Write a Mystery Novel 1: Start with a Compelling Premise Every good mystery begins with a question: Who did it? Why? How? Start by imagining the central crime or mystery your characters must solve. This could be a murder, a missing person, or even a historical artifact gone missing. Your premise should be engaging and leave room for twists and red herrings. Tip: Ask yourself—what makes this mystery unique? Is it the setting, the victim, the sleuth, or the motive? 2: Build Int