Who Buried Grandma’s Ashes in the Neighbor’s Sandbox?” (And Other Writing Prompts to Confuse the FBI)

Tired of writing about serial killers who leave rose petals on the crime scene and always strike during a full moon? Spice up your mystery writing with a prompt that’s weirder than your cousin Eddie’s browser history. We’re talking stolen urns, missing parrots that scream alibis, and nosy neighbors with a thing for digging.

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Fiction Writing Prompt:

“The Parrot Knew Too Much”

When an elderly widow reports her late husband’s ashes stolen, the police dismiss it as a prank—until a child digging in the neighbor’s sandbox finds an urn. The only witness? A parrot that screams “Not guilty! Check the freezer!” every time the neighbor walks by.

Example Opening Sentences:

Detective Marley never took cases involving birds, but this parrot could recite the Miranda rights and whistle The Godfather theme. It perched on its stand like a feathery mob boss, glaring at the sandbox where the mystery began—and probably where it would end.

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