The Annoying Elements in Murder Mystery Novels That Can Ruin Your Reading Experience

As a dedicated reader of the crime genre, one of the most frustrating things is when an author mistakes plot convenience for quality storytelling. One such annoyance is the portrayal of incompetent or amateur sleuths who, while well-intentioned, often make terrible mistakes. This article will explore some of the most common annoying elements found in murder mystery novels and discuss how they impact the overall reading experience.

Amateur Sleuths Who Stomp All Over Crime Scenes

The amateur sleuth is a classic trope in the mystery genre, with countless readers and writers romanticizing the idea of an ordinary person solving a complex crime. However, the portrayal of a sleuth who stumbles around a crime scene, disrupting the chain of evidence, can be incredibly frustrating.

These characters often insist on going through the crime scene without proper guidance from law enforcement, leading to the mishandling and contamination of evidence. In a real-life murder investigation, the chain of evidence is crucial in determining the truth. This chain can break down due to improper handling, tampering, or contamination, making it incredibly difficult to solve the case. Similarly, in a murder mystery novel, a character's cavalier attitude towards preserving evidence can lead to plot holes and render the investigation a complete mess.

Messing Up the Chain of Evidence

The chain of evidence is a term used in both real and fictional crime investigations. It refers to the careful handling and preservation of items and evidence collected at a crime scene to ensure they are admissible in a court of law. When an amateur sleuth strolls into a crime scene and starts touching, moving, or examining items, they risk contaminating the scene, leading to a major investigation setback.

For example, if a foot print is marked, an unknown person moving it to gain insight into the killer's movements would destroy all the fingerprints and evidence that might be tied to the culprit. Similarly, in a novel, if a crucial piece of evidence is moved, reset, or contaminated by an amateur sleuth, it can lead to chaos in the investigation and affect the conclusion of the story. As a result, the innocent characters in the novel, such as the sleuth, can be exonerated merely because the evidence against them was compromised. This often leaves the true culprit free to evade justice, undermining the credibility of the entire narrative.

Implications for the Narrative

The mishandling of evidence by amateur sleuths can have severe ramifications for the overall plot of a murder mystery novel. In the real world, such mistakes can lead to wrongful convictions and even the release of dangerous criminals. In a novel, these mistakes can lead to humorous and unexpected outcomes, but they can also disrupt the pacing and logic of the story.

When a crime scene is mishandled, it can lead to a false sense of security among the characters and the readers. For example, if the sleuth in a novel fails to properly preserve evidence at a crime scene, leading to the timing of the murder, the reason for a specific action, or the identity of the killer being misinterpreted, the plot can become convoluted and less enjoyable. It can leave readers questioning the reliability of the story and the characters involved in it.

Conclusion

The impact of incompetent or amateur sleuths and poor handling of evidence can tarnish the reading experience of a murder mystery novel. While the comfort of seeing a protagonist solve a complex mystery is appealing, it’s crucial that the story remains logical and plausible. Novels should serve as a mirror reflecting the real world, where evidence management is a critical component of any investigation. By avoiding common tropes that undermine the integrity of the plot, authors can create more engaging and satisfying narratives for their readers.

When it comes to crafting a murder mystery, it’s important to strike a balance between the quirks of the characters and the realism of the investigative process. By focusing on plot consistency and evidence management, authors can elevate the mystery genre and provide readers with a more satisfying and enjoyable reading experience.