When writing mystery fiction, one of the most important — and most challenging — aspects is creating strong, believable characters. For a mystery to truly grip a reader, it must do more than spin a clever plot; it must offer characters who live and breathe on the page.
Today, I want to talk about how I approached building the characters in my own mystery series — and why, sometimes, even a writer’s best-laid plans are overtaken by the characters themselves.
Starting with a Plan — and Watching It Evolve
When I first started writing The Price of Murder, I had a clear idea: this would be Inspector Stowe’s story. I imagined him as a seasoned detective on the brink of retirement. The series would follow him — but in reverse. Each new book would go backward in time, revealing his career case by case.
It was an ambitious structure. I liked the idea of uncovering a character’s past piece by piece, showing how each case shaped him, tracing him from his final bow back to his early days on the force. I was excited to write about this tired, thoughtful man carrying the weight of a lifetime of crime-solving.
But writing, like life, has a way of surprising you.
When a Character Takes Over the Story
As I began to write, another figure started to demand attention: Catherine Forrester.
At first, she was meant to be part of the investigation — a clever, driven woman caught up in the aftermath of a crime. Yet the more I wrote, the more I found myself drawn to her strength, her intelligence, and her refusal to be sidelined.
Catherine wasn’t content to be a secondary figure. She insisted on being at the center of the story. I found myself writing more and more scenes from her perspective, seeing the investigation through her sharp, determined eyes.
And then there was her husband, David Forrester. Their relationship brought another dimension: loyalty, trust, conflict. Watching them interact gave the story emotional weight. It wasn’t just about solving a murder; it was about how people who care for each other deal with suspicion, fear, and betrayal.
In the end, The Price of Murder became Catherine’s story as much as it was Inspector Stowe’s. Maybe more so.
Why Strong Characters Matter in Mysteries
Mysteries are built on puzzles — but it’s the people who keep readers turning the pages.
Without strong characters:
- A plot can feel mechanical.
- A clever twist can seem hollow.
- Readers won’t care who committed the crime — or why.
With strong characters:
- Every clue feels urgent.
- Every twist hits harder.
- Readers are emotionally invested.
A great mystery makes you feel the stakes. It’s not just about solving the puzzle — it’s about who solves it, how they change, and what it costs them.
Writing Strong Female Leads
I’ll let you in on a secret: I’ve always admired strong women — in real life and in fiction.
In fact, if I’m honest, part of why Catherine became such a force in my writing is that she reminds me a little of my wife. Like Catherine, my wife is intelligent, determined, and resilient — qualities I’ve always respected and gravitated toward.
When I wrote Catherine, I didn’t want her to be a typical damsel in distress. I wanted her to have agency — to make mistakes, yes, but also to be resourceful and brave. She doesn’t wait for someone to save her; she fights for answers herself.
In building her character, I focused on:
- Motivation: Catherine is driven by loyalty and love, not just curiosity.
- Flaws: She’s not perfect — she’s stubborn, sometimes impulsive, but that makes her real.
- Growth: Over the course of the book, she learns hard truths, not just about others but about herself.
Strong female leads don’t have to be flawless — they have to be human.
Building Realistic Character Relationships
One of the keys to strong characters is showing how they interact with others. Relationships — whether romantic, familial, or professional — reveal depth.
Catherine and David’s marriage is central to The Price of Murder. Their relationship isn’t perfect. It’s tested by secrets, fear, and betrayal — but that’s what makes it real.
In your mystery writing:
- Let characters argue and disagree.
- Show affection and loyalty, but don’t shy away from conflict.
- Make relationships change as the story unfolds.
Realistic relationships give your characters room to grow and your readers a reason to care.
Letting Characters Surprise You
One of the most rewarding parts of writing is when a character grows beyond what you originally planned.
Inspector Stowe was supposed to be the center of The Price of Murder — but Catherine had other ideas. She took over the narrative, and in doing so, made the story deeper, richer, and more compelling than I could have imagined.
When you’re writing, stay open to these surprises. Let your characters have their say. Sometimes they’ll take you exactly where the story needs to go.
Final Thoughts: Characters Are the Heart of a Mystery
Plot hooks readers. Twists and red herrings keep them guessing. But it’s the characters — strong, believable, human characters — that make them stay.
In mystery fiction, where every action and every decision matters, characters are the key to making your story unforgettable.
If you focus on building characters with depth, flaws, and heart, your mysteries will resonate long after the last page is turned.
Alan Moody 
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