The Art Of The PLot Twist Part Two

Welcome back, crime fiction aficionados! In Part 1 of this two part look at plot twists, we covered some classic techniques that are sure to keep your readers on the edge of their seats. But why stop there? In this installment, we're going to delve into some more advanced strategies for crafting truly unforgettable twists and turns.

First up, let's talk about the false solution. This is a plot twist where a plausible explanation for the crime is presented, only to be disproven later on. It's a way to keep the reader guessing, to make them think they've got it all figured out – before pulling the rug out from under them.

Picture this: the evidence points to a clear suspect, someone with a history of violence and a clear motive. The detective builds a strong case, and the suspect is arrested and charged. But just as the trial is about to begin, a new piece of evidence emerges that proves the suspect couldn't have committed the crime after all. The real killer is still out there, and the race is on to find them.

To make a false solution plot twist work, the initial explanation needs to be convincing. It should fit the evidence, the motives, the timeline – everything should point to this being the right answer. But there should also be a few nagging inconsistencies, a few threads that don't quite add up. These are the breadcrumbs that lead to the real solution, the clues that the reader (and the detective) can look back on and go "ah-ha!" when the truth is finally revealed.

Next up, let's talk about the mysterious past. This is a plot twist where a character's hidden history is revealed, shedding new light on their motives and actions. It's a way to add depth and complexity to your characters, to make them feel like real people with real secrets and real flaws.

Imagine a murder victim who, on the surface, seemed like an ordinary person with an ordinary life. But as the detective digs deeper, they uncover a web of secrets and lies. The victim was living under an assumed identity, running from a criminal past that had finally caught up with them. Suddenly, the case takes on a whole new meaning – this wasn't just a random crime, but an act of revenge from someone in the victim's hidden history.

To pull off a mysterious past plot twist, you need to plant the seeds early on. Drop hints and clues that suggest there's more to this character than meets the eye. Maybe they have a strange reaction to a certain name or place, or they possess a skill that doesn't fit with their supposed background. The key is to make the reader curious, to make them want to know more – so that when the truth is finally revealed, it feels like a satisfying payoff.

And now, the MacGuffin. Ah, the MacGuffin. This is a classic plot device that's been used in everything from Hitchcock films to spy novels. In essence, a MacGuffin is an object or goal that drives the plot, but ultimately has little relevance to the story's true meaning or theme. It's the thing everyone's chasing after, the thing that propels the action forward – but in the end, it's not what really matters.

For example, imagine a crime novel where everyone's after a priceless diamond that's been stolen from a museum. The diamond passes through multiple hands, each character convinced that possessing it will solve all their problems. But in the end, it turns out the diamond was a fake all along – and the real treasure was the journey itself, the lessons learned and the bonds formed along the way.

To use a MacGuffin effectively, it needs to be compelling enough to drive the plot, but not so important that the story falls apart without it. The characters should be invested in the MacGuffin, but their true growth and development should come from something else – their relationships, their personal struggles, their moral dilemmas. The MacGuffin is just the spark that sets everything in motion. Think Indiana Jones, and the relationship issues and moral dilemmas that are faced during Harrison Ford’s chase after the secret treasure.

Talking about moral dilemmas,  this is another powerful tool for creating memorable plot twists. A moral dilemma is a situation where the protagonist faces an ethical quandary, a choice between two equally difficult options. It's a way to add depth and complexity to your characters, to make the reader question their own beliefs and assumptions.

Picture a detective who discovers that the killer they're chasing is actually a vigilante, someone who's been targeting abusers and criminals who've escaped justice. On the one hand, the detective is sworn to uphold the law, to bring the killer to justice. But on the other hand, they can't help but sympathize with the vigilante's motives, to wonder if perhaps the world is a better place with one less predator in it. The moral dilemma forces the detective (and the reader) to confront tough questions about right and wrong, about the nature of justice itself. This is the entire premise of Dexter, for example. A serial killer who only targets bad people.

To craft a compelling moral dilemma, the stakes need to be high. The protagonist's choice should have real consequences, both for themselves and for the world around them. There should be valid arguments on both sides, reasons why either choice could be seen as the "right" one. And ultimately, the protagonist's decision should reveal something about their character, about their values and their beliefs.

The Time Shift is a plot twist that can really mess with your reader's head – in a good way, of course. A time shift is a narrative technique where the story jumps forward or backward in time, revealing new information that changes the context of everything that's come before. It's a way to play with chronology, to keep the reader guessing and questioning their assumptions.

Imagine a story that begins with a detective investigating a decades-old cold case. As they dig deeper into the past, the narrative shifts back and forth between the present-day investigation and flashbacks to the events leading up to the original crime. Slowly, the two timelines begin to converge, each one shedding new light on the other. And in the end, a shocking revelation from the past provides the key to solving the mystery in the present.

To pull off a time shift effectively, you need to be strategic about when and how you reveal information. Each timeline should be compelling in its own right, but they should also inform and enrich each other. The shifts should feel purposeful, not random – each one should reveal something new and important about the characters or the plot. And when the timelines finally converge, it should feel like a satisfying "a-ha!" moment, like all the pieces of the puzzle finally clicking into place.

Finally, let's talk about the unreliable witness. This is a plot twist that calls into question the very nature of truth and perception. An unreliable witness is someone whose account of events can't be trusted, someone whose testimony casts doubt on the entire investigation. It's a way to keep the reader off-balance, to make them question everything they thought they knew.

Picture a high-profile murder trial where the star witness takes the stand and delivers a compelling, damning testimony. The defendant's guilt seems all but certain – until the detective discovers that the witness has a history of mental illness, or a personal vendetta against the defendant, or a secret they're desperate to protect. Suddenly, the entire case is thrown into chaos, and the detective must race to uncover the truth before it's too late.

To make an unreliable witness plot twist work, the witness's testimony needs to be convincing at first glance. The reader (and the other characters) should have no reason to doubt their words – until the cracks begin to show. Maybe the witness's story doesn't quite add up, or they have a tell that suggests they're lying, or there's evidence that contradicts their account. The key is to seed doubt slowly and subtly, to make the reader question their own perceptions and assumptions.

And there you have it- some advanced techniques for crafting unforgettable plot twists in your crime fiction. Remember, the key is to keep your readers guessing, to make them question everything they thought they knew. Use these tools strategically and sparingly, and your twists will land with maximum impact.

But most importantly, have fun with it! Writing is a joyous, creative act, and there's nothing quite like the thrill of leading your readers down a twisty, turning path, only to surprise them with a shocking revelation at the end. So go forth and write, my friends – and may your plot twists be as devious and delightful as the criminals you're writing about.

In next week’s podcast, I’m changing up the format a little. In addition to talking about craft, I’ll also share my experience at a recent writers conference, and how these gatherings can really help your author career.

I’ll also be launching the Murderous Monday email. Sign up, and you’ll get the podcast, show notes and any other useful tips and advice I can think of, right to your inbox every Monday. So please sign up in the link in the notes, or by visiting the blog post on my website, and you’ll never miss an episode.

That’s all for this week crime lovers! Until next time, may your week be filled with mystery, murder and mayhem – the fictional kind of course!

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