How to Write into the Crime Fiction Genre

Crime fiction is one of the most beloved genres for British audiences, with a long tradition spanning from classic whodunits like Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot to contemporary hits like Sherlock, Luther, and Line of Duty. Whether you’re looking to write a crime novel or create a drama series, capturing the interest of a British audience requires an understanding of their tastes, cultural references, and social realities. British crime fiction often goes beyond just the mystery or thriller aspect; it delves deep into societal issues, complex characters, and often dark, atmospheric settings.

It’s crucial to decide early whether your story will be a standalone novel or part of a series, as this will influence character development and narrative structure.

As a writer, how can we craft a compelling crime fiction drama or novel that resonates with British viewers and readers? From understanding British crime fiction traditions and the conventions of crime novels to creating layered characters, your journey into writing crime fiction will be guided by key principles that suit the tastes of a British audience.

What is Crime Fiction?

Crime fiction is a captivating genre that revolves around crimes, their investigations, and the ensuing consequences. It masterfully blends elements of mystery, suspense, and thriller, ensuring readers remain hooked from start to finish. This genre is incredibly versatile, encompassing various subgenres such as police procedurals, noir, and cosy mysteries, each offering a unique flavour of storytelling.

The roots of crime fiction stretch back to the 19th century, with pioneers like Edgar Allan Poe and Arthur Conan Doyle laying the groundwork for what would become a beloved literary tradition. At its core, crime fiction delves into themes of justice, morality, and the human condition, often challenging readers to ponder the complexities of right and wrong. Whether it’s the meticulous unravelling of a whodunit or the psychological depth of a noir thriller, crime fiction continues to captivate audiences with its intricate plots and compelling characters.

Understand the British Crime Genre Tradition

The first step in creating a crime drama or novel for a British audience is to appreciate the rich tradition of British crime fiction. Reading crime novels is essential for anyone looking to write crime stories, as it helps develop the skills and understanding necessary to craft compelling narratives. British crime fiction has evolved over centuries, and certain themes and elements are expected by readers and viewers. Reading crime stories is essential to understand the genre’s unique style, themes, and character development.

Historical Legacy

British crime fiction has its roots in the works of classic authors like Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, and Dorothy L. Sayers. These authors crafted timeless mysteries, often with a central detective character. The influence of the classic detective story, with its intricate plots, memorable characters, and emphasis on logic and deduction, is still prevalent today. Many writers of crime fiction have been influenced by the works of classic authors like Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle.

Agatha Christie’s Influence: Christie’s works, particularly those featuring Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, remain staples in British crime fiction. These stories often involve a central detective figure uncovering dark secrets hidden behind respectable facades. A focus on logic and clues, alongside the concept of “the perfect crime,” is something British audiences still appreciate.
The Golden Age of British Crime: From the 1920s to the 1950s, British crime fiction flourished with authors like Ruth Rendell, P.D. James, and Colin Dexter exploring complex crime scenarios. The detective figure in these works was sometimes a more morally ambiguous character, a shift from the idealized detectives of earlier periods.

Modern Crime Fiction

Today, British crime fiction is characterized by its darker, more realistic portrayals of crime, its gritty characters, and its social commentary. The modern era of crime drama and novels is heavily influenced by the following factors:

Psychological Depth: Characters are often morally complex, with flawed personalities, troubled pasts, and inner conflicts. Modern British crime fiction leans heavily into exploring the psychology of both criminals and those investigating them. Psychological thrillers often involve complex character emotions and societal issues, adding layers of depth to the narrative.
Social Issues: Crime fiction often reflects and critiques British society. Themes of class, immigration, race, and inequality frequently appear in British crime dramas. There’s an emphasis on social realism and the idea that crime cannot be separated from the societal forces that shape it.
Dark, Atmospheric Settings: Whether set in the urban sprawl of London or the remote countryside of Yorkshire, the setting plays a crucial role in British crime fiction. The weather, the bleak urban landscape, and a general sense of foreboding contribute to the mood of the story.

Notable Contemporary British Crime Fiction

Luther: Created by Neil Cross, this series starring Idris Elba is a modern take on the crime genre, with a complex lead detective, morally questionable decisions, and intense, often violent crimes. Thriller plots benefit from strong character development and unique settings, which are crucial for maintaining reader engagement and ensuring the story’s memorability.
Sherlock: Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat’s reimagining of Conan Doyle’s classic detective uses wit, modern settings, and psychological complexity to create a modern and highly successful crime drama.
Line of Duty: Created by Jed Mercurio, this series focuses on police corruption and internal investigations, providing a gritty, high-stakes view of law enforcement that touches on the broader social and political environment.

Create Complex, Believable Characters

British crime fiction is known for its complex characters, whether they are detectives, suspects, or victims. Unlike the classic “heroic” detectives, modern British protagonists tend to be flawed, morally ambiguous, and psychologically complex. Crafting complex criminals with multifaceted motivations and internal struggles is crucial, as it adds depth to the narrative and enhances the suspense, making the characters more relatable and engaging to readers. Here are some tips for writing complex, believable characters that will engage your readers and add depth to your crime fiction.

Protagonists: The Antiheroes and Troubled Detectives

Flawed Detectives: A common trope in British crime fiction is the troubled, often self-destructive detective. These protagonists might battle addiction, personal demons, or a strained personal life. Think of John Luther from Luther, who is brilliant but constantly teeters on the edge of his own mental breakdown. Interesting characters with relatable flaws create suspense and engagement for readers.
Antiheroes: Crime fiction often embraces morally grey characters. A detective who bends or breaks the rules for the greater good, or a criminal who is sympathetic in some ways, can create a compelling narrative. The line between right and wrong is often blurred.
Relatable Backstories: In modern British crime fiction, characters typically have complicated personal histories that affect their professional decisions. For instance, they may have suffered childhood trauma, personal loss, or some kind of failure that haunts them. This helps create a deep emotional connection between the audience and the character.
Prompt: Write a detective who returns to a small town where they once failed to solve a high-profile murder case. The town has changed, but the ghosts of the past continue to haunt them.

Antagonists: The Villains

British crime fiction villains aren’t always overtly evil. They are often presented as complex, multi-dimensional characters with their own motivations. The criminal may be a product of their environment, or they might have a twisted logic that justifies their actions in their own eyes.

Psychological Complexity: Modern villains often have psychological depth. A serial killer, for example, might not only be a ruthless criminal but also someone with a disturbed past, offering an exploration into the human psyche. Authenticity in portraying crime scenes accurately in novels is crucial for developing engaging storylines and character backgrounds, particularly for protagonists like crime scene investigators.
Social Commentary: Villains can also represent larger societal issues. A corrupt businessman or politician could serve as a critique of wealth inequality, while a gang leader might highlight social deprivation in certain areas of Britain.
Prompt: A criminal mastermind with a deep-seated grudge against the police orchestrates a series of increasingly complex crimes, forcing the detectives to face their own failings.

Craft a Compelling Plot with Tension and Twists

British crime fiction thrives on complex plots filled with twists, red herrings, and surprises. It’s important to create a layered story where the audience is kept guessing until the very end. Most crime writers carefully balance authenticity and plotting to avoid plot holes. Decide early on the key twists and turns in your plot to ensure a well-structured and engaging narrative.

Crime fiction in Britain often plays on the slow-burn structure, where the investigation builds gradually, and each new revelation adds another layer to the puzzle. British audiences enjoy complex, multi-layered mysteries that require attention to detail, and they appreciate the challenge of trying to piece together clues as the story unfolds.

Prompt: Write a story about a police investigation that uncovers an unexpected link between several seemingly unrelated crimes, with each new twist leading the protagonist closer to a shocking conclusion.

Red Herrings and Misdirection

British crime fiction relies on misdirection to keep the audience on edge. The story often leads the audience to suspect the wrong character or to misinterpret a key piece of evidence. Red herrings can take many forms, from false confessions to planted evidence, ensuring that the audience is continuously re-evaluating the case. Crime readers demand tightly constructed plots and engaging mysteries.

Social and Political Commentary

Many British crime dramas delve into social and political issues. Most crime writers carefully consider authenticity and plotting in their works, balancing an exciting narrative with accurate police procedures. Themes such as corruption, class disparity, systemic inequality, and race relations are often woven into the fabric of the plot, with crime serving as a lens through which to explore these broader topics.

Prompt: Create a plot in which a series of racially motivated crimes shakes a local community, forcing the police to confront their own biases while trying to solve the case.

Write the Kind of Crime Novel You Would Like to Read

When embarking on the journey to write crime fiction, it’s crucial to create the kind of crime novel you would love to read. Start by identifying the subgenres, tones, and techniques that resonate with you. Do you enjoy the cerebral puzzles of classic whodunits, the gritty realism of police procedurals, or the psychological depth of thrillers? Look at other crime writers and analyse what draws you to their work. Is it their complex plots, believable characters, or the dark, atmospheric tone they set?

Use these elements as a foundation for your own writing. By incorporating the aspects you admire, you can craft a crime novel that not only reflects your tastes but also stands out in the genre. Remember, if you write a story that excites and engages you, it’s likely to captivate your readers as well. Your passion for the genre will shine through, making your crime novel a compelling read.

Focus on Atmospheric Settings

The setting is critical to British crime fiction. The backdrop of the story plays a huge role in creating the tone and atmosphere, which in turn influences the suspense and mood of the narrative. Aspiring writers should immerse themselves in crime novels to understand the genre better and develop the skills necessary to write crime effectively.

The bustling streets of London, Manchester, or Birmingham provide a gritty, fast-paced backdrop for crime dramas. The urban environment, with its anonymous crowds, seedy underworld, and shadowy alleyways, adds an element of danger and intrigue. These cities can also bring in social issues like poverty, immigration, and the effects of class disparity. Crime writers often strive for believable narratives while managing their creative choices, balancing engaging storytelling with adherence to police procedures.

Prompt: Set your story in a rundown council estate in London, where a detective uncovers a series of burglaries that lead to a bigger conspiracy involving wealthy property developers.

On the other hand, rural settings, such as small towns or isolated countryside villages, provide a slower, more atmospheric approach to crime. In these locations, the secrets people are hiding can seem all the more sinister because of the close-knit nature of the community. The small-town vibe can create a false sense of safety, which is then shattered by crime.

Prompt: Write a crime novel set in a picturesque village where everyone knows each other’s business. A brutal murder shakes the community, and as secrets unravel, nothing is as it seems.

Make Your Location a Character

In crime fiction, the setting is more than just a backdrop; it can be a character in its own right. The way your protagonist interacts with the city streets or the quiet countryside can significantly influence the story’s tone and atmosphere. A well-crafted setting can elevate a thriller plot, adding layers of tension and suspense.

Consider how the location can reveal character and plot information. A bustling urban environment might highlight themes of anonymity and danger, while a remote village could underscore a sense of isolation and hidden secrets. Use sensory details to bring the setting to life—describe the sights, sounds, and smells that define the place. Whether it’s the foggy alleys of London or the windswept moors of Yorkshire, make the location vivid and immersive. By doing so, you create a world that readers can visualize and feel a part of, enhancing the overall impact of your crime story.

Research and Authenticity in Writing Crime Fiction

British crime fiction tends to veer away from the stylised, glamorised depictions of crime seen in other countries. It is crucial to meet the expectations of crime readers, who demand tightly constructed plots and engaging mysteries. The focus is on realism—how crime affects individuals and communities, and how the system works (or doesn’t work) to solve it. British crime fiction often portrays the complexities of law enforcement, showcasing both the dedication and the moral dilemmas faced by officers.

Research is a cornerstone of writing crime fiction. To craft a story that resonates with authenticity, writers must immerse themselves in the world of crime and law enforcement. This means going beyond surface-level knowledge and delving into the intricacies of police work, forensic science, and criminal psychology. Visiting crime scenes, engaging in conversations with police officers and detectives, and studying real-life cases can provide invaluable insights. Here are some tips for writing authentic crime fiction: immerse yourself in the world of crime and law enforcement, and balance research with creativity.

However, it’s crucial to strike a balance between research and creativity. While thorough research can lend credibility to your story, overloading it with excessive details can bog down the narrative. Conversely, insufficient research can lead to inaccuracies and clichés that detract from the story’s believability.

Focus on the specifics of the crime and the investigation. Understand the procedures that police officers follow, the science behind forensic evidence, and the psychological profiles of criminals. Pay attention to the time period and location of your story, as these elements can significantly influence the investigation and the characters involved.

Authenticity is key to creating a believable crime story. Use real-life examples and case studies to inform your writing, but don’t be afraid to take creative liberties to enhance the narrative. Strive to create a sense of realism that draws readers into the world you’ve built, making them feel like they’re part of the investigation.

Writing a Crime Fiction Drama or Novel for a British Audience

Creating a crime fiction drama or novel for a British audience means embracing the complexity and realism of the genre while reflecting the unique social, cultural, and atmospheric qualities of Britain. With intricate plots, morally ambiguous characters, and a commitment to tackling relevant social issues, British crime fiction provides a vast and exciting canvas for storytelling.

By understanding the traditions of British crime fiction, developing multi-dimensional characters, and weaving engaging mysteries, you can create a crime story that will captivate and intrigue British readers or viewers. When you write crime fiction, it’s crucial to find your unique voice and perspective within the genre. Whether set in the bustling streets of London or the quiet countryside, your crime drama or novel can become a gripping exploration of crime, justice, and the human condition. By following these tips for writing crime fiction, you can create a story that captivates and intrigues your audience.