Tag Archives: Maine mystery

Stop Making the Police the Villain: Writing Better Amateur Sleuth Mysteries

Posted on July 30, 2026 by Allison Keeton

I’m back this month still talking about amateur sleuths. This time I want to hone in on one of the biggest challenges in writing an amateur sleuth mystery: Why isn’t the police department solving the crime? It may be tempting … Continue reading →

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The Challenges of Writing an Amateur Sleuth Mystery

Posted on June 11, 2026 by Allison Keeton

There are multiple subgenres of mysteries, such as police procedurals, private investigator mysteries, and legal mysteries. I, however, write “amateur sleuth” on the “cozy adjacent” spectrum, emphasizing community and relationships over violence. The most famous amateur sleuth is Miss Marple, … Continue reading →

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Writing Tip Wednesday: Comp Titles? What’s that?

Posted on January 14, 2026 by Allison Keeton

Ok, so Comp Titles, also known as Comparison Titles, are officially used in query letters once you’ve written your book and are seeking a literary agent or a small press. They are needed for the sales pitch, but I hope … Continue reading →

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Fiction is fiction…but it’s all relative

Posted on November 24, 2025 by Maureen Milliken

When I’m writing a mystery novel, which seems like all the time now, things that I read about or see on TV often spark ideas. Sometimes I feel compelled to add whatever it is to the book I’m writing. I … Continue reading →

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The Life of a Bookmark

Posted on October 28, 2025 by Allison Keeton

First, thank you to the Maine Crime Writers blog for inviting me into the fold. I have been reading this blog from the moment I learned of it at the New England Crime Bake conference, many years ago. It is … Continue reading →

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