Crime, Mysteries & Thrillers discussion

I am doing preliminary work for the second book in the "Murder Becomes" series, which will be "Murder Becomes Miami."

I have been wrestling a bit with whether I want to have the killer be among a primary set of 4 or 5 main suspects...or someone a bit more in the background/to the side.

I have received mixed and conflicting feedback on where I placed the killer in the first book of the series, "Murder Becomes Manhattan."

So...which appeals to you more -- a book in which figuring out which of the "obvious" suspects is the real killer...or one in which the revelation makes you go, WHOA, did not see THAT coming AT ALL?

I like "WHOA did not see THAT coming AT ALL" but with a primary character (note character, not suspect).

If there is enough background information on a secondary character then I think it would be ok, but I also agree with Rich. I like the unexpected with one of the primary characters.

I put your first book on my to read list it sounds great and it would fill a challenge requirement.

By the way, when I clicked on the Amazon link on the books page it took me to an amazon page that said they didn't have the book.

Martha -- Sorry for the confusion. We are having to reload the books because for some reason, the links aren't working as they should. Here is a link to a page that offers links to ALL of the versions of the book (hardcover and Amazon and Nook, etc.):

http://murdermanhattan.com/buy-the-bo...

So all of you are giving me great ideas as to how to position future killers. The challenge is 'what constitutes a primary character from a secondary character? What is the line that distinguishes the two?' However I am eager to explore that more.

Additional insights welcome here.

OK. I'm finishing one with a primary character as a surprise killer and a secondary one in a backstory who manipulates the primary character into committing three murders. The true target is killed for a reason the primary character doesn't realize. There are subtle clues …but not enough to give it away. I like using greed and misplaced ambition as motivators…in addition to the cold "Business" of killing for hire.

M.A.R. -- Great premise, I think. Of course when I get your book, I now will be reading between the lines with way too much perception into the deed.

But I do think your premise is both novel and cagy.

Thanks. Ah but which primary character should you be watching?? The backstory actually goes through two of the books. Check out the website to get an overview www.marunger.com. Second book is with my editor.

Like your site a lot. Simple but intriguing and attractive. Plus, the Las Vegas Valley is a location fecund with stories, I bet.

Good luck with your work and thanks for the ideas, which I won't steal...completely. ;-)