How to Write the Perfect Murder Mystery - in two parts - with Ciar Byrne
Join Ciar Byrne, the author of two Golden Age-style murder mysteries, to learn how to craft your own whodunnit. This event takes place on two dates: WEDS 10TH JUNE 9:30 - 12:15pm and WEDS 17TH JUNE 9.30- 12:15pm your booking includes both sessions.
- Booking essential
Ciar is the author of 'A Deadly Discovery' and 'A Lethal Cocktail', historical cosy crime novels starring Virginia Woolf and her sister Vanessa Bell as a pair of unlikely amateur sleuths. Both novels include scenes set in and around Monk's House, Virginia & Leonard Woolf's country home in Rodmell so what better setting to discover the secrets of this grisly art?
DAY 1 WEDS 10th JUNE : We begin by looking at what makes a good murder mystery, referencing the classics of the genre: from Agatha Christie and Dorothy L Sayers, to Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett, then on to more contemporary works of fiction from Richard Osman's 'The Thursday Murder Club' to Netflix's 'Knives Out' trilogy. We'll explore common TROPES of murder mystery, from the amateur sleuth to the femme fatale, and from an isolated setting to 'the butler did it', and how we play with those in our own writing? We will explore the centrality of PLOT to murder mysteries and SETTING, whether this is a country house, a locked room mystery, moving train or cruise ship. Finally we will look at CHARACTER possibly the most important element of murder mystery.
DAY 2 Weds 17th JUNE: This will be a deeper dive into constructing your murder mystery, with chance to tell the group about an idea you are working on. What is the murder METHOD and how can you make it convincing? How to plant RED HERRINGS without making it too obvious. These and more will be explored in day 2.
Tea, coffee and light refreshments provided.
Times
Prices
| Ticket type | Ticket category |
|---|---|
| Adult | £70.00 |
The basics
- Booking details
Call 0344 249 1895
- Meeting point
Meet at Monk's House and come through the gate marked closed continue walking round the side of the house where staff will be there to meet you.
- What to bring and wear
The sessions will be held in the garden so you will be outside for the duration. Wrap up if the weather is cool. Bring laptop, notebook, or device for writing with if you wish. Paper and pen provided.
- Accessibility
Please see our website for our accessibility statement.
- Other
The sessions take place across two dates and your ticket includes two morning sessions - Wednesday 10th June, AND Wednesday 17th June. The sessions will take place in the garden, please do wear weather appropriate clothing. Please note that the house is closed on Wednesdays.
Upcoming events
Suminagashi Marbling with Lisa Ibbetson
Connect with your creativity and flow state in this mindful Suminagashi Japanese ink marbling workshop. Set in the serene surroundings of the Monk's House garden. Tickets also include a visit to see Virginia Woolf's handbound Shakespeare collection.
Botanical Blossom Painting
Celebrate the beautiful spring blossom with this botanical painting workshop. Under the expert tuition of established artist Vicky Mappin you'll learn techniques of botanical painting in the inspiring surrounds of Monk's House garden.