Structured courses for writers serious about crime fiction craft.
Services that build real craft in detective writing
Foundations of Detective Fiction
A structured 8-week course covering plot architecture, clue placement, and the mechanics of a fair-play mystery. Participants work through weekly writing exercises with tutor feedback on each submission.
Core course - most students start hereCharacter and Motive Development
Detectives and suspects both need internal logic. This module focuses on building characters whose behaviour is consistent, surprising, and grounded in specific detail rather than genre convention.
Manuscript Review
One-to-one structural review of a completed or partial detective manuscript. The review covers pacing, plot logic, and narrative tension - delivered as a written report with annotated notes.
How enrolment works
Each service follows a defined sequence - from initial enquiry through to delivery. The timeline below reflects a typical course enrolment, though manuscript reviews follow a slightly shorter path.
Enquiry submitted
You complete the contact form below, selecting a preferred availability window. We confirm receipt within one business day.
Suitability call
A brief 20-minute call to understand your current writing experience and confirm which service fits your goals.
Materials and access
Course materials, reading lists, and session links are sent ahead of the first session. Manuscript clients upload their draft at this stage.
Course delivery or review
Sessions run weekly for structured courses. Manuscript reviews are returned as a written document within 10 business days.
Send an enquiry
Select your preferred time and we will confirm availability within one business day.
The people behind the courses
Our tutors have worked in crime fiction editing and writing instruction for over a decade. Every course is written and delivered by the same person - no handoffs, no generic content.
Brendan Falk
Lead instructor - plot structure and fair-play mystery