Mystery Writing

What are the elements of a mystery from the writer’s point of view?
a. The plot
b. The detective
c. The crime
d. The situation
1. Setting
2. Social melieu
e. The suspect pool
f. The clues including the red herrings
g. The "reveal" when the solution is revealed by the detective.
h. Motive
i. Opportunity
j. Legal- criminal justice system - aspects

Weak Strong Excellent
Characters Characters are stock, weak or unbelieveable. Characters are engaging particularly the detective. At least two characters are unforgettable, engaging or fun.
Plot The plot, though present, is unrealistic or hard to follow. Or it does not “work.” The plot has twists but remains possible, believable and compelling. The plot is ingenious, employing ruses and surprises.
Ingenuity
The story is mundane or lacks compelling detail of action, situation or character. The writer shows ingenuity in crafting the plot, characters and situation. Surprises are included. The writer has thought about the problems of creation and clearly shows some mastery.
Situation
The crime is either too brutal, too usual or the situation is unrealistic. The situation is not only possible but likely though surprising. The situation is plausible, engaging, well researched and authentic.

http://urbandreams.ousd.k12.ca.us/lessonplans/himes/lesson5_teacher.html
For a planning pdf, go to http://urbandreams.ousd.k12.ca.us/lessonplans/himes/lesson5_planning.pdf

A good mystery writer is able to present clues without cheating. For example, in the classic mystery story where someone is killed and only 4 people could have done it, a good writer telling the story plants one clue that if caught by the reader could present him or her with the solution to the mystery. This is what is what is engrossing about mystery-based fictional works of all mediums. You try to outsmart the detective, fall a step short, and admire the detective's ability to present a logical explanation for how he or she arrived at the correct conclusion when you failed, given the same data.
Sherlock Holmes, trying to explain a seemingly impossible murder during The Sign of Four, says, "How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?"
http://www.housemd-guide.com/house-med/