This week: Nothing ever happens here Edited by: Arakun the twisted raccoon  
More Newsletters By This Editor 
 
1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions
Quote for the week:
"Mystery spread its cloak across the sky.
We lost our way.
Shadows fell from trees.
They knew why."
~From "House of Four Doors" by the Moody Blues |
Although residents of small towns might feel that nothing exciting ever happens where they live, small towns are an excellent setting for mystery stories. Wherever there are people, there will also be jealousy, intrigue, and drama. Just like residents of big cities, people in small towns fall in love, hold grudges, keep secrets, and occasionally make devious plans.
Investigating a crime in a small town may seem easier in some ways. There may be a smaller pool of suspects and fewer places for criminal to hide. However, it might also be more difficult because of the nature of small towns. In areas where everyone knows everyone else, gossip travels quickly. It might be more difficult for investigators to sort out the truth from local legend and idle gossip. If everyone in the area is in on the plot, they might close ranks, making it nearly impossible for detectives to get at the truth. Someone who is universally disliked might be blamed for a crime of which they are completely innocent.
Some well known examples of murder mysteries that take place in small towns include "Still Life" by Louise Penny, "Holy Island" by LJ Ross, "Louisiana Longshot" by Jana DeLeon, and almost any episode of "Midsomer Murders."
If the setting for your story is a small town, remember that small towns may not have their own police force, at least not one that is capable of carrying out a complex criminal investigation alone. In the mostly rural US state where I live, investigations of serious crimes in small towns are usually carried out by the state Criminal Investigation Bureau assisted by the county sheriff and local police. My state has only one crime lab where all evidence is processed.
Contrary to what is often seen on TV and in mystery novels, the FBI does not usually get involved in murder investigations unless the crime takes place on federal land, involves a federal government official, the victim has been taken across state lines, the crime involves terrorism or threats to national security, or local law enforcement asks for assistance.
Something to try: Write a mystery story that takes place in a small town.
|
Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
| Question for next time: What subjects would you like to see discussed in future mystery newsletters? |
To stop receiving this newsletter, click here for your newsletter subscription list. Simply uncheck the box next to any newsletter(s) you wish to cancel and then click to "Submit Changes". You can edit your subscriptions at any time.
|
Mystery: May 28, 2025 Issue [#13150]
View Portfolio
Visit Notebook
Send Gift Points
Awards
Badges
Send Email
Community Newsfeed
General Discussion
Sponsored Items
Book of Trinkets
Static Items
Books
Groups
Interactive Stories
Audio
Campfire Creatives
Community Notes
Crossword Puzzles
Documents
Folders
Images
In & Outs
Madlibs
Photo Albums
Polls
Product Reviews
Quizzes
Survey Forms
Web Pages
Word Searches
