forum Mystery Writing (please help me)

Started April 14, 2018 by Georgia

tune

So I'm writing a story where there's a lot of mystery except that I'm really having trouble placing clues throughout the book that tie the plot together… thoughts?

Okay. Well, it can be stuff that's hinted at in dialogue, descriptions of body language, etc (are they tense, maybe their hands are sweaty), stuff that's described but it kind of blends into the background, like a character watching a man getting into a cab on the street outside.

The best kind of hints are ones that can be looked over in the moment by less observant readers but then at the end when you get the reveal that such and such character is evil (or whatever it is that's being revealed) they go "oh!" and all the dots connect—something the character said, the way they acted, that man getting into the cab, whatever—but then it also sort of challenges more observant readers to figure it out and then you get the "I called it!" moment. (I love both of those moments. It's just so satisfying when everything clicks). The important part about leaving these clues is making sure that they're clues that the reader will remember when the reveal is made. You've got to find that balance where it's not so obvious that it ruins the mystery of everything but that later on in the story the reader will be able to remember the hints and pick up on the clues.

It's always good to do a little research—tells of lying people, etc—to make your story more realistic and to help you figure out how to write certain scenes and characters.

If you want advice that's more specific to your story, like how you should hint at or leave clues about something, feel free to tell me a little about your story. The plot, characters, the world it's set in, etc. and I'd be happy to help. I hope this is useful :)

Well, my story is about three girls whose parents all work for a secret organization but don't know it. They all live in this town that almost everyone is in the organization. Hope you can help!

Sounds interesting. What's the plot of the story, if you don't mind me asking?

Work backwards. What's the solution to the mystery? Then make your bread crumb trail of clues and base your story off of that? Not sure if this helps….

Never neglect red herrings. Make the solution seem obvious and then double back when your characters discover it's not that simple.

Watch 4 seasons of Sherlock, and the two movies of Sherlock Holms with Robert Downey Jr.: Brain fuel for years. ALSO:

Google, "A guide to Deductions" and listen to the Sherlock theme song. Helps every time…