The Art of Mystery Writing: Craft, Plot & Revelation

A 2-day workshop Meeti Shroff-Shah

Learn to write mysteries that keep readers guessing until the last page.

Writing a mystery that works is harder than it looks. You need tight plotting, believable characters, clues that feel fair but not obvious, and an ending that lands.

Meeti Shroff writes the Temple Hill Mysteries, published internationally and shortlisted for major awards including the CWA Whodunnit Dagger. She knows what makes mysteries work because she’s built them.

In this two-day workshop, she’ll break down the craft: how to structure your plot, plant clues, create suspects readers actually care about, and build an atmosphere that keeps readers hooked. You’ll write, get feedback, and leave with tools you can use on your manuscript immediately.

This isn’t theory. It’s the techniques Meeti uses when she writes.

Duration : 4 hours

Dates : Saturday, 10th & Sunday, 11th January 2026

Time : 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM IST

Location : Online via Zoom

Key Takeaways:

How to structure a mystery that keeps readers guessing
Planting clues and red herrings that feel natural
Creating suspects and detectives that drive the story
Building tension that holds through to the end

Highlights

The Craft Behind Published Mysteries

Master the structure, plot, and pacing
Learn how to plant clues readers won’t see coming
Discover what makes endings work

Learn from a Published Mystery Author

Get direct guidance from Meeti Shroff-Shah, author of the Temple Hill Mysteries
Receive practical feedback in live, interactive sessions
Learn techniques actually used by mystery writers

Hands-On Practice

Write scenes that build suspense
Learn tools that can be applied to any mystery
Leave with a deeper insight into what makes good mysteries
Practise crafting your own victims and suspects

This workshop is for you if you're writing mysteries, thrillers, or suspense fiction.

Still have questions? Drop us a message.

More Than Just a Course

LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE!

Meet Our Instructor

Meeti Shroff-Shah

Author, Temple Hill Mysteries

Meeti writes the Temple Hill Mysteries. Her books are published in India, the UK and Japan.

Her work has been shortlisted for the CWA Whodunnit Dagger, UK, 2025, the CWA Short Story Dagger, UK, 2025, the Margery Allingham Short Mystery Prize, UK, 2024, the People’s Book Prize, UK, 2025 and the Times of India Auther Awards 2023. It has also been longlisted for the CWA New Blood Dagger, UK, 2022.

Her short fiction, personal essays and travel stories have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, the Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, the Conde Nast Traveller, the Mint Lounge and India Today, as well as in anthologies by Hachette and Flame Tree.

Apart from crime fiction, Meeti has also written a memoir called Do you know any good boys? A funny guide to the Indian arranged marriage, which has been optioned for the screen.

Meeti also works with brands as a creative consultant.

What Our Clients have to Say

This was really amazing and I never thought that there would be/could be a session where someone could actually tell you about publishing. This workshop was a unique experience. I had very little information about traditional publishing and other than the technicalities.

Deepika MishraFreelance Content Writer / Curator

I found the workshop quite useful as I had no prior knowledge of how publishing works - the concept of query letters, importance of body of work, how publishers decide what to commission, etc. Thanks for your insights!

Ila ReddyNon-profit Consultant and Content Writer

This is a great workshop especially if you're a beginner and are curious to know more about the world of editing & publishing. The instructor is patient, supportive, and well versed with their respective areas of expertise.

Sangeetha MenonRights Manager, Tulika

Had some great takeaways. I found the chance to get personal feedback amazing, along with the tips and tricks mentioned.

Jas HariaSoftware Engineer

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is this workshop for?

A: This workshop is for anyone writing or wanting to write mysteries. Whether you’re drafting your first whodunit or polishing your tenth novel, if you want to understand what makes mysteries actually work, this workshop is for you.

Q: Do I need to be working on a mystery to attend?

A: Not necessarily. While the focus is on mystery and crime fiction, the fundamentals – plotting, pacing, planting clues, building tension – apply to thrillers, suspense, and any genre where revelation matters. That said, you’ll get the most value if you’re interested in the mystery/crime space.

Q: What should I bring to the workshop?

A: A notebook, your favorite writing tool (digital or analog), and ideally a mystery project you’re working on or thinking about. We’ll have writing exercises, so come ready to put words on the page.

Q: Will there be opportunities to ask questions?

A: Absolutely. Each session is interactive with dedicated time for Q&A. Meeti will also provide feedback during exercises. This isn’t a lecture. It’s a working session.

Q: I write in a different genre. Will this still be useful?

A: If your genre needs tight plotting and controlled revelation (think thrillers, psychological suspense, crime fiction), these techniques will work for you. The workshop focuses on mystery craft specifically, but the principles of misdirection, pacing, and payoff translate across suspense-driven fiction.

Q: Will I need to share my work with other participants?

A: Sharing is optional. You’ll write during the workshop, and you can choose whether to share with the group or just receive feedback from Meeti privately.