I've read many mysteries throughout the years. Some of them were absolutely amazing! Others of them had me setting aside the book, still thinking in a very good way. Still others had me setting them aside simply confused. The case was solved fine and dandy, but the million other rabbit trails I was taken on during the book were left completely unfinished!
I suppose, my main point would be that there's more than one mystery in each mystery. Sure, there's the overlying plot line that keeps the book going and keeps you hanging on until the end desperately seeking an answer, but then there's all of those red herrings, false leads, and hints that lead to nowhere in that particular case. As much as humanly possible, these things should be answered, as well.
Here are a few tips to make sure that all of your leads are closed -- whether in a positive way to help the solution of the mystery, or as simply something that was completely coincidental. Either way, all ties closed.
1. Every red herring or false lead should tie into the story somehow.
Sometimes it seems that we find the need to throw in something in order to nudge our hero or heroine off the scent and push them in a different direction, but don't always make sure that they connect to the story at large. If we make sure that each red herring is connected to another character that will show up at a later time, there is more of a chance that we will make sure that little lead is closed -- or perhaps even followed more closely to lead our person even farther off from where they should be.
2. Write them down.
No really, I mean it. Have a little pad of paper at the side of your computer, or whatever you are using as medium to getting the story down, and write down every little question that you believe might go unanswered. When you are finished, look through, and make sure you closed them all up.
3. Find a guinea pig (possibly better known as a gullible friend).
We all have them, or at least, we can hope we do. Friends that are willing to set aside their computer game, or let their dishes wait an hour or two, and read your story. Attention to detail would be a good one here. If there is anything that makes them go, "huh?", it's likely something that would need to be clarified. Remember that your readers won't be sitting beside you as they read, able to ask questions as they go. So any questions voiced should be answered within the story, somehow.
While maybe a little tedious, following these steps will allow you to be sure that any gaps are closed, any questions are answered, and any misleads are lead back to either the right or the wrong place. Mystery is a tough genre to write simply for that reason. Most stories flow, but mysteries are intended to attempt to mislead the reader -- make them think while entertaining them at the same time. It doesn't necessarily disrupt the flow, but it does guide the reader on several detours. As long as all of the detours lead back to the central story in some way, it'll all work out. |