Plotting the Plot: The Structure of a Mystery Story

the detective or detective team puts together clues and evidence to solve the crimeTheInvestigation

The Crime

the reader/audience is introduced to the crime around which the story is based

the culprit is revealed and all questions are resolved the detective finds the final piece of the puzzle and solves the mystery

The Twist!

the detective finds an unexpected clue, an alibi is proved to be false, or another bit of surprising information is revealed that shocks them and the reader/ audience and changes the course of the investigation