Plot & Structure

• What is the central crime or mystery driving the story?

• Who commits the crime, and why?

• What is the detective’s role—professional, amateur, or accidental sleuth?

• What is at stake if the crime is not solved?

• What is the story’s inciting incident?

• How will I structure the build-up of tension?

• What are the major turning points in the investigation?

• What false leads or red herrings will I plant?

• How does the climax resolve the case?

• Does the ending feel earned, logical, and satisfying?

Characters & Motives

• Who are the suspects, and what makes each one believable?

• What secrets are my characters hiding?

• Who has the strongest motive?

• Who has the weakest—but still possible—motive?

• What is the detective’s personal connection to the case?

• What strengths and flaws does my detective bring to the investigation?

• What role does the victim play—are they sympathetic, flawed, or both?

• Are my suspects fully rounded, or just plot devices?

• How does each suspect’s alibi stand up to scrutiny?

• What makes the true culprit’s motive compelling?

Clues & Logic

• Where and when will I introduce the first clue?

• Are my clues fairly planted for the reader to find?

• Are any clues misleading but still credible?

• How do the clues build towards the solution?

• Have I avoided accidental plot holes?

• Does the timeline of the crime make sense?

• Are the methods used to commit the crime plausible?

• Are all weapons, poisons, or techniques accurate?

• Does the culprit nearly get caught at any stage?

• How do I reveal the final clue?

Setting & Atmosphere

• Where does the crime take place, and why?

• What atmosphere do I want to create (gothic, gritty, cosy, noir)?

• How does the setting affect the investigation?

• Does the location hide or reveal important evidence?

• How does weather or season impact the mood?

Themes & Reader Engagement

• What themes am I exploring (justice, revenge, morality)?

• What questions do I want readers to ask themselves?

• Does my story explore the psychology of crime, or focus more on the puzzle?

• Is my mystery solvable by the reader, or only revealed by the detective?

• How do I balance character development with plot mechanics?

Craft & Voice

• What narrative perspective best suits the mystery (first person, third person)?

• Am I withholding too much—or too little—information?

• How do I pace the reveals to maintain suspense?

• Does the dialogue sound authentic to each character?

• Am I using foreshadowing effectively?

• Do I build towards a shocking but fair twist?

• Have I read enough in the subgenre (cosy, police procedural, psychological thriller)?

• How original is my take on the genre?

• What emotions do I want my reader to feel at the end?

• Would I be satisfied as a reader with this solution?

Purpose & Audience

• What is the specific focus of my book (true crime case, criminal psychology, investigative journalism)?

• Who is my intended audience—general readers, academics, professionals?

• What tone suits my purpose—objective, narrative, or analytical?

• Am I seeking to inform, analyse, or advocate?

• What questions do readers expect me to answer?

Case Selection & Scope

• Which crime or cases will I cover, and why?

• Have I chosen a single case or multiple linked examples?

• What is the historical, cultural, or social significance of these crimes?

• How much detail should I include about victims and perpetrators?

• Am I focusing more on the crime itself, or its wider implications?

Research & Sources

• What primary sources are available (court documents, police reports)?

• What secondary sources are reliable?

• Have I verified the accuracy of every claim?

• Do I need interviews with experts or witnesses?

• How do I evaluate conflicting sources?

• What gaps exist in the record, and how will I address them?

• Have I accounted for bias in my sources?

• Are there ethical limits to what I should reveal?

• How do I balance sensitivity with thoroughness?

• Have I cross-checked dates, facts, and statistics?

Structure & Organisation

• Am I telling the story chronologically, thematically, or analytically?

• What is the best way to open—crime scene, background, or consequence?

• How do I structure the investigation stage?

• Where do I include trial and legal details?

• How do I keep readers engaged while presenting complex facts?

• Do I balance narrative flow with factual rigour?

• What is the climax—verdict, revelation, or unresolved mystery?

• Does my structure mirror a detective’s process of discovery?

• How do I avoid repetition when covering multiple suspects or theories?

• Do I offer closure, or highlight lingering questions?

Legal & Ethical Considerations

• Am I respecting the privacy of victims and families?

• Do I risk defamation by naming individuals?

• Are any cases still under legal restriction?

• Do I need permissions to use photographs, letters, or transcripts?

• How do I avoid sensationalism while still engaging the reader?

• Am I reinforcing stereotypes, or challenging them responsibly?

• How do I handle graphic details without gratuitousness?

• Am I transparent about my own perspective and biases?

• Do I cite all sources properly?

• Have I fact-checked every element that could harm reputations?

Themes & Impact

• What social or psychological themes am I highlighting?

• Do I explore systemic issues (policing, justice, inequality)?

• Am I offering solutions or merely documenting problems?

• What should readers take away from this account?

• Do I provide context that helps explain, not excuse, criminal acts?

Craft & Readability

• Is my writing style clear and compelling?

• Do I avoid jargon unless fully explained?

• Have I structured chapters to keep readers turning pages?

• Does the narrative balance human stories with factual accuracy?

• Would my book stand up to scrutiny by experts as well as general readers?