Last week we talked about clues in mystery writing. This week we will talk about evidence. It is the facts or information indicating whether a belief is true or valid. We think we know who the murderer is, but how did we come to that conclusion.

Evidence

Evidence and logic go hand in hand. These are the facts or pieces of information that can prove a proposition. In the world of crime, evidence comprises facts and physical details that can be used in court. Evidence can be examined, hearsay can’t.

In the realm of the mystery writer, evidence is part of the physical clues the detective can use to determine the killer.

In the modern world of forensic science, evidence can be scientific and very detailed. Before using physical evidence as clues, you’ll need to do research to understand how evidence is observed, collected, and used.

If you use evidence as clues in your mystery, be sure to get the science details right. You will lose readers if you guess.

Evidence in mystery movies or novels can include:

• Discovery and elimination of suspects (in which creating false suspects is often part of the killer’s plan)
• Evaluation of clues (sifting the true from the untrue)
• Identification and apprehension of the killer.
• Physical clues: objects or material traces, usually found at the crime scene or among the suspects’ possessions.
• Biological clues: organic traces left behind.

Sherlock Holmes never met a piece of evidence he didn’t love. He placed them in order and examined them carefully. Your reader will do the same. Many readers of mystery read them to try to outwit the detective. “I knew it was him!” So don’t disappoint them.

Evidence gives us something to prove that the belief is true. Examine your evidence and be sure not to disappoint your readership.

What are you reading/writing this week?