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Mastering Misdirection: Tips For Crafting Convincing Red Herrings

What is a red herring? Simply put, a red herring is a piece of information in a story that distracts readers from an important truth or leads them to mistakenly expect a particular outcome in any genre. And not just information but characters make excellent red herrings.

Why are red herrings important to the murder mystery, especially red herring characters? Because they build suspense and help writers construct dramatic plot twists. Let’s face it, they are the staple of mystery novels as they often provide surprise endings and serve to distract the reader from what is actually taking place.

Of the many considerations facing writers concerning red herring characters, I believe there are three that stand out as necessary for the successful murder mystery plot to ensure the effectiveness of these characters in keeping readers engaged and guessing. Here are what I believe are the top three considerations of murder mystery writers when placing characters who are red herrings into the plot, and I offer three classic murder mystery works that illustrate these principles.

1. Character Motivation: Red herring characters should have plausible motives for the crime. Their reasons for wanting to harm the victim or being involved in suspicious activities should be convincing. If their motives are weak or unclear, readers may become frustrated or disinterested.

In Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express,” multiple passengers on the train have potential motives for the murder, making it challenging for readers to identify the true culprit. For me, this is one of the very best examples of the classic use of red herrings.

2. Character Development: Red herring characters should be well-developed and multidimensional. They shouldn’t simply exist as one-dimensional stereotypes or caricatures solely meant to mislead. Giving them depth, backstory, and believable personalities makes them more compelling.

In Tana French’s “In the Woods,” there are several characters with complex histories and personalities, all of whom could potentially be involved in the central mystery.

3. Plot Integration: Red herring characters should be seamlessly woven into the narrative. Their presence and actions should be integrated into the story’s overall plot and themes. If they feel forced or tacked on, readers may see through the deception too easily.

In Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” Dr. John Stapleton is introduced as a possible suspect with a connection to the legend of the supernatural hound, effectively adding layers of mystery to the plot.

Keeping these three considerations in mind when writing your mystery should ensure your red herring characters contribute to the intrigue and suspense of the story while maintaining the integrity of the narrative. Successful implementation of these elements can make the eventual revelation of the true culprit more satisfying for readers.

Happy writing!

 

 

 

Don’t forget to shop my online store for Halloween gifts such as mugs and Halloween Trick-or-Treat Bags to store all your Halloween goodies.

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Halloween Chocolate Treats

The tradition of giving out chocolate treats–my favorite–during Halloween Trick-0r-Treat celebrations in the United States has its roots in the evolution of Halloween customs and the influence of the candy industry.

Halloween has its origins in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. People believed that during this time, the boundary between the living and the dead was blurred, and offerings were made to appease and honor spirits. These offerings often included food and sweets.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, following World War II when sugar rationing was lifted, Halloween began to take on a more commercialized and modern form. The candy industry played a significant role in promoting the tradition of giving out sweets. Companies started marketing candy specifically for Halloween, and it became increasingly popular to give out pre-packaged candies during Trick-or-Treat.

Chocolate was among the sweets that gained popularity during Halloween celebrations. Its rich and indulgent taste made it a desirable treat. Over time, chocolate bars and individually wrapped chocolates became a staple of Halloween candy offerings.

The association between Halloween and chocolate treats was further solidified by popular culture. Halloween-themed packaging and advertising by chocolate manufacturers reinforced the idea of giving out chocolate during Trick-or-Treat. Characters like Hershey’s Kisses’ “witch” advertisements or Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups’ “two great tastes that taste great together” slogan became iconic parts of Halloween marketing.

As Halloween continued to evolve as a major holiday in the United States, consumer preferences for candy also played a role. Many people began to prefer chocolate over other types of sweets, and chocolate bars and candies became a sought-after prize during Trick-or-Treat.

Today, giving out chocolate treats during Halloween is a widespread tradition in the United States and is deeply ingrained in the holiday’s cultural and commercial aspects. It’s not only a way to satisfy the sweet tooth of trick-or-treaters but also a symbol of the Halloween season itself. The practice of handing out chocolates and other candies has become a fun and cherished part of the Halloween experience for both children and adults.

 

 

Don’t forget to shop my online store for Halloween gifts such as mugs and Halloween Trick-or-Treat Bags to store all your Halloween goodies.

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“Something Wicked This Way Comes”

October and Autumn in general mark my favorite time of year and always make me think of one of my very first favorite authors, Ray Bradbury. I first discovered his writings in Junior High School in the 1960’s and have been a fan ever since.

Ray Douglas Bradbury was born on August 22nd, 1920, and died June 5th, 2012, at the age of 91. In between those dates he did, in my opinion, pen some wonderful writing including such memorable works as “Fahrenheit 451,” “The Martian Chronicles,” “Dandelion Wine,” and the “Illustrated Man.” The one I most remember this time of year is “Something Wicked This Way Comes,” a title inspired by Shakespeare’s Macbeth and the witches with their utterance “By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes.”

In this haunting tale, two 13-year-old friends, Jim Nightshade and William Halloway, are drawn into a chilling adventure when a sinister carnival rolls into their hometown of Green Town, Illinois, on October 24th. Encountering the eerie characters of the carnival, the boys grapple with their fears. The carnival is led by the enigmatic Mr. Dark, who appears to have the ability to fulfill the hidden wishes of the townspeople. However, in truth, he and the carnival thrive on absorbing the vitality of their captives. As darkness looms, Charles Halloway–the local library’s janitor and Will’s father–emerges as a beacon of hope. Charles confronts his own deep-rooted fears of aging, feeling out of step as an older father to young Will. The novel combines elements of fantasy and horror, examining the conflicting natures of good and evil that exist within all individuals.

 

 

Don’t forget to stop by my online store 

 

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Chickens And Dinosaurs

 

Way back in ancient times, sometime after the age of dinosaurs and before the invention of the computer and internet, and about the time I received an A+ grade for creative writing in 5th grade, I mean long, long-ago 65+ years ago, I raised chickens—laying hens, to be precise—and sold their eggs. Back then, I don’t remember ever thinking of chickens as being related to dinosaurs, much less the T-Rex. Although my brother did have a rather large and bad-tempered rooster with sharp, three-inch spurs that enjoyed making life miserable for any human who ventured out to the chicken yard and nests to gather eggs. He—the rooster, not my brother—I would have no trouble believing was related to the ancient dinosaur carnivores. No doubt this old rooster could recognize faces. He never attacked my father but came after me and my siblings at every opportunity and then boasted about it with exuberant strutting and crowing.

Enjoy these chicken facts.

 

Attribution:  texasexoticanimalsinc.org

 

 

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Try, Try Again

Good advice for children and adults from T. H. Palmer.

From his “Teacher’s Manual” (1840), page 223. Thomas Haig Palmer was born on 27 December 1782 in Kelso, Scottish Borders, Scotland. In 1804, he immigrated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America, where he became a printer, a publisher, and an author of school textbooks and historical records. Thomas Haig Palmer passed on at 78 years of age on 20 July 1861 in Pittsford, Rutland County, Vermont, United States of America. Quick Biography of H. H. Palmer. 

 

A bit dated but, none-the-less, Here it is, verbatim:

Try, Try Again by T. H. Palmer

‘Tis a lesson you should head,

If at first you don’t succeed,

Try, try again;

Then your courage should appear,

For if you will persevere,

You will conquer, never fear

Try, try again;

Once or twice, though you should fail,

If you would at last prevail,

Try, try again;

If we strive ‘tis no disgrace

Though we do not win the race

What should you do in the case?

Try, try again

If you find your task is hard,

Time will bring you your reward,

Try, try again

All that other folks can do

Why, with patience, you not do?

Only keep this rule in view:

Try, try again.

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Writing Isn’t All I Do

Besides my Celtic murder mystery, poetry, and my book of short stories, I’ve managed over the last 40+ years to stay busy creating art. Actually, I’ve been doing some sort of art since I was old enough to hold a crayon but that’s too many years ago now for me to even think about.

It’s been a time-consuming challenge, but I’ve finally opened my online storefront to showcase selected pieces of my artwork on various items including mugs, notebooks, drinkware, clothing, and notebooks, just to name a few. And, since we are nearing the Autumn holidays of Halloween, Day of the Dead, and Día de los Muertos, I would be remiss not to mention many of my motifs concerning these holidays are available for purchase. Come by and take a look.

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“Track of the Cat” by Nevada Barr

 

“Track of the Cat” by Nevada Barr is a mystery story set against the high-country trails of the Guadalupe Mountains of West Texas, where the age-old battle of man against nature is fought with a frightening twist. It’s the first novel in her Anna Pigeon series, which revolves around the adventures of a National Park Service ranger named Anna Pigeon. In “Track of the Cat,” Anna is stationed at the fictional West Texas’s Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

Barr, having been a park ranger herself, offers readers an authentic portrayal of the national parks, the beauty and peril of the wild, and the unique challenges and experiences faced by those who work there.

In “Track of the Cat”, readers are introduced to Anna Pigeon, a ranger stationed at the lesser-known Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The mystery unfurls with the grim discovery of a ranger’s body, the immediate cause of death believed to be a cougar attack. However, Anna’s intuition and her love for the wild creatures of the park make her question this theory. As more bodies turn up, her conviction strengthens, and she finds herself ensnared in a deepening web of intrigue.

I’ve spent some time in the West Texas desert when I lived in San Angelo and then in Abilene, so one of the novel’s strong points for me is its setting. Barr, a former park ranger herself, vividly captures the desolate beauty of the West Texas desert, so much so that readers can almost feel the scorching heat and the rugged rocks beneath their feet. She crafts a realm where the beauty of nature contrasts sharply with the underlying threat of a murderer on the loose. Anna’s treks into the park’s backcountry sound inviting despite the lack of water sources, speaking to the allure of the untouched wilderness.

Nevada Barr’s protagonist, Anna Pigeon, is a well-developed character with depth and complexity. Her background as a widow escaping her past in New York, a distant relationship with her psychiatrist sister that allows for introspective moments, and her struggle with alcoholism, paint a portrait of a woman who is at once tough and vulnerable. Her worldly cynicism is tempered by her deep appreciation for nature. However, her near-superhero escapades towards the story’s climax may stretch believability for some readers but for me, it made suspenseful reading.

The plot, tension-filled, is interlaced with intricate park politics, infighting among rangers, and age-old disputes between ranchers and conservationists. The stakes rise when it becomes clear that condemning a cougar for the murders could have devastating environmental and political consequences. Anna’s tenacity in uncovering the truth leads her on a treacherous path, putting her squarely in the crosshairs of a killer. The ending, while unexpected and generally satisfying, leaves readers with a few unresolved threads and potential missteps in the realm of the mystery writers’ code.

Reading “Track of the Cat” feels like shadowing Anna through the sunbaked canyons and peaks, sensing the imminent danger posed by both nature and man. Anna’s sleuthing skills are excellent, with her logic and intuition guiding her through the twisted trails of the investigation. It is a Southwestern mystery that showcases Nevada Barr’s talent both as a mystery writer and a natural storyteller. Her authentic depiction of park ranger life and the intricacies of human-nature relationships is engaging. It’s no surprise she clinched the Agatha Award for best first mystery with this offering. Anna’s journey alongside the reader, working to decipher the crime, makes for a thrilling experience and a good read.

Nevada Barr is an American author of mystery fiction and known for her Anna Pigeon series of which “Track of the Cat” is the first. Her work is primarily set in a series of national parks and other protected areas of the United States.

Nevada Barr’s Website  https://nevadabarr.com/

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Writing A Successful Classic Mystery

Attribution: J. R. Cotner

I recently spent time browsing through my rather dusty bookshelves, taking stock of the great reads I’ve collected over the years. Many are intricate, classic mysteries written by some of the most successful and admired authors of that genre and era. Why were they so popular? What made them such a success?

Writing a classic mystery novel is a complex process that requires careful thought and planning. Here are three of the most important considerations for authors in this genre:

Plot Structure and Clue Placement:

The classic mystery is intricately designed with a sequence of events occurring within a believable timeline. Clues—neither too obvious nor too obscure—and red herrings are essential plot elements planted at key points of the story to build tension and suspense. That structure allows a gradual revelation of details to guide the discerning reader through the story toward an eventual resolution that ties up all loose ends and leads to a logical and satisfying conclusion.

Character Development and Motivation:

Characters, especially the detective and the perpetrator, must be well-rounded and have clear motivations that drive their actions. This can add depth and make the story more engaging. Secondary characters also play a critical role, as they often contribute to the plot through their relationships with the main characters, their secrets, and their alibis.

Setting and Atmosphere:

The setting of a classic mystery often plays a critical role in the mood and the unfolding of the plot. It must be described in a way that adds to the tension and supports the story. Whether it’s a gloomy mansion, a small village, or a bustling city, the setting must be depicted in a way that complements the tone of the mystery and aids in the unfolding of clues.

Writing a mystery requires a delicate balance between these elements, and a failure in any of these areas can lead to a less-than-satisfying reading experience. Many successful mystery writers spend significant time planning and outlining their novels to ensure that these aspects are all carefully considered and integrated into the story.

Here are examples of classic mystery novels that particularly exemplify each of the three considerations I’ve listed. First up is Plot Structure and Clue Placement and I’ve listed a work by Agatha Christie.

“The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” by Christie (published in 1926) is, I believe, an excellent example of a meticulously crafted plot structure and clue placement in a classic work. Christie employs a series of twists and turns, carefully planting clues that lead to a shocking and unexpected conclusion. The use of an unreliable narrator and the placement of red herrings are particularly masterful.

As an excellent example of Character Development and Motivation in a classic mystery, I think “The Maltese Falcon” by Dashiell Hammett (published in 1930) fits the bill as it showcases character development and motivation as key elements. Sam Spade, the protagonist, is a fully realized character with complex motives, and the villains have clear motivations that drive the plot forward. Relationships between characters are intricate, and the interactions are essential in unraveling the mystery.

As for Setting and Atmosphere, I will recommend “Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier (published in 1938). The classic setting of the Manderley estate as a critical component of the story is very effective. The eerie and atmospheric mansion almost becomes its own character, and the descriptive language paints a vivid picture that adds to the mystery and suspense. The setting creates a gothic tone that deeply impacts the unfolding of the plot. The opening line of the story is unforgettable: “Last night I dreamed I went to Manderley again.” Classic.

I held these three rules close and emulated them when writing my own work, “Mystery Of The Death Hearth”. For anyone wishing to write an effective, compelling, and engaging mystery in the classic style, I suggest dusting off a copy of each of those works to read again. Their influence can still be seen in contemporary mystery writing.