book reports don't have to be boring. Help your students make the books come alive with these 42 creative book report ideas.

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Incredible Mystery Story Ideas: 65 Creative Mystery Writing Prompts

March 9, 2022

There are few things as satisfying as fleshing out a fantastic idea. It’s a great creative writing exercise . Many writers use short writing prompts as inspiration for story starters.

What makes a good prompt? It’s relatively simple: a good prompt has a who and a what. You don’t necessarily need a where or when, but they can be included to form a more specific mystery plot.

But what if you can’t think of anything? Here are 65 mystery writing prompts to get you started. Any of these ideas can be turned into a short story or a mystery novel!

Mystery Story Ideas And Mystery Writing Prompts

Mystery story starters.

Below are starters to help you in conceptualizing, imagining, and creating a new mystery story:

The fast-paced city you currently reside in turns out to be moving irregularly one day. People wander around slowly, cashiers swipe items slowly, and cars seem to be slower than your walking pace. Everything slows down except you.
A man visited his best friend’s house, only to find a scrapbook with pictures where his face has been intentionally erased.
A woman has arrived home after work one night, only to noticed that there is not one other light in her apartment building that is on except for hers. Where did the other people go? And who is inside her apartment?
A group of teenagers were looking for an adventure, they end up at an abandoned house; a series of screams followed their entrance.
A man was browsing his emails one night, when a new email pops up saying: “Someone will knock on your door; no matter what it takes, secure the door.”
A person is detained for a crime and believes that they are innocent but their DNA is on the murder weapon and the clothes of the dead body. As a detective, you have to find ways to prove their innocence.
A woman’s grandfather passed away and left his last will. However, on the day before its reading, the attorney was nowhere to be found and has disappeared without a trace.
An 80-year-old woman is convinced that you were her teacher in 1950 and added that you were her favorite. However, you were born in 1994.
A man wakes up and everything feels like deja vu . Is it because of the wrong choice he made the night before?

Historical Story Ideas and writing prompts

The following prompts include mysteries in the ancient world.

As the head archaeologist on the dig, you get the honor of opening up the sarcophagus. What a surprise it is to find a cell phone in a thousand-year-old tomb.
An ancient artifact arrives at the museum you work at. Your mentor is tasked with dating and placing the piece. When you come in the next day, you find your mentor murdered and the artifact missing.
A man who struck it rich in the gold rush suddenly disappears, leaving nothing but a cryptic note.
A sharp-tongued guard and the mayor’s aid team up in WWII Germany and try to find the true killer of the mayor. Plot twist: it’s the guard.
A defense attorney and the high school-aged son of the murder victim team up together to find the murderer, only to realize it’s actually a suicide.
The main character is a mafia member in 1920’s New York who has to get away with murder.
A story set in the 1900’s where the entire police force is complacent in the crime.

mystery writing prompts for mystery stories, mystery writers

Classic Murder Mystery Plot Ideas

A new boy arrives in your small town just in time for something to go terribly wrong at the yearly homecoming parade, resulting in at least one death. As chaos depends on your high school, one has to ask, “Who is responsible?”
A dead body turns up at your apartment. The local police chief of your small town is convinced you are responsible, and he’s determined to find the evidence to arrest you.
A woman is missing and presumed dead. As a private detective, you aren’t limited by the law the same way police officers are. You’re stumped, that is, until the next-door neighbor is killed, and you were the last person to see her alive. Well, besides the murderer.
Even as an experienced detective, you’re still surprised when someone confesses to a murder they’re convinced they committed, mostly because you know they didn’t do it. Or did they?
A relationship ends, and the following day the man is found dead.
A recording of a confession of murder is dropped off at your station. As the head detective, you’re tasked with finding out who the victim is and who the killer is.
A hardboiled PI and a stranded bridesmaid enter the underbelly of society after a mass grave is discovered.
A baker who consistently stumbles into trouble is the main suspect in a murder investigation.
A story starts with, “I was twenty-one when I first met my killer.”
The detective is atoning for murdering a man in his youth.
A murderous hitchhiker must be caught before he strikes again, but it’s the 70’s and everyone hitchhikes.
A housekeeper that is a hoarder finds a decayed body in her home under a pile of things.

Mystical/Magical writing prompts

Your best friend goes missing, and in the chaos that ensues, you find out she’s a practicing witch. Does this have anything to do with her disappearance?
You follow the detective as he solves the murder, only to find out he’s narrating how his own death occurred.
You find a secret door in an abandoned manor you’re exploring. Upon opening it, you step back in time. Who put the door there and why? Why is the house abandoned?
Murder victims keep turning up surrounded by strange symbols. They look like ritual killings but end up being something entirely different.
You buried your sister years ago, yet here she is at your doorstep. Which one was the imposter, and which one is your real sister?
You’re haunted by your lover’s ghost (literally), and you have to find out who killed them.
A haunted house is sold in the suburbs. The protagonist can hear the ghosts, and they’re begging her to solve their murders.
A lost wallet appears in front of you on the sidewalk, and when you pick it up, you’re transported back in time and must solve the missing person’s case before you can return.
A flight vanishes mid-air, lost in another dimension.

General writing prompts

Someone is proposed to. The only problem is, where is their current spouse?
Your best friend stops by to say hi. The only problem is they’ve been missing for the better part of five years. They have no recollection of any missing time at all.
Secret Santa starts off with a bang when the first present is a mangled hand. Unfortunately, as the rest of the presents are unwrapped, the manager’s body emerges, piece by piece.
The family is together for the first time in a decade, all to read grandpa’s will and see who gets what. No one was prepared for the winner to take all approach that grandpa took towards catching his murderer.
A reporter investigating policy corruption disappears.
A house fire and a burglary next door appear unconnected, but a mysterious note implies otherwise.
An heiress is missing and doesn’t want to be found. Is finding her the right thing to do?
A forensic scientist and a babysitter are drawn into a decades-old cold case. Is the killer even alive anymore?
A serial killer that’s never been caught aids in the investigation of a different serial killer.
A manipulative janitor finds a missing child in the basement of the school he works for. How did he get there?
A hardboiled PI with a double identity must keep his secret safe, as he is thrust into the spotlight.
A whodunit story about drug trafficking that starts with a live alligator being thrown through the farmhouse window.
A story where every witness is lying about everything but one fact and when those facts are combined the truth can be found.
A story where the key suspect is a hallucination.
A story where the protagonist is the murder victim.
A story idea where the detective solved the crime but is suffering amnesia.
Evidence arrives at the detective’s door that may reopen a decade-long cold case.
The husband is in denial that his wife is missing at all and keeps trying to give evidence that she’s still around.
A story is set in a prison where the killer is already caught, but no one knows it.
A priest’s dead body is found by his congregation.
A story where the murder scene and mystery are told through a child who doesn’t understand everything.
A story where two characters who are never in the same scene together turn out to be the same person.
The FBI agent is completely incompetent yet somehow stumbles across the truth.
A story where a minor character is actually the killer.
A story where one of the characters has a secret that everyone knows exists but is never revealed.
A story where the protagonist fails, and the killer gets away (for now).
A story that simultaneously takes place in two different timelines.
A story where the protagonist’s main objective is revenge, and he’ll take down anyone who gets in his way, regardless of who they are.
They’re racing the clock to find someone buried alive.
A story where a blue-collar crime spans four decades and two generations.
A story that is non-linear and involves a spy searching for a murder weapon.
A story where the protagonist is a sociopath, but the reader doesn’t know. They may or may not be the actual villain.
A story where the key witness is a compulsive liar.
Write a story that is a retelling of a Shakespearean tragedy.
A journalist is wrongfully accused of murder and thrown in jail. From there, he must find a way to solve the crime and bring the actual murderer to justice.
A story where the serial killer had been put to death a decade ago, but it is now back.
A story where someone overhears something they aren’t supposed to and is kidnapped. The detective has to find them.

Mystery Story Ideas to improve your writing skills

Using These Prompts as Plot Ideas

There is no right or wrong way to use these mystery writing prompts, whether you write them exactly as suggested or you alter them as you see fit.

The purpose isn’t to come up with a perfect piece that follows the prompt exactly, but rather to get your brain flowing so you can write more within the mystery genre.

Depending on the amount of time you have and the length of the piece you decide to write, you can easily work through a prompt a day. Choosing a prompt is as easy or as complicated as you make it. You can randomly choose one, or you can sort through them to find the perfect prompt.

Once you have the right prompt , the length of the story has to be determined. You can write a snippet, a short story , you can write a full-length novel or begin a small series of mystery novels. It’s entirely up to you.

It’s always helpful to have prompts lying around, whether the prompt is from your own mind that you scribbled down or if it was from someone else because prompts help you get the creativity started.

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33 Free Book Report Forms and Templates for Kids

Published: April 11, 2019

Contributor: Annette Breedlove

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more info.

I loved writing book reports growing up. My kids, however, do not share the same sentiment. They love to read books and retell the stories to me, but they have a disconnect when it comes to putting it down on paper. That’s why I love using a free book report template to give them a little extra help.

Fun Book Report Ideas

There are many different ways children can share about a book they read other than writing about it. Check out all of these fun ideas:

Act it out. Young students and even older students may enjoy acting out a story that they read in lieu of writing about it.
Make a 3D diorama . This is a great way for students who like to work with their hands and create visuals.
Draw it out on a poster . For young kids who don’t have strong writing skills yet, drawing out what they read is a great option.
Make a comic book with a free comic book template we have included below.
Oral narration . Narrating back a brief summary of the book they read is another alternative to writing a book report. You can see if your children comprehended what they read or at least got the main points of the story by asking them basic questions about the book.

Types of Book Reports

If you prefer using book reports, they come in a variety of types and styles. You can write plain-Jane ones or get a little more creative, like the comic strip option below for a different way to format a book report. Whichever you choose, having the option to use a book report template can be helpful for kids.

While I enjoy book reports and see their value, I much prefer my kids enjoy reading a lot of books and sharing, over the finer points of proper form. So if we can use a simple book report template to keep them excited about reading and not dread the reports, I call that a win-win.

Mix it up with the different types of book reports that you assign to your children. Keep it fun and engaging and they will want to read more books and tell everyone about what they have read.

Using Book Report Templates

As with anything we print out for school, I like to find cute printables with book report designs and age-appropriate graphics. This is especially for my middle school-aged daughter, who thinks some of the free worksheets I find are too childish.

Using a book report template for 3rd grade might look a little different than what I’d want to use for 7th grade. A pdf book report template for high school students definitely needs to be less kid-friendly and more informative.

There are simple book report templates for beginning writers and more advanced ones. The options are endless when it comes to choosing a book report template for your homeschool children.

Printable Book Report Forms

Whether you are looking for a short book report template or one for high school, book report templates will help students get their thoughts on paper. They will learn to organize their thoughts so that their finished book report project is a success!

Book report templates can encourage all the readers in your homeschool to crank out an organized, thorough book report that they are proud of! Once you select a free template, you can get started. Let your children choose one of their favorite books for their first report as it will help to keep them engaged.

How to Use a Book Report Template

When you are looking for the perfect book report template, keep in mind the age of your child. Some one-page forms are perfect for young children and beginning readers with boxes to draw, lines to write down main characters, setting, the plot, etc.

When you have a high school student needing to write a paper or a book report, you obviously need something more in-depth. A book report template can help them get their ideas on paper well enough to organize thoughts and personal opinions for an essay, or even a research paper.

The key point of using worksheets for book reports is to have an easy way to get thoughts on paper. A book report template can help your student stay organized so they are able to draft a well-written paper. These types of graphic organizers make book reports a breeze!

What’s included in a book report?

A good book report will consist of the book title, author’s name, main idea, main theme, plot points and important details.
It will explain the narrative and setting, and cover the main elements of the story as well as describe important characters of the book.
You’ll also want to include details on the time period, major conflicts and the book details, or rather a plot summary of the book.
Don’t forget to include unusual facts and key elements that stand out.

Character Description

Besides adding basic details about the key characters in the book, it’s a good idea to include character details. You will want to include details such as; appearance, interests, and list out some adjectives that describe characters on the book report form .

Analyze what your character looks like so the reader of the book report gets a vivid description of the character. What color is their hair and skin? What is their clothing style like? Do they have a best friend or an animal that is constantly with them?

Is the character an animal? If so, what type of animal are they and what do they look like?

Character Development

Characters develop on in the story as you read about them. Make sure to make note of positive and negative character traits and how those change throughout the plot. Is there a hidden message or reason why the character is behaving the way that they are?

Make notes of how your character has changed and why you think they changed and the reasons for the actions that they took. You can take it a step further and explain how their actions either harmed or helped the story to move along.

Printable Book Report Templates and Forms

If you want a book report template quickly, simply scroll to the bottom of this post to download ours FREE.

DIY Book Report Kit {works with ANY book} This printable book report template is more like a graphic organizer , in my opinion. You can print several different template pages to organize different aspects of the book so you can create a great book report.

Free Book Report Template for Elementary Students Get your 1st -4th graders writing book reports with ease with these pdf book report pages.

Book Review Templates This cute pack of 5 different book report template pages would be perfect for early learners who know how to write .

Printable Book Report Form I like this simple book report template that’s perfect for a new reader. The free printable book report template is organized and will prompt your kids to be creative.

Elementary Book Reports Made Easy An easy one-page pdf download of a book report worksheet that would be good for elementary students.

Printable Book Report Forms (Non-Fiction, Fiction, Biography, Mystery & Fable) You have lots of different options for book report templates. Whether or not you need a book report form for a biography, non-fiction resource , or even a fable, there are several different pdf templates to choose from. There are also multiple book report poster forms for those kids who prefer to draw.

7 Different Versions of Book Report – If you are looking for different versions for different age levels or grades then these reports are worth reviewing.

Easy Book Report – This features an easy form for younger students as well as outline form for older students.

Book Report Templates for Younger Students

There are different styles of book report templates that you will want to focus on for younger students. A book report template that you use with your middle school aged child will be too difficult for beginning writers.

You will want to look for a book report format with dashed lines, boxes to draw a picture in, and more.

My Book Report Worksheets These book report worksheets are suitable for children in kindergarten or first grade.

Comic Strip Book Reports If you have a reluctant writer , or a comic book lover, these free printable comic strip book report templates will likely make a book report less dreaded!

Reading Logs and Bookmarks

Reading Log and Book Report Templates If you are on the hunt for cute reading log printables, these are perfect for elementary students. There are a few different templates that offer options to rate the book and write a review. Using a creative book report template like this might take the sting out of writing book reports for reluctant writers.

Free Reading Log and Book Report Forms My Joy-Filled Life has a 2-page book report template and a printable reading log that you can slip into your homeschool binder .

Free Reading Logs, Bookmarks and Charts – Encourage your readers with fun and colorful bookmarks and charts that they can use to track their reading time as well as the books they have read. Free Instant Download included!

Book Report Template

Book reports don’t have to be boring or something that your children dread. They may be overwhelmed because it is a new thing that they have never done before and may need just a little guidance to get started.

Our FREE DIY Book Report template pack includes four pages of graphic organizers, question prompts, illustration boxes, and more. It is a great start to guiding your children on how to write a book report in a non-threatening way.

You can download it for free in our subscriber library .

In Conclusion

The body of the book report should include the title, the author of the book, characters, setting, major conflicts, direct quotes, and plot. The conclusion can include a personal opinion. Book reports are a fun way to develop critical thinking skills and teach students how to gather information to format into a writing assignment.

Annette Breedlove

Annette has been married to her husband and best friend since 2003. Together they are raising their six children to follow the Lord’s will, no matter what. Annette longs for the day when she will meet her angel babies who have entered heaven before her. She enjoys creating UNIT STUDIES and FREE PRINTABLES for homeschool families. You can follow her crazy life at In All You Do where she blogs about homeschooling, homemaking and marriage while trying to maintain her sanity. She is also the owner of Thrifty Homeschoolers where she shares her tips on homeschooling without breaking the bank.

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Home / Book Writing / Mystery Writing Prompts: 35+ Ideas to Get You Started

Mystery Writing Prompts: 35+ Ideas to Get You Started

From classic whodunits and cozy capers to hard-boiled crime novels and police procedurals, there's a lot of fun to be had in the mystery genre. Being able to give the reader the thrill of uncovering a mystery along with the protagonist is a special talent. And it all starts with the idea. So keep reading for special tips and a list of mystery writing prompts.

What makes a good mystery?
Examples of great mysteries to read.
Mystery story ideas.

The Crime is the Thing
Plot-Driven but Character-Supported
Only Tell the Reader What They Need to Know
Red Herrings Abound
Increase the Stakes
Write What You'd Like to Read
Great Mysteries to Read (Or Re-Read)
Cozy Mystery Writing Prompts
Crime Mystery Writing Ideas
Mystery Thriller Writing Prompts
Random Mystery Writing Prompts
Getting Your Mystery Book in Front of the Right Readers

Ingredients for a Good Mystery

There are certain commonalities among mystery novels or short stories . And while you want to avoid doing a cookie-cutter version of another story, you will want to ensure certain tropes and story beats are present in your tale. Just make them your own!

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Whether you're a discovery writer or someone who likes to plot everything out, it's essential to have some idea about the crime. Every mystery needs a crime as a catalyst for the story . And to avoid a lot of false starts or dead ends, it's good to know the who (the culprit/antagonist), and the why. With these two factors in mind, you can fill in the other things as you go along. Or “discover” them, as some like to say.

Mysteries are known as plot-driven stories, but that doesn't mean you can have static or flat characters . Your protagonist, whether a hard-edged detective or a golden-years grandma, needs to be likable, complex, and imperfect. You’ll notice that many protagonists in mystery fiction are a bit of a mess. But they still have redeeming qualities that are usually apparent early in the story . This helps the reader get invested in the story.

Of course, we can’t forget about the bad guy (or gal). The antagonist should also be complex and possess a clear reason for committing the crime (even if that reason is unfathomable, as is the case with serial killers).

Mystery readers like to put the pieces of the puzzle together as the story progresses. Even if there's no way for them to figure out who did it or why until the climax, they'll try anyway. So the last thing you want is to give the reader too much information too fast. If the clues are too obvious, the reader may be disappointed. And that's the last thing a mystery author should want!

A red herring, otherwise known as a false clue or a bit of misdirection, is an essential element of any mystery. Don't be afraid to point the finger at other characters in the story before the protagonist finds out who really did it. This is to be expected, and it's the bread and butter of many a mystery novel.

Any well-written popular fiction book will consist of increasing and easing tension . And mystery stories are no different. As the protagonist gets closer and closer to solving the mystery, in fits and starts, the stakes should get continually higher. Much of the time, the stakes are life or death, but not always. As long as they increase to the point of ultimate danger at the climax, you should be good.

And, perhaps the single best writing tip anyone can heed: write the story you'd like to read . As an avid mystery reader, you will instinctively have a feel for a good mystery. You can refine and perfect it when you edit. But if you write a story that excites you, chances are a lot of other readers will feel the same!

To write a first-rate mystery, you have to have read many mysteries, both good and bad. The good so you know what to do, the bad so you know what not to do. Fortunately, the good will most likely outnumber the bad. And the recommendations below are all good.

Anything by Agatha Christie
Any Sherlock Holmes story
Gone Girl , Gillian Flynn
The Big Sleep , Raymond Chandler
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo , Stieg Larsson
The Thin Man , Dashiell Hammett
The Girl on the Train , Paula Hawkins

Mystery Writing Prompts

There are a lot of sub-genres under the mystery umbrella, so I've split the following creative writing prompts into sections. Use them as story starters or simply for inspiration. Make them your own or use them as-is. And remember: the more you write, the more inspiration will come to you.

Cozy mysteries are lighthearted in both tone and description. Although usually having to deal with murder, these stories focus more on the quirky characters than the brutal crime. And usually, the murder victim is a bit of a stinker (so the audience doesn’t feel too bad about their death).

1. A local baker is found murdered in her home just as the town baking contest approaches. All signs point to her arch-rival, old Mr. Dillard. But did he really do it? It falls to Mr. Dillard's understudy to find out.

2. The irate butcher in a small town winds up dead from a heart attack. But as life goes on and cuts of his meat sell, town citizens discover clues in their dinners. And it quickly becomes apparent that the butcher was murdered – and he left clues leading to the culprit.

3. Sue and John's marriage is on the rocks. They just don't have the spark anymore. But when they're thrust into the middle of a murder mystery, they soon find that their love is stronger than ever.

4. While taking a long ferry ride from the mainland to their hometown on an island, a small group discovers the body of a crotchety old man dead in the engine room. One of the people on the ferry did the deed, but which one?

5. A woman goes chasing after her dog one night, only to literally stumble across a stranger's dead body in a ditch. Afraid she'll be implicated in the crime, she must solve it before the bumbling local police get involved. Luckily, her dog is a bit of a sleuth.

6. When a man comes home to his small town for a reunion, he has a bit too much to drink. He wakes up to find a gun on his person, but he has no idea where it came from. Turns out, it's a murder weapon, and the victim is none other than his old rival.

7. When a snowstorm strands a group of strangers in a ski chalet, one of the guests ends up dead. Most everyone (but the main character) denies knowing the murder victim, but it quickly becomes clear that all the guests know each other in one way or another.

8. A lowly zoo janitor must solve a murder with the help of the zoo animals when her terrible boss turns up dead in the gorilla cage.

9. The quirky characters attending an office party suddenly become murder suspects when the company president turns up dead.

10. When the town psychiatrist turns up dead, everyone is a suspect. The psychiatrist knew everyone's deepest secrets, and it turns out she was using them for nefarious purposes.

Gritty crime novels don't skimp on the gory details. They often feature a deeply flawed detective who's just holding on by a thread. But they can also feature ordinary characters who find themselves in extraordinary situations. Use the following plot ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

11. A detective nearing the end of his career starts receiving strange texts. He soon learns that the texts reference murders that are happening around the city. He must rally to catch the murderer.

12. A young woman enlists the help of a brand new detective to solve her sister's disappearance. But they soon find that there's much more happening than one girl's abduction.

13. A kid sneaking into an abandoned building to sleep for the night stumbles on a murder scene. He sees a man shoot the victim. The murderer sees his face and chases him, but the kid gets away. The only problem is, the kid saw a badge on the murderer's belt. He's a cop.

14. A new crime lord is moving into the city. He's ruthless and not afraid to go after cops. But there's one cop who won't look the other way.

15. When a serial killer starts targeting teachers at the local college, a campus police officer must move fast to find the killer.

16. Everyone suspects the young man of killing his father at sea for the inheritance money, but no one can prove it. No one but your main character – the suspect's own brother.

17. Part of the murder was caught on social media, but the murderer was wearing a mask. It's up to one new officer to solve the case.

18. A teenage girl is kidnapped, but there's no ransom note. The girl herself calls and tells the police to leave her alone. But her parents are a mess and the detective promises he'll get the girl back.

19. A newly married woman finds clues suggesting her husband isn't at all who he says he is. As she searches for the truth, she finds there's a massive criminal conspiracy at play.

20. After finding a bunch of tapes at a garage sale, one young woman sees some startling images in one of the videos. She must track down where the tapes came from so justice can be done.

Mystery/thriller stories have steadily been among the most popular out there. But this subgenre isn't always about unraveling the mystery. Much of the time, the reader already knows who the antagonist is. The suspense comes from wondering whether the main character will prevail in the end. If you enjoy thrillers, choose a creative writing prompt below and see where it takes you.

21. A retired black-ops special operator finds that his friends keep turning up dead. And at each murder scene, there are clues that point to top-secret missions only a handful of people could possibly know about.

22. While staying at an exclusive resort in the South Pacific, your main character stumbles upon a human trafficking operation. She tries to go to the police, but they're on the take. It's up to her to bring the bad guys down.

23. Your protagonist starts seeing a half-familiar face around town. But every time he looks closer, the person is gone without a trace. The problem is, your protagonist has a murky past. And the face he keeps seeing belongs to someone he killed many years ago.

24. A drifter catches a ride on a bus, headed nowhere in particular. But when he hears half of a phone conversation from the woman behind him, he can't help but try and help her out of her predicament. The thing is, she doesn't want his help. And the half of the conversation he heard is far from the whole story.

25. People are spontaneously combusting in one detective's city. But a killer soon starts taking credit for the strange deaths. The detective and an arson investigator must team up to get to the bottom of the mystery.

26. An ex-soldier comes home to find his sister in deep with a local drug dealer. When he tries to get the dealer off his sister's back, he accidentally kills the guy. Pretty soon, he's wanted by the police and the drug organization. And he has to find a way to make things right.

27. An undercover narcotics officer finds himself in the middle of a conspiracy to kill a high-ranking state politician. The only problem is, they're holding his girlfriend hostage to make him do what they want.

28. With his dying breath, an old man admits that he's not your main character's father. This sends the protagonist on a journey to find out where she really comes from. And the truth is stranger than she ever could've thought.

29. The story opens with a SWAT team breaking through the windows and arresting your protagonist. They've found his DNA all over a murdered CEO's body. But your protagonist has never met the CEO in his life. He must break out of jail and uncover the truth.

30. When involved in a minor fender-bender, your protagonist gets out of the car and finds that the other driver is dying. He says he's been poisoned and whispers the name of the person who did it just before he dies.

Here's a mix of historical, science fiction, and even horror mystery writing prompts to use for your creative writing exercises. Whether you're writing a short story or drafting a novel, it all starts with an idea and a word on the page!

31. A serial killer is using the cover of the German invasion of France to kill people. It's up to one detective to find the murderer – while also being involved in the resistance movement.

32. Using special deepfake technology, one killer beats the cameras in the futuristic society to commit his – or her – murders.

33. A dark underground society preys on those in poverty-stricken areas, recruiting and tricking people to use as human sacrifices. When a found-again Christian learns about this, he knows he must stop it, but he's unsure of how far he should go to face such evil.

34. Navigating the South during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, one detective must bring to justice the Klansmen who are responsible for several deaths. But given the protection these men get from those in their close-knit community, it will be much harder than he ever expected.

35. A woman survives a car accident that kills her partner. She blames herself until she starts having strange dreams that suggest something much more sinister is at play.

There's no better way to increase your writing skill than by practicing with story prompts. But what about when you're ready to put your finished book out into the world? You'll need to bring several factors together to give your mystery novel the best chance of success. These factors include cover design, categories, keywords, and marketing.

The problem is, getting these things right can be difficult and time-consuming. That's why we made Publisher Rocket . This self-publishing tool can help you bring all the factors mentioned above together to help your book succeed. It does this by pulling and aggregating information directly from Amazon. You can do it all manually, but it takes hours and hours. With Publisher Rocket, you can do it in minutes.

See the book covers of the top-selling books in various mystery categories. You can use the similarities to inform your designer about what you want.
Decide on the right categories with the category search function. It can help you find the sweet spot with categories that have high demand but low or medium competition.
You need to put 7 keywords in your book's metadata on Amazon. Publisher Rocket can help you decide which keywords are best.
Using the AMS Keyword search, you can get a list of appropriate keywords to use in your Amazon Ads campaigns, which help you get visibility and sales.

Check out Publisher Rocket here to learn more!

Looking for more prompts? We've got more to choose from:

Horror Writing Prompts
Romance Writing Prompts
Children’s Book Ideas

Better Keywords & Categories Fast

See why over 47,000+ authors and publishing companies use and love Rocket to help them sell more books.

Jason Hamilton

When I’m not sipping tea with princesses or lightsaber dueling with little Jedi, I’m a book marketing nut. Having consulted multiple publishing companies and NYT best-selling authors, I created Kindlepreneur to help authors sell more books. I’ve even been called “The Kindlepreneur” by Amazon publicly, and I’m here to help you with your author journey.

Top 8 best scrivener alternatives for writers (+ the only one that matters), scrivener vs. ulysses: which writing tool should you buy, scrivener coupons and discount codes (updated for 2024), sell more books on amazon, amazon kindle rankings e-book.

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42 Creative Book Report Ideas for Students

Inspire your students at share the dear von books.

Responding until get you read will an important literacy skill. Reading about misc people’s experiences and perspectives helped kids learn about the world. Press although pupils don’t need to dive deeply in every single book they read, occasionally digging into characters, settings, and general may help them hear to look beyond one fiction. Here are 42 creative book report ideas designed to make reading more meaningful.

1. Concrete Found Poem

A student sample are a concrete found poetry

This clever activity lives basically one shape poetry made upwards of words, sets, and whole sentences found in the books students read. The words come together up create an image that represents something away the story.

2. Graphic Novel

Have students rewrite the book they are reading, or a chapter regarding their book, as a graphic novel. Set parameters required the assignment such more in six scenes from the company, three characters, details about the setting, etc. And, of path, include detailed illustrations to follow the historical.

3. Book Camera

A imagine of a piece of text with comments and visualized added as commentary as an example about creative reserve report ideas

Book Snaps are a way for students to visually show how they are reacting until, processing, and/or connecting with a text. First, graduate snap a picture of one page include the book they are reading. Then, they add comments, images, highlights, and more.

4. Diary Entry

Have your students place themselves in to shoes of one of aforementioned characters from their book and write a first-person diary eintragung by a kritischer time from and story. Ask them to choose a moment in the story where that character has plenty of interaction press emotion to share in a diary entry.

5. Character To-Do List

ADENINE hand written character to do list

This fun activity is an off-the-beaten-path way to dive deep into character analysis. Get inside the head of the mains character in a book plus write a to-do list that they might write. Use actual information von one text, but also construct inferences into what that character may wish to accomplish. Results 1 - 24 of 49+ ... Mystery book report worksheets. Preview of Books Reports for 7 Book Books + Project Finding for Fiction ...

6. Mint Tin Book News

ADENINE mint tin is converted to a how report with an illustration on the inside lid or show telling around different accessories of an book inside in an example of creative book report ideas

There are consequently many super-creative, open-ended projects you can use mint tins for. This teacher blogger descriptions which process a creating book reports employing them. There’s round adenine clear template for cards that fit inside.

7. Fictional Yearbook Entries

Query your students to created a yearbook based on the characters and setting into the book. Which do they seem same? Cut out magazine pictures till give a good visual image for their secondary painting. What kind of superlative might they get? Best looking? Sort clown? What clubs would they be in oder lead? Did they gain any price? It should be obvious from their small yearbooks whether their students dug deep into the characters in their my. They may also learn that which we are as individuals is reflected in thing we choose for do with our lives.

8. Book Message Cake

This plan would be perfecting for a book food in your classroom! Each current presents their book report in the shapes of dining. See the sandwich and order options above and check out this blog for more delicious ideas.

9. Current Tour Comparison

Have current locate threes to five current events articles a chart in their book might be show in. After they’ve found the item, have them explain why the character would find them interesting or how they relating to the book. Learning via how current events affect time, place, and population is critical to helping develop opinions about what we read or experience in life. 42 Amazingly Creative Book Reports

10. Sandwich Book Report

A book report made from different covers for paper assembled to look like a sandwich as an example of creative record news ideas

Yum! You’ll notice a lot of our creative book report idea revolve around food. Stylish this oldie however goodie, each layer of this publication report sandwich covers a differently field of the book—characters, setting, conflict, etc. A fun adaptation of such project is the book report chese.

11. Book Alphabet

Choose 15 to 20 alphabet books up help give your students examples of how they work around themes. Then ask own students to create their own Book Alphabet based on the book they read. What artifacts, vocabulary words, and names reflect aforementioned important parts from the buy? After they find a phrase the represent each zuschriften, have them write one sentence that explains where the word fits in. As I passion to reader and need many fond memories of books from childhood, it makes sense that read-aloud time was one of my favorite things in the classroom.

12. Peekaboo Book Report

A tri-fold science board decorated with ampere custom head and hands spy over the top with different pages about of book added

Using cardboard lap books (or short science report boards), collegiate include details about their book’s main characters, plots, setting, conflict, resolution, etc. Then they draw a head or arms on card stock and attach themselves to the board starting behind to make this look like the main drawing is peeking over the report. Order in a Pockets Project- this is an alternative way to have students complete a book report. Simple directions on are in this post.

13. T-Shirt Book Report

A child wears one t-shirt decorated for a book report as an example of create book report ideas

Further fun and creative idea: Create a carrying book report with ampere plain white tee. Come up with respective ownership using Sharpie stick and acrylic ink. Get step-by-step directions .

14. Novel Jacket

Possess students create ampere new booking jacket for the story. Include an attractive illustrated cover, ampere summary, a short biography of the author, both a few reviews from readers.

15. Watercolor Rainbow Book Report

This can great for biography research projects. Students crop out a xeroxed image of to subject and gluing it in the middle. Then, them draw linens from an image to the edges away the paper, like rays of sunshine, and fill in each kapitel with information about the person. As a book report template, the center image could being a copy is the book cover, and each section expands on key information such as character names, theme(s), conflict, resolution, etc.

16. Doing the Part

Have students dress up because own favorite character from the book and presenting an oral book write. If their favored character is not the main font, retells the story from their point of view. Book Reports For Your Classroom — TeachingIdeas4U

17. Pizza Box Book Reporting

A pizza box decorated at a get cover and an cardboard pizza with book story details as an example of creative book how ideas

If you’re looking for create book report ideas that getting upcycled raw, try this neat using a pizza box. It works well for both nonfiction and fiction book reports. Of top lid provides a picture of the book cover. Each wedge of the pizza pie tells part of the story.

18. Bookmark

Have students create an custom illustrated bookmarker that includes drawings real speech by either their popular chapter instead the entire book.

19. Novel Reports in a Bags

ADENINE grouping of students pose with their paper bag how reports

Seeking for book report ideas that really encourage creative thinking? Through book reports in one pocket, students learn a book and write a summary. Then, they decorate a paper grocery catch with a scene from the register, place five items that represent something from aforementioned book inside the bag, and introduce the catch to the classes.

20. Want Browse by Characters

Get your students to think about a chars in their book. What kinds of books might that quality like to show? Take you to and community to choose five books that character might have on yours to-be-read list. Have them list the books and explain what each book kann mean to one character. Position the to-be-read lists for others to see and decide from—there’s nothing like hard out adenine book character’s style for engineering your own my.

21. File Choose Book Report

A manilla file folder decorated over features concerning a book report as an example of creative show report ideas

Also called a lap book, all easy-to-make book report hits on all the major elements of a book study and gives students a chance to showing what they know in a colorful way.

22. Collage

Generate a colli using pictures and talk that represent different parts of aforementioned book. Use old newspapers or print see from which Internet.

23. Book Report Triorama

A pyradimal shaped 3D books show with illustrations and words written on all sides

Who doesn’t love a multidimensional book report? This pic shows a 3D model, but Elisha Ann provides a lesson to show students wie to glue four triangles shared to make a 4D model.

Have students creation a timeline of the main company from their book. Be sure in include sign your press details for each event. Exercise 8 x 11 sheets of paper taped together or a long portion of bulletin board paper. Oct 11, 2016 - Explore Amy Robinson's house "mystery book project", follows from 114 people on Pinterest. See more ideas about book projects, teaching reading, reading writing.

25. Clothes Suspender Book Report Cellular

A little stands next to a book report movable made from a wire hanger and index cards as an case of creative book report ideas

This creative project doesn’t necessitate a fancy or expensive supply list. Students just need a ordinary clothes clinger, play, and paper. Aforementioned body of the hanger is used to identify the novel, and the card on the strings dangling below are filled with key elements away the book, like characters, setting, and a summary. Not Your Grandma's Book Story

26. Public Service Public

If a student is read a booking about a cause that fakes people, live, or the environment, education them about public service announcements . Once her understand what a PSA is, have them research aforementioned editions or cause that stood out in which book. Then give them a template for a storyboard so they can create their personalized PSA. Some students might want to take he an step further also create a film supported on their storyboard. Consider sharing their storyboard otherwise video with an organization the supports the cause or issue.

27. Dodecahedron How Report

A dodecahedrom 3D sphere manufactured into a book report

Creative book report your think outside the box. In here case, it’s a ball! SO much information can be covered on the 12 panels , and it allows students to take a deep dive stylish a inventive type.

28. Character Cards

Makes trade karten (like balls cards) fork a couple characters from the book. About the front side, draw the character. About the back side, make an list a theirs drawing characteristics or inclusion ampere quote or two. Check outwards this record of mystery books for 3rd graders with lexile numbers to help you find books near your child's reading water.

29. Book Report Volumes

A book crafted from folded grocery bags is this template for adenine student book report as an example of creative book report ideas

This skillful book report the made from common paper bags. Stack who custom bags on pinnacle of each extra, fold them in half, and staple that closed-off endpoints of this bags together. Students can write, draw, and decorate on the paper bag pages. They can also record information upon writing or drawing paper and glue the paper onto the pages. The open ends of the bags can be used because pockets to insert photos, cut-outs, postcards, or other flat items that aid them tell their story. r/writing on Reddit: Resources to create charts, autopsy reports, etc for mystery stories

30. Letter to that Writer

Write a letter at the author of the book. Tell yours three things you really admired about the story. Ask three questions about the plot, characters, or anywhere els you’re curiosity about.

31. Book Tell Charm Bracelet

A decorated paper hand with paper charms hanging off the it

What a “charming” way in write a book report! Each illustrated bracelet delight captures a character, any event in the plot, setting, or other detail.

32. Fact Shelf

Have academics create a list of 10 facts that they learned from reading the book. Have them write the facts for finish sentences, and be sure that each actual is something that she didn’t see before they read and book.

33. Cereal Case TV Book Record

ONE book report made from cardboard made to resemble a tv set as an sample of creative book report ideas

Which publication report project is a low-tech version from a television made since a cereal box and two paper towel rolls. Students create the viewing screen cut-out at the top, then insert a scroll of paper with writing and illustrations inside the box. When the cardboard roll is spun, the story unfolds. Book report ideas

34. Be a Character Therapist

Therapists work until uncovered their clients’ fears based on their language and actions. When we go books, we must how the apply a character’s actions and dialogue to infer their fears. Many plots revolution around a character’s fear and the function it takes to overcome that angst. Ask scholars to identify a character’s apprehension and find 8 at 10 scenes that provide this fear exists. Subsequently have them write about ways the character beat the fear (or didn’t) in the story. Whatever magie the character have through differently?

35. Mind Plans

Mind maps can be a great ways to synthesize what students have learned from reader a book. Plus, there are so many ways to approach them. Begin to writing a central idea in the middle of the page. On example, general informations, characters, plot, etc. Then branch out free the center with ideas, opinions, and connections to material from the register.

36. Foldables

A booking report made from a hard wallpaper and attached flaps as an example of creative book report ideas

From Rainbows Within Reach , this clever idea would be a wonderful introduction to writing post reports. Adapt an valve categories for students at different levels. Adjust the number out categories (or flaps) per the needs of your students.

37. Board games

This is adenine great project if you want your students to develop a little more insight into what they’re reading. Have them think about aforementioned units on their favorite flight games and how they can being adapted to fit this assignment. For more, here are step-by-step directions .

38. Comic strips

A boy stands holding a comic strip book report as and example of creative get report ideas

If you’re looking used creative book report ideas for collegiate anybody like graphic romances, try comic strips. Include an illustrated cover with the title and author. The pages of the book require retell an story using dialogue and accounts of the setting also characters. Of course, no comic order become be complete without copious illustrations plus thought bubbles.

39. Timeline

Generate a timeline using a long roll von butcher paper, a promotional board, or topical postcards taped together. For apiece event up the timeline, write a brief description of thing happens. Add pictures, clip art, phrase art, and symbols to make who timeline more lively and colorful. I am one first grade teacher. MYSELF hold a amazing crowd of first graders who are creatives and strong book. This is the first time I want to give out monthly book reports. Shall anytime have ideas for creative, nope thus ordinary books reports/projects? Thanks! Amy first grade teacher

40. Cereal Box

Recycle a cereal cabinet furthermore create a book report Wheaties-style. Decorate all sides of the box with information info the book’s characters, setting, plats, summary, etc. Results 1 - 24 of 270+ ... Genre Book Report "Case File" Project, Rubric, Student Pages+. Built by. Amy Mezni - Learning Concepts 4u. Mystery Gender Case File Book ...

41. Searched Bill

Make a “wanted” poster for one of the book’s main letters. Indicate whether they are wanted death or alive. Include one picture to the character and adenine description of what the character is “wanted” for, triplet examples of the sign showing this trait, and a detailed customer of where the character was last seen.

42. Movie Version

If aforementioned novel your collegiate have read has been made into a movie, have she write adenine report about select of versions are alike and differently. If the book has not been made into a movie, have their write a report telling methods they would make it into a movie, using specify details from the books.

What creative book report ideas did we miss? Come percentage in our Wealth Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

Plus, get out the most popular kids’ books in every grade..

Book reports don't have to be boring. Help your students make the books come alive with such 42 creative book report theories.

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How to Set Up A Mystery Book Club

Nicole Froio

Nicole Froio is a Brazilian journalist currently based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She writes about feminism, human rights, politics, mental health issues, pop culture, books and the media. She was born in São Paulo but moved a lot as a kid, which hinders her ability to root down in only one place in adulthood. Her favorite genres of book are fantasy, YA fiction, romance and any book that requires the main character to find themselves. An avid intersectional feminist, her tolerance for bigotry is extremely low. Blog: Words by Nicole Froio Twitter: @NicoleFroio

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Are you the kind of person who loves mystery books? Are you the kind of person who needs to gush about and discuss a mystery book as soon as you’re done reading it? Do you wish you could discuss the details of the mysteries you read with a group of like-minded people? Have no fear, I got you covered. This post will go through the basics of setting up a book club that is specific for mystery book readers. I will go through how to prepare the basics for a mystery book club and some ideas for discussion points and themed evenings!

Setting up a book club doesn’t have to be as daunting as it sounds—and a mystery book club is no different. The first step is to decide if it’s going to be a physical, in real life club that meets periodically, or an online book club, that could meet through Skype or Google Hangouts (or not). Rioters before me have written awesome guides on how to do this, so I definitely recommend you check the next two links out: How to Start a Book Club that Doesn’t Suck by Rebecca Renner, and A Book Riot Guide to Setting Up Your Own Online Book Club by CP Hoffman. Just apply what these wise people have written to your own mystery book club.

Either way, you need to figure out how things will be decided: will there be one leader or will you vote on the book the group wants to read democratically? You could also have a key group of four to five people that decides on things. It’s up to you and your group to figure out what works best for you.

The second step is to start making decisions. Ask everyone the following questions:

These are just the logistics of setting up the foundation of your mystery book club. Now, let’s get into the specifics of mystery book clubs and how you can tailor your group in fun, crafty ways.

Themes and Lists You Can Use as Guides

Are you stumped as to how begin a good discussion or how to pick the best books? This could be a hard thing to do, but I can help you. Firstly, these book lists will give you a ton of ideas of what you could read first:

It’s always nice to have themes to guide you every time your mystery book club meets though. Here are some ideas to kick-start your book-choosing process:

These are just a few themes to get you started—please don’t feel attached to these in any way. Depending on what your group wants to do, it could be that you want to branch out (maybe into the supernatural genre? Or focus more on thrillers rather than strictly mystery?) or not have themes at all and just read what you want to read. That’s also fine—I just know that for me, sometimes themes can help me have a structure so I’m not overwhelmed about coming up with ideas all the time.

Discussion Questions to Get You Started

The secret to a good mystery book club is the quality of the discussion about the book you read that month (or week, depending on how often you meet). If the discussion isn’t good, then you might as well just read your cozy mystery novel alone.

So how do you get the ball rolling? I think the secret is in the discussion questions, they can make or break a conversation. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Again, these are just a few points to get you started. When you read a mystery book, think about what questions it raises and what you would like to discuss more thoroughly—and write them down. This will be so helpful when coming up with a structure for a discussion.

That’s all I’ve got for you today—if you have experience setting up a mystery book club and have any other advice I might have missed, please comment below.

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Best Mystery/Thriller Book Review Blogs in 2024

Showing 128 blogs that match your search.

HEA Novel Thoughts

http://heanovelthoughts.com/

Single mom who loves love along with love and murder, and is committed to sharing with you the best Kindle Unlimited Romance Novels.

Blogger : Joy

Genres : Mystery/Thriller

🌐 Domain authority: 16

👀 Average monthly visits: 2,000 p/mo

💌 Preferred contact method: Email

⭐️ Accepts indie books? Yes

Lovely Loveday

https://lovelyloveday.com/

Lovely Loveday was created because of a love for books. I love to share my thoughts on books I have read and authors I have discovered along the way in hopes that others will enjoy reading as much as I do. I enjoy reading any genre both indie and traditional books.

Blogger : Lovely Loveday

🌐 Domain authority: 26

👀 Average monthly visits: 50,000 p/mo

💌 Preferred contact method: Website contact form

Jen Meds Book Review

http://www.jenmedsbookreviews.com/

I try to review everything I read, although I have a policy not to review Allthing that I feel to be below a 3 star rating on the book review blog. I truly believe that even though it may not be to my taste, every book has its audience, even if it is not me.

Blogger : Jen Med

🌐 Domain authority: 21

👀 Average monthly visits: 3,000 p/mo

https://booksirl.com/

books irl is committed to highlighting and celebrating various diverse characters, stories, and authors.

Blogger : Alex

🌐 Domain authority: 1

👀 Average monthly visits: 100 p/mo

The Reading Chick

https://thereadingchick.com

I try to only read books that I want to read. If your synopsis doesn't appeal to me, it would be better for you if I take a pass.

Blogger : Deborah

🌐 Domain authority: 18

👀 Average monthly visits: 5,000 p/mo

💌 Preferred contact method: Mail

Midwest Book Review

http://www.midwestbookreview.com/index.html

Established in 1976, the Midwest Book Review is an organization committed to promoting literacy, library usage, and small press publishing.ÊWe post our reviews on the Internet with a number of thematically appropriate web sites, databases, and online discussion groups such as alt.books.reviews. Print books are reviewed free of charge. However, there is a charge of a $50 "Reader Fee" for reviewing ebooks, galleys, pre-publication manuscripts, uncorrected proofs, ARCS and .pdf files

Blogger : James A. Cox

🌐 Domain authority: 48

👀 Average monthly visits: 6,000 p/mo

Murder, Mayhem & More

https://murdermayhemandmore.wordpress.com/

We'll consider all kinds of crime fiction for review; if we don't have time to fit your book into our schedule then we'll happily help pass the word through our new-book round-up and social media feeds. We also feature interviews, extracts and giveaways.

Blogger : Rowena

🌐 Domain authority: 25

👀 Average monthly visits: 4,250 p/mo

💌 Preferred contact method: Social media

Armed with A Book

https://armedwithabook.com/

Hi, I am Kriti and I write at Armed with A Book. I am an avid reader and I view all my interactions with authors about their books as a relationship. I have much to learn from you and your stories and hope that I will be able to get across the message you are conveying with your work. Please review my ‘Work with Me’ page for more information.

Blogger : Kriti Khare

👀 Average monthly visits: 2,500 p/mo

The Kindle Book Review

https://www.thekindlebookreview.net/

We are a book review and promotion site but we NEVER charge for reviews. There other other sites that have tried to imitate us. We are The Kindle Book Review dot Net. We've reviewed over 1,750 books on Amazon since 2009. We promote quality ebooks and authors, post author resources, and we've sponsored the annual "Kindle Book Awards" since 2012 with industry pros like Digital Book Today, K-Boards, Author Marketing Club, Bargain Booksy, and others.

Blogger : Amber & Team

🌐 Domain authority: 38

👀 Average monthly visits: 7,000 p/mo

http://www.nishitak.com/

If you are an author/publisher/publicist/other who wants to promote books on my blog, read on: I accept all kinds of books for review, except for Non-Fiction (unless it is health/fitness related). Once I receive the book, it can take me up to 2 months to review it depending on my TBR list. If your book is a part of a book tour or you want a review published at a specific time, please state it up-front.

Blogger : Nishi K Kat

🌐 Domain authority: 31

Readaraptor

http://www.readaraptor.co.uk/

Hi there! I'm Raimy and I would love any opportunity to review books from authors or publishers. I am happy to post my review both on my blog and at Amazon and/or Goodreads. However, I can only promise posts at the separate sites if requested.

Blogger : Raimy

🌐 Domain authority: 32

⭐️ Accepts indie books? No

I've Read This

https://ivereadthis.com/

I worked in the Canadian publishing industry for 7 years, and loved every minute of it. Now I write book reviews for various publications, and I'm the books columnist for CBC Calgary's Homestretch. I'm the Past President of the Writers' Guild of Alberta Board of Directors and I host various literary events around the city. The majority of the books I review on this blog have been sent to me from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, and all opinions are my own.

Blogger : Anne Logan

🌐 Domain authority: 23

Fueled By Chapters

https://fueledbychapters.com/

Fueled By Chapters mainly features reviews and discussions about books, lifestyle, and other pop-culture topics.

Blogger : Inah

🌐 Domain authority: 3

👀 Average monthly visits: 1,600 p/mo

The Bibliofile

https://the-bibliofile.com

The Bibliofile is a book blog. I mostly review new releases, bestsellers, literary fiction, mysteries, and popular non-fiction. You can also get updates on bookish news and find other book-related content.

Blogger : Jennifer

🌐 Domain authority: 30

Fictionophile

https://fictionophile.com/

I have been a reviewer member of NetGalley since October 2013. A retired public library cataloguer, I now blog about all things bookish and share book reviews, author interviews, cover love, etc.

Blogger : Lynne LeGrow

So you want to find a book blog?

If you’re a voracious reader, you might think of a book blog as an oasis in the middle of the desert: a place on the Internet that brims with talk about books, books, and more books.

Well, good news — we built this directory of the 200 of the best book blogs to satiate your thirst. Take a walk around, use the filters to narrow down your search to blogs in your preferred genre, and feel free to bookmark this page and come back, as we do update it regularly with more of the best book blogs out there.

If you’re an aspiring author, you might see a book blog more as a book review blog: a place where you can get your yet-to-be published book reviewed. In that case, you’ll be glad to know that most of the book blogs in our directory are open to review requests and accept indie books! We expressly designed this page (and our book marketing platform, Reedsy Discovery ) to be useful to indie book authors who need book reviews. If you’re wondering how to approach a book blog for a review request, please read on.

You’ve found a book blog. Now what?

Let’s say that you’re an author, and you’ve found a couple of book blogs that would be perfect fits to review your book. What now? Here are some tips as you go about getting your book reviews:

Be sure to read the review policy. First, check that the book blog you’re querying is open to review requests. If that’s the fortunate case, carefully read the blog’s review policy and make sure that you follow the directions to a T.
Individualize your pitches. Book bloggers will be able to immediately tell apart the bulk pitches, which simply come across as thoughtless and indifferent. If you didn’t take the time to craft a good pitch, why should the blogger take the time to read your book? Personalize each pitch to up your chances of getting a response.
Format your book in a professional manner before sending it out. Ensure that your manuscript isn’t presented sloppily. If the book blogger asks for a digital ARC, you might want to check out apps such as Instafreebie or Bookfunnel.
Create a spreadsheet to track your progress. Wading through so many book blogs can be troublesome — not to mention trying to remember which ones you’ve already contacted. To save yourself the time and trouble, use a simple Excel spreadsheet to keep track of your progress (and results).

Looking to learn even more about the process? Awesome 👍 For a detailed guide, check out this post that’s all about getting book reviews .

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Serial Season 4

An illustration depicting life for workers and detainees at Guantánamo

“Serial” returns with a history of Guantánamo told by people who lived through key moments in Guantánamo’s evolution, who know things the rest of us don’t about what it’s like to be caught inside an improvised justice system.

Published March 21, 2024

Listen to and follow Serial Season 4

Apple Podcasts

Listen to the trailer for Serial Season 4: Guantánamo.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio. Try listening here.

Illustration of an American soldier barbecuing meat and holding a beer

“So, it felt very like college-like… Without it being… Obviously the next day wasn’t classes, it was Gitmo… ”

Poor baby raul, episode 1 — poor baby raul.

Illustration of a person standing on a beach in a blue uniform wearing a red head covering and sunglasses.

“I wanted to create a persona, a thing that was not human.”

The special project, episode 2 — the special project.

“Am I one of them? I mean, is he innocent? I don’t know!”

Ahmad the iguana feeder, episode 3 — ahmad the iguana feeder.

Episode 4 arrives April 11

About Serial Season 4

Right after Sept. 11, the United States created a brand-new criminal justice system at Guantánamo Bay. It was a prison and a court designed to deal with the people we had captured whom we suspected of being members of the Taliban or al Qaeda.

But to do what we wanted to do at Guantánamo — to interrogate detainees the way we wanted, to hold them indefinitely without charging them with a crime — we had to push aside the old, time-tested rules for detaining prisoners of war. And the consequences of that fell on ordinary people: thousands of military personnel, hundreds of prisoners, everybody scrambling through the same experiment.

There has been great journalism about the legal maneuvering to justify Guantánamo, and about the detainee abuse and the politics and policy. But “Serial” reporters Sarah Koenig and Dana Chivvis were after the inside stories, a picture of Guantánamo you could get only from the people who went through it. For years, though, all the best stories they heard about Guantánamo were off the record. But they stuck with it, figuring maybe once enough people were back in civilian life they’d be willing to tell those stories on the record. A couple of years ago, the “Serial” team started contacting people again: guards, interrogators, commanders, lawyers, chaplains, translators and former prisoners. More than a hundred people. And a remarkable number of them said: Okay, I’m ready. Here’s what happened.

“Serial” Season 4 is a history of Guantánamo told by people who lived through key moments in its evolution, who know things the rest of us don’t about what it’s like to be caught inside an improvised justice system.

Sofia degli Alessandri is an Italian composer based in London. Her music combines field recordings, synths, chamber instruments and electronic beats. She composes for film, television, dance and other media.
Hosts Sarah Koenig and Dana Chivvis Producer Jessica Weisberg Editor Julie Snyder Additional Reporting Cora Currier Fact Checking and Research Ben Phelan Additional Fact Checking Jessica Suriano Music supervision, sound design, and mixing Phoebe Wang Original score Sofia degli Alessandri Additional Editing David Kestenbaum, Jen Guerra, Alvin Melathe, Ellen Weiss and Ira Glass Contributing Editors Rozina Ali and Carol Rosenberg Assistant Producer Emma Grillo Translators and Interpreters Raza Sayibzada, Nael Hijjo, Atiq Rahin, Dana El-Issa, Bachar Alhalabi, and Omama Osman Art Direction Pablo Delcan Art Max Guther Standards Editor Susan Wessling Legal Review Al-Amyn Sumar and Maya Gandhi Reporting and Research Amir Khafagy and Sami Yousafazai Additional Production Daniel Guillemette and Katie Mingle Executive Assistant Mack Miller Supervising Producer Ndeye Thioubou Deputy Managing Editor Sam Dolnick
At the New York Times, thanks to Elizabeth Davis-Moorer, Nina Lassam, Susan Beachy, Kitty Bennett, Alain Delaquérière, Sheelagh McNeill, Kirsten Noyes, Jack Begg, Jeffrey Miranda, Colleen Wormsley, Peter Rentz, John-Michael Murphy, Jordan Cohen, Zoe Murphy, Pierre-Antoine Louis, Mahima Chablani, Kelly Doe, Anisha Muni, Kimmy Tsai, Victoria Kim, Ashka Gami, Brad Fisher, Maddy Masiello, Daniel Powell, Marion Lozano, Tug Wilson and Aisha Khan
Special thanks Katie Mingle, Jenelle Pifer, Alissa Shipp, Nadia Reiman, Anita Badejo, Katie Fuchs, Alison Beckman at the Center for Victims of Torture, Clive Stafford Smith, Alisa Dogramadzieva, Shuaib Almosawa, Mohamed Elfaki, Freshta Taeb, Edgar August, Esther Whitfield, Lauren Myerscough-Mueller, Mark Fallon, Pardiss Kebriaei, Steve Vladeck, Charlie Savage, Michelle Shephard, Bastian Berbner, John Goetz, Sarah Mirk and everyone involved in “Guantánamo Voices,” Peter Jan Honigsberg, Tim Golden, John Ryan, Stuart Couch, Shayana Kadidal, Ray Rivera, Steven Kleinman, Steve Wood and Lee Riffaterre

Serial is a podcast from the creators of This American Life, hosted by Sarah Koenig. Serial tells one story — a true story — over the course of a season.

A high-school senior named Hae Min Lee disappeared one day after school in 1999, in Baltimore County, Maryland. A month later, her body was found in a city park. She'd been strangled. Her 17-year-old ex-boyfriend, Adnan Syed, was arrested for the crime, and within a year, he was sentenced to life in prison.

In May 2014, a U.S. Special Operations team in a Black Hawk helicopter landed in the hills of Afghanistan. Waiting for them were more than a dozen Taliban fighters and a tall American, who looked pale and out of sorts: Bowe Bergdahl. Bergdahl, a U.S. soldier, had been a prisoner of the Taliban for nearly five years, and now he was going home. Learn more

“Serial” is heading back to court. This time, in Cleveland. Not for one extraordinary case; instead, Serial wanted to tackle the whole criminal justice system. To do that we figured we’d need to look at something different: ordinary cases. So we did. Inside these ordinary cases we found the troubling machinery of the criminal justice system on full display. Learn more

Serial Productions makes narrative podcasts that have transformed the medium. From the powerful forces shaping our public schools to a mystery at the heart of a scandal that rocked Britain, Serial expands the boundaries of audio investigative storytelling. Learn more

Podcasts From The New York Times

The Daily: The biggest stories, five days a week, including the indictment of Donald Trump , the implosion of Silicon Valley Bank and the threat to abortion pills .

The Run-Up: Astead W. Herndon grapples with the big ideas already animating the 2024 election by reporting from inside the political establishment .

Hard Fork: Kevin Roose and Casey Newton make sense of the world of tech, including Google's Place in the A.I. Arms Race and the arrival of GPT-4 .

Modern Love: Anna Martin unpacks the complicated love lives of real people, exploring topics like getting ghosted and how to stop searching for the perfect partner .

Popcast: A weekly conversation from Jon Caramanica and The Times’s music team, with roundtables on artists like Ice Spice , Taylor Swift and SZA .

From Opinion

The Ezra Klein Show: Real conversations on the forces shaping the world, such as the increasing pace of A.I. development and China's global influence .

First Person: Lulu Garcia-Navarro explores intimate conversations about big ideas, like the experiences of a war reporter and treating obesity as a disease.

COMMENTS

Mystery Book Report- 5 Steps
1. Decorate a title page. 2. Write a summary with suspense all the way up until "who did it.". Paste it inside on the left of the booklet. A graphic organizer or checklist of things for students to include is helpful! a. Description of the main character and setting at the beginning of the summary. b.
42 Creative Book Report Ideas for Every Grade and Subject
Book reports don't have to be boring. Promote your students make the books come alive with these 42 creative book report ideas. From coin tins to cereal boxes to "wanted" post.
42 Creative Book Report Ideas for Every Grade and Subject
Take students create a timeline of the main events from their book. Be sure to include character named and details for each event. Getting 8 scratch 11 sheets of paper taped together or a long portion of bulletin board paper. Mystery Book Report- 5 Steps · 1.
50 Intriguing Mystery Story Ideas!
Mystery Story Ideas. 1. A woman asks a writer to write the story of her life. Then she goes missing. 2. Murder victims are found buried with some of their wordly goods, Viking style. 3. Three people close to the murder victim have confessed. Each of them swears they acted alone.
35 Creative Book Report Ideas for Every Grade and Subject
Here are 35 artist book report ideas conceptualized to make reading more sense. Mysterious students love mysteries! After my fourth graders cultivated a good enigma book and read e from cover to cover, we created Mystery Order Reports. This is included in my Book Reports The Stimulate! 1. Decorate a title page. 2.
42 Creative Book Report Ideas for Every Grade and Subject
4. Diary Entry. Have your students place themselves by an shoes about one of the characters from their book and write a first-person your entry of a critical moment from the how. Ask them to choose a moment into of my where and character has many concerning collaboration and emotions to share in a logging entry. 5.
75 Murder Mystery Story Ideas To Create Your Next Story
14. The Carnival Curse: After a string of murders at a traveling carnival, the main character, a former police detective turned carny, must solve the mystery before the killer strikes again. 15. The Sleepwalking Slayer: A woman wakes up at various murder scenes with no memory of how she got there.
70+ Mystery Writing Prompts & Story Ideas
January 26, 2022. From whodunits to unsolved crimes, here are over 70 mystery writing prompts that will keep your readers hooked from beginning to end. The mystery genre is all about gathering clues and evidence to solve a crime or mystery of some sort. Common mysteries to solve may include murder, kidnappings, theft and any other unsolved crimes.
35 Creative Book Report Ideas for Every Grade and Subject
Book reports don't have toward becoming thorough. How your students make the books come animated with those 35 creative book report brainstorming. Coming imprint tins the cereal boxes to T-shirts.
100+ Mystery Story Ideas
10 Murder Mystery Plot Ideas. Werewolf Suspect: In a small town, the sheriff looks into the homicide of a local woman and starts suspecting that the murderer could be a werewolf. Vanishing Killer: A detective is on the trail of a serial killer who appears to vanish without a trace after each crime.
67 Mystery Writing Prompts (Thrilling And Chilling Ideas For Writers)
You know better than anyone the prompts that speak to you louder than others. If you get a chill as you're developing the idea, chances are good, your reader will, too. 1. You're a memoir writer with a complicated love life. An estranged cousin calls asking if you'll help her write a "tell-all" memoir.
42 Creative Book Report Ideas for Every Grade and Subject
You'll notice a lot of our creative book report ideas revolve around food. In this oldie but goodie, each layer of this book report sandwich covers a different element of the book—characters, setting, conflict, etc. A fun adaptation of this project is the book report cheeseburger. 11. Book Alphabet.
38 Mystery Writing Prompts
A businesswoman's grandfather dies, leaving behind a ranch. When she goes to inspect the property, she finds a corpse in his freezer. An estranged family gathers for the funeral of their patriarch at his southern plantation. The granddaughter finds a puzzling message etched into a tombstone in the family graveyard.
Incredible Mystery Story Ideas: 65 Creative Mystery Writing Prompts
Historical Story Ideas and writing prompts. The following prompts include mysteries in the ancient world. As the head archaeologist on the dig, you get the honor of opening up the sarcophagus. What a surprise it is to find a cell phone in a thousand-year-old tomb. An ancient artifact arrives at the museum you work at.
69+ Mystery Story Ideas To Keep Your Audience Guessing Until the End
murder mystery story ideas. 1. The best friend of a murder victim is the prime suspect, but evidence starts to disappear into thin air as the murder investigation progresses. 2. A renowned magician is found dead after a performance, and it's up to the detective to determine whether it was an accident or murder. 3.
Ten Great Creative Book Report Ideas
Here are, in my opinion, tenth about the better creative book reports ideas. Not Is Grandma's Book Report . Pictures credit:Whimsy Laboratory Teaching and Lovin' Lit. Book the a Frame. Decorate a box to represent the book and fill it with objects that symbolize diverse dimensions starting the story (see student brochure example below).
33 Free Book Report Forms and Templates for Kids
Elementary Book Reports Made Easy An easy one-page pdf download of a book report worksheet that would be good for elementary students. Printable Book Report Forms (Non-Fiction, Fiction, Biography, Mystery & Fable) You have lots of different options for book report templates. Whether or not you need a book report form for a biography, non ...
Mystery Book Reports Teaching Resources
Mystery Genre Digital Book Report "Case File" Project. by. Amy Mezni - Teaching Ideas 4u. 4.0. (2) $5.00. PDF. Google Apps™. Mystery Genre Case File Digital Book Report ProjectStudents put on their detective hats while they read a mystery book, creating a digital case file of evidence to solve the mystery.
Mystery Writing Prompts: 35+ Ideas to Get You Started
Here's a mix of historical, science fiction, and even horror mystery writing prompts to use for your creative writing exercises. Whether you're writing a or drafting a novel, it all starts with an idea and a word on the page! 31. A serial killer is using the cover of the German invasion of France to kill people.
35 Creative Book Report Ideas for Every Grade and Subject
35 Artistic Book Report Ideas for Students. From mint tins to cereal boxes to T-shirts. Elizabeth Mulvahill on Sept 23, 2022 on Sept 23, 2022
How to Set Up A Mystery Book Club
The Basics. Setting up a book club doesn't have to be as daunting as it sounds—and a mystery book club is no different. The first step is to decide if it's going to be a physical, in real life club that meets periodically, or an online book club, that could meet through Skype or Google Hangouts (or not). Rioters before me have written ...
Best Mystery/Thriller Book Review Blogs in 2024
Now we have multiple reviewers who read a variety of genres. We don't always get to have two reviews for each book anymore, but we do our best! Blogger : The OBT Team. Genres : Mystery/Thriller. 🌐 Domain authority: 24. 👀 Average monthly visits: 5,000 p/mo. 💌 Preferred contact method: Mail.
35 Creative Book Report Ideas for Every Grade and Subject
35 Creative Reserve Report Ideas for Students. From mint tins in cereal boxes to T-shirts. Elizabeth Mulvahill on Sep 23, 2022 on Sep 23, 2022
'Serial' Season 4: Guantánamo
"Serial" returns with a history of Guantánamo told by people who lived through key moments in Guantánamo's evolution, who know things the rest of us don't about what it's like to be ...

1. Decorate a title page.

2. Write a summary with suspense all the way up until “who did it.”

3. Then write the ending and 2 other possible endings.

4. Do a self-rating.

5. Present to the class and see how many people you can stump!

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70 Mystery Writing Prompts That’ll Keep Your Readers Hooked

70 Mystery Writing Prompts

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100+ Mystery Story Ideas – A Guide to Spark Your Imagination

Key Takeaways

10 Mystery Story Ideas

10 Murder Mystery Plot Ideas

10 Cozy Enigma Ideas

10 Crime Fiction Ideas

10 Murder Victim Mystery Writing Prompts

10 Murder Weapon Ideas

10 Investigative Agencies

10 False Clue Ideas

10 Ideas for False Witnesses

10 Crime Scene Ideas

What Makes a Good Mystery Story?

Multifaceted Characters

Gratifying Conclusion

What Are Some Good Mystery Genre Topics to Write About?

How to Craft a Cozy Mystery

Step 2: Concoct an Ingenious Offense

Step 3: Incorporate Deceptive Red Herrings

What Contributes to an Effective Clue in a Mystery?

The Importance of Clue Placement

Subtlety: A Crucial Element

Focusing on Crucial Details

How to Create a Mysterious Character

Describing Their Look

Finding a Voice for Your Character

Deciding the Number of Suspects in a Mystery Novel

Keep Your Readers’ Abilities in Mind

What Do You Want the Story’s Resolution to Be?

Mystery Writers to Study

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Craft a Unique Mystery Plot?

What Are the Main Elements for a Mystery Romance Story?

How Can I Create Intrigue for Young Readers?

What Makes Exciting Mystery Suspense Ideas?

How Should I Add a Surprising Twist to a Thriller?

67 Thrilling And Chilling Mystery Writing Prompts

67 Mystery Writing Prompts

How will you use these mystery writing prompts?

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42 Creative Book Report Ideas for Students

1. Concrete Found Poem

2. Graphic Novel

3. Book Snaps

4. Diary Entry

5. Character To-Do List

6. Mint Tin Book Report

7. Fictional Yearbook Entries