The Mystery Writer's Cat

A Straightforward Guide to Writing Whodunits

The Mystery Writer’s Cat is a practical, no-nonsense guide to writing mysteries that work. Linda A. Lavid, author of the Hattie Moon Mystery series, lays out the essentials with clarity and wit: how to build a victim, stage a crime scene, craft a sleuth, and keep readers chasing after clues, evidence, and red herrings.
Structured around key building blocks, the book guides new and seasoned writers through plotting, character development, timelines, and the all-important reveal. With diagrams, exercises, and straightforward advice, Lavid shows how to shape a mystery that is both fair to the reader and full of surprises.
Whether you’re writing your first whodunit or refining your craft, The Mystery Writer’s Cat offers a blueprint for creating stories that intrigue, misdirect, and satisfy—without ever losing sight of the fun.

Planning a mystery

Overall great advice to keep in mind when planning a mystery. Sometimes it’s helpful to hear it in a constructive steps and in simplified terms. The audio wasn’t bad, but I’m not a fan of AI voice. Worth the time investment to listen. Recommend.