Writing a Detective Mystery Brainstorm

Watch

Watch the video “The Mystery of the Speckled Band”.

Each time the video is paused, make a list of the facts you have learned about the case. Make predictions about:

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  Who committed the crime.
  
• 
  How it was done.
  
• 
  Why it was done.
  
• 
  What will happen next.
  

Base your predictions on the evidence you already have as well as your own hunches.

Plan

Use the attached planning sheet to plan your detective mystery.

Get a partner to check your plan. They should make suggestions about anything you have left out. Do the same for your partner.

Write

Write the first draft of your Detective Mystery.

Proof read it with the help of a partner. Use the proof reading checklist on your planning sheet.

Write the final draft of your Detective Mystery (500 words).

Speak

Practice reading your story aloud with fluency and expression.

Read your story to the class.
Detective Mystery Planning Sheet

Elements you will use in your story
The crime What, when, where, how?	The motive Why was the crime committed?
The victim Describe the victim – appearance, personality, employment, family, etc.	The criminal Describe the criminal – appearance, personality, employment, family, etc.
The Detective Who is he/she? What sort of person, etc?	The clues What clues will lead to the solving of the crime?
The suspects Who else is suspected of committing this crime?

The story plan

The orientation How does your story begin? Where, when, what’s going on – a normal life.

The Complication How is the crime discovered? What is the crime? How do your characters react? What do they say, do, feel?

The resolution How does the detective get involved? What clues are gathered? How do these clues lead to the criminal?

The Coda How do your characters feel when it is all over? What have they learnt?

Checklist Make sure you include: Description of characters Description of places Description of how things were done Dialogue, set out properly Paragraphs