Murder Board Moments in Cozy Mysteries

What Is a Murder Board Moment?

A murder board moment is a recap of clues partway through a cozy mystery story. This technique helps readers manage the complexity of a mystery plot, which typically involves multiple suspects, motives, red herrings (false leads), and scattered clues.

During a murder board moment, the amateur sleuth reviews clues in a scene of internal contemplation or through discussion with another character, such as a sidekick. Some sleuths even pin a list of suspects or physical evidence to an actual board, the way a police officer would.

Purpose of Murder Board Moments in Cozy Mysteries

By recapping, the writer encourages "fair play," a core principle in cozy mysteries. Fair play means that readers have access to all the information they need to solve the puzzle themselves before the reveal. A fair play mystery ensures that the reader doesn't feel cheated or tricked.

Murder board moments also allow the sleuth (and thus the reader) to re-evaluate assumptions, discard flawed theories, and pivot the investigation after a major reversal or new revelation, building suspense and raising the stakes.

These moments often highlight overlooked details, connect seemingly unrelated elements, and prevent the story from becoming too convoluted, while giving readers a breather to theorize alongside the protagonist. Without these moments, the narrative risks losing momentum or confusing the audience amid the accumulating details.

Writing the Murder Board Moments

Most cozy mysteries have 3-4 murder board review scenes (in which the sleuth or sleuth/sidekick recaps suspects, motives, and clues). These scenes are most helpful to the reader when they're inserted at specific structural moments.

Here is a common timeline for cozy mysteries:

• First Murder Board Moment (25-30%): First suspect list

• Second Murder Board Moment (50%): Midpoint reassessment

• Third Murder Board Moment (60-70%): Narrow suspects

• Fourth Murder Board Moment (80-85%): Right before the final reveal

First Murder Board Moment

The first murder board moment establishes the initial pool of suspects and gives the reader a basic framework for the mystery. The sleuth identifies 2–3 suspects, reviews motives, and points out inconsistencies (lies, alibies, etc.) This murder board moment usually happens after the sleuth has interviewed several people.

Second Murder Board Moment

The second murder board moment happens at the midpoint of the story. It gives the sleuth (and the reader) a chance to reassess the case and ensures that the reader does not get lost. This murder board moment usually happens after new evidence (e.g., a new clue that changes interpretations) or a twist (e.g., the prime suspect is murdered or cleared).

Third Murder Board Moment

The third murder board moment allows the sleuth to review all suspects and narrow the suspect pool. Usually, 1-2 people are eliminated from the suspect list. The sleuth may get a breakthrough clue or see new patterns or connections around this time.

Fourth Murder Board Moment

The final murder board moment happens in the scene right before the trap, confrontation, or reveal. At this point, only one suspect seems most likely, but there may be missing information or something that does not quite add up.