There was an interesting declaration in the introduction, which needs a little unpacking. Sutton says that 'too much interiority, too much description, too much indecision will sink any plot'. I think the key is in the 'too much', because some is necessary, and the right amount can be the best part of any crime novel.
Description and indecision really shine in many of the novels I have read, where they are used beautifully to raise suspense. Richard Osman, for example, uses indecision to great effect by having several conversations going on at once when his Thursday Murder Club is meeting. The resulting waffling is not only hilarious but really raises the question of whether they will be able to figure it all out in time.
As for description, I leave you with this. It is a quotation from Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None, and it sends chills down my spine every time I read it.
The storm broke just as the old man’s body was borne in through the door. The others were standing in the hall. There was a sudden hiss and roar as the rain came down. As Blore and Armstrong passed up the stairs with their burden, Vera Claythorne turned suddenly and went into the deserted dining-room. It was as they had left it. The sweet course stood ready on the sideboard untasted.
Vera went up to the table. She was there a minute or two later when Rogers came softly into the room. He started when he saw her. Then his eyes asked a question. He said: ‘Oh, Miss, I—I just came to see…’
In a loud harsh voice that surprised herself Vera said: ‘You’re quite right, Rogers. Look for yourself. There are only seven…’
(pp. 120-121). HarperCollins Publishers. Kindle Edition.
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