LIKE every book, a crime novel has a beginning, a middle and an untimely or gruesome end for someone.

If you think you could play Sherlock, then switch off Midsummer Murders and book a place at the Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre’s workshop for writers called, How to Write a Crime Novel.

The workshop will be led by Chris Ewan and Clare Donoghue – both local published crime writers.

The day is designed not only for those with an interest in crime writing but for all writers.

It includes useful tips on how to generate compelling story ideas and develop plot, how to create engaging characters, how to build pace and suspense, and how to pitch your work to agents and publishers.

Taunton-based Chris Ewan is the critically acclaimed and bestselling author of many mystery and thriller novels, including the UK no.1 best seller Safe House which was shortlisted for The Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award.

Author of The Good Thief’s Guide To… series of mystery novels, Chris’s The Good Thief’s Guide to Amsterdam won the Long Barn Books First Novel Award and is published in thirteen countries.

He is also the author of the Kindle Single short story, Scarlett Point, and his most recent thrillers are Dark Tides and Dead Line, with forthcoming thriller Long Time Lost set to be published in the UK by Faber in April 2016.

Born in Taunton in 1976, Chris graduated from the University of Nottingham with a degree in American Studies and later trained as a lawyer.

After ten years in London, working for a city law firm, Clare Donoghue moved back to her home town in Somerset to undertake an MA in creative writing at Bath Spa University.

Clare’s debut novel, Never Look Back was published March 2014 and under a former title was long-listed for the CWA Debut Dagger 2011.

Her latest, No Place To Die was published in March 2015 and she is currently working on her third book.

The How to Write a Crime Novel Workshop is on Saturday, February 27, from 10am to 3pm.

Tickets £30 including lunch.