I just completed a creative writing course with Oxford University (yes, THAT Oxford). One of the areas this class uncovered is that I struggle with the BIG SECRET or plot twist. I read them, and am blown away by them, but I have a hard time writing them or thinking them up. I think it’s one of the reasons I enjoy reading mysteries so much. Sometimes, I can figure out whodunnit, but usually, I can’t. I don’t know if it’s because I’m not smart enough to see the patterns/clues, or if it’s because I get so engrossed in the story that I’m not even looking for them. Whichever it is, I’m nearly always shocked at who is the guilty party.

Currently, I’m reading Wes Markin’s Yorkshire Murders series. He’s not quite as secretive about who the murderer is, but I’m still often surprised. That said, he just shook me to my bones with what just happened in the book, The Black Rock Killings. I’m not going to tell you, in case you love reading murder mysteries, too, but this was completely out of the blue for me. What I will say is that you NEED to read this series. It’s not helping me with my writing…in fact, it’s super intimidating because I know that I could NEVER write something this clever. My brain doesn’t work that way. Still, Wes…SERIOUSLY!!!

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