For instance I expect a mystery novel to set up for a chapter or two so usually a murder should occur at chapter 2-3 for me. Anyone agree or disagree and why?
I think Chapter 1 is fine, but then I'm a huge Columbo fan.
And I think than 2/3 is also fine. Murder on the Orient Express, for example, has several chapters of set up IIRC.
I'd say the first 10% is probably best, to give enough time for twists and turns and a meaty investigation. But I'll happily wait longer if the set up is interesting in itself.
Good question! Got me thinking.
Edit: Was curious enough to check a few. Murder otOE - the reader first knows of the murder in Chapter 5, 16%.
In The Cornish Coast Murder, it's Chapter 1 and 3%.
Yeah, I was just curious if people prefer quicker or longer. My current story has the murder happen in CH two because the whole story takes place in about 24 hours and I want it to feel quickly paced.
You're probably fine but I'll mention one mistake I made with my first published novel, caught and corrected in discussions with my agent: sometimes it's important to develop the character who is killed. Not always, but if you want your MC and the reader to really care about the murder, it can sometimes be necessary. Just one more thought to add to the stack...!
For instance I expect a mystery novel to set up for a chapter or two so usually a murder should occur at chapter 2-3 for me. Anyone agree or disagree and why?
I read a lot of mystery novels, and I could not care less when the murder occurs. The very idea that there should be a "formula" for such a thing is an immediate turn-off for me, as reader. I want story. That's all. The story should unfold the way it needs to unfold.
caw
It depends how the murder scene is used.For instance I expect a mystery novel to set up for a chapter or two so usually a murder should occur at chapter 2-3 for me. Anyone agree or disagree and why?