I’ve looked before on this blog at some of the different things you need to keep in mind when editing a novel, but what about when you’re editing a crime novel? What are the specific things you need to keep in mind when you’re going through your book? Here are some of the most important ones, and do feel free to add your own suggestions in the comments box.

Is the plot coherent? This is something that matters when editing any novel, but crime novels have a special focus on plot and so it’s an issue that arguably matters even more than normal. Can you follow the plot through and does it make sense from beginning to end?
Are there any minor discrepancies? Even the smallest detail out of place can destroy the credibility of a crime novel, so it’s worth going over everything with a fine tooth comb to make sure it all adds up.
Are the characters consistent and/or do they develop properly throughout the novel? We can often be working with loads of characters at once in a crime novel, and they all need to be plausible. They need to develop properly throughout the novel in order to make the story work, so this is something to watch out for.
Have you tied up the subplots? We often see quite a few subplots in the same crime novel, and it can be all too easy to leave one of them hanging without proper editing.
Are there enough teasers and clues, and do they work? Part of the fun of reading crime fiction is trying to figure it out as you read it. Make sure that any teasers or clues you’ve added make sense by the time the reader gets to the end, and ensure that they give just enough information at the time without giving it all away. This can be a tricky balance to get right, so it’s worth spending some time on.
Have you solved the crime? This might sound obvious, but if the crime that makes up your novel isn’t properly solved or doesn’t provide some sort of satisfying conclusion, readers will notice.