Writing

“I knew he was the killer from page 27."

Most writers have been told–with enormous glee–that a reader figured out an entire plot within a chapter or two. Our reactions probably don’t mirror what we’re really thinking in those moments!

Of course, guessing the villain is impossible with one of my stories so if someone tries the “I knew” on me, I’m convinced I’m being baited and I laugh at such nonsense . . . I won’t be amused if you suggest you don’t know who the villain is after you’ve finished one of my books.

But this topic is on my mind as much as a reader as a writer. Regardless of the genre I’m reading, I tend to choose books with at least a tip of the hat to relationship. And fully developed characters are a must for me. Even in a hard-boiled police procedural I expect the cop I’m supposed to pull for to have people in his life other than corpses. In a more psychological thriller/mystery, unless we have an anti-hero and we’re supposed to be in his/her head and race through the pages praying his victims wise up before it’s too late, whoever “dunnit” had better be hard to spot.

It’s fun to have those brilliant moments when you yell (preferably in your head) “got it.” Even better, is to read on and start doubting your conclusions. Best of all comes the story that keeps the reader guessing and changing deductions until all is supposed to be revealed.

A very small cast of characters can be manipulated to make it tough to spot the criminal–and when these stories really work, they’re fantastic mind-benders. Too few characters, in many hands, may be the kiss-of-death. Forgive me:)

Vaguely developed potential bad people wipe out the tension for this reader. These characters–frequently in bit parts and teamed with one well-developed, obvious culprit, ruin a story. And I don’t want to know who “dunnit” until the end.

What do you think detracts from a story with a hidden killer or villain? Does it bother you to be misled? Are you happy to unravel the mystery many chapters before the story is over?

Stella Cameron Bestselling and award-winning author of 60+ novels and novellas.
www.stellacameron.com