Saturday, May 26, 2012

The Many Faces of Murders

Murder can come in many forms. It can be done with a gun, a knife, or poison. The victim can be pushed down the stairs or off a cliff or building. Then, of course, there is drowning or overdose.

The way the murder occurs can determine how your story progresses. The twists and turns of the story are what keep your readers interested. The murder scene is a very important part of your story and must be crafted carefully. I prefer to write my murder scene first and then build the story the rest of the story around it. This does not work for every writer, so the writer should find what works for her/him.

There are several murder types. There is the felony murder, which is committed during a crime such as a robbery or arson. An example of an argument-motivated murder would be a domestic dispute. The unknown motive murder is one that has no clear motive. Mass murders are broken down into two categories:  The family mass murder, which is the killing of four or more members of the same family by another family member; and there is the classic mass murder, which is the killing of flour or more non-family member in a single location at one time. An example of this would be the killer who goes to a university campus and starts shooting everyone and anyone in his pathway.

Unlike mass murderers, serial killers hunt their victims. Each murder they commit is in a different location and over a period of time. The murderer can be male or female and may have a motive or not.

There are sex murderers, pedophiles, cult-related murders, rapists who murder their victims. There are murders committed because of anger, sadism, and because of a desire to have power over their victim. These can often include raping the victim before killing them. Some pedophiles will kill their victims after assaulting them. Not all do.

Then there is organized crime. At one time in the history of organized crime any mobster could kill anyone for any reason. But as this entity became more organized in the 1930's, the contract policy came into being. Basically this was murder for hire. The victim was usually someone within the Syndicate, a rival criminal or someone who was a client of an organized crime family. Then came Murder, Inc. The victim was looked upon as a bum who would not pay his debts and had to be made an example. The modern mobster is better educated and more businesslike, emerging into society La Cosa Nostra.

Interestingly there are women murderers such as the black widows and nurses. Black widows kill husbands, children, relatives, boardinghouse tenants, and employees. Nurses are the angels of mercy or angels of death who kill the ones in their care. Both are considered serial killers. Nowadays, though, these angels of death can come in the form of females or males.

Last but not least are the terrorists. They are the ultimate predator who put terror in the hearts of vicgtims around the world. Their acts are generally performed due to social dissatisfaction, political dissatisfaction, political dissatisfaction, economic deprivation, and personal crises and conflicts.

I'm sure you can add to this list, bu these that I have mentioned here will hopefully give you some ideas for your murder scene. Be innovative and creative and add plenty of suspense. After all, murder should be enjoyed.

Reference: Malicious Intent by Sean Mactire

Faye M. Tollison
Author of: To Tell the Truth
Upcoming books:  The Bible Murders
                             Sarah's Secret
Member of: Sisters In Crime
                  Writers on the Move


Karen Cioffi said...

Faye, great scenarios for murder mysteries.

Karen Cioffi Writing and Marketing

SP said...

Wow, who would have believed murder could be a full-time job? Great post that gives anyone who fits a murder into their story pause for thought. :-)

Heidiwriter said...

Interesting information for any writer who wants to kill off a character or two!

Unknown said...

Great info!

Magdalena Ball said...

I don't read many thrillers, and can't imagine I'll ever write one, but this is a great list for those who do - lots of ideas here.

Shirley Corder said...

Sjoe. Fancy being a professional killer. I think I'm glad I don't write thrillers! I'd never sleep again.

Faye Tollison said...

Thanks to all of you who commented on this post, and I'm glad you enjoyed it. I enjoyed writing it, and it makes me feel good that you enjoyed reading it. Hopefully one or more of you got a little something from it that will help you now or in the future. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement.

Faye M. Tollison
Upcoming books: THE BIBLE MURDERS
Member of: Sisters In Crime
Writers on the Move

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