THE ART OF SUSPENSE: CRAFTING UNPREDICTABLE TWISTS IN CRIME FICTION 

By Laurie Buchanan, author of the Sean McPherson crime thriller novels

The lifeblood of crime fiction is tension—the underlying current of unease, suspense, and anticipation that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The elements that contribute to tension are:

INTRIGUING CHARACTERS 

Complex characters with hidden motives and flaws make for compelling reading. The interplay between the protagonist and antagonist, as well as secondary characters, adds depth and dimension.

TWISTS AND TURNS 

Unexpected plot twists keep readers guessing and engaged. The element of surprise is crucial in maintaining the story’s momentum.

HIGH STAKES 

The higher the stakes, the more invested readers become. Whether it’s life and death, moral dilemmas, or personal losses, the gravity of the situation enhances the story’s impact.

PACING 

Skillful pacing keeps the story moving and ensures that readers stay hooked. Alternating between fast-paced action and slower, introspective moments creates a dynamic narrative.

ATMOSPHERE 

A well-crafted setting adds to the mood and tension. Dark alleyways, isolated locations, and ominous weather can all contribute to a sense of foreboding.

CLUES AND RED HERRINGS 

Providing clues and red herrings keeps readers actively engaged in solving the mystery alongside the characters. It adds an interactive element to the reading experience.

Ultimately, it’s the interplay of these elements that creates a gripping, unforgettable crime fiction story.

One of the most rewarding aspects of writing in this genre is crafting twists that shock and satisfy readers. But creating those “aha!” moments requires a delicate balance of pacing, foreshadowing, and misdirection.

Let’s dive into the techniques and strategies that can transform a good story into an unforgettable one.

PACING—THE RHYTHM OF SUSPENSE 

Pacing is crucial in building suspense. It’s the rhythm of your narrative, and getting it right means knowing when to speed up and when to slow down. A well-paced story keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning the pages.

Start with a strong hook. Drop your readers right into the action and introduce an intriguing situation or character that piques their curiosity. From there, maintain a balance between high-stakes moments and quieter scenes. The high-stakes moments should escalate tension, while the quieter scenes provide necessary breathers and allow for character development.

One technique is to use shorter sentences and chapters during action-packed scenes to create a sense of urgency. Conversely, longer, more descriptive passages can be used to slow things down and build anticipation.

FORESHADOWING—PLANTING THE SEEDS 

Foreshadowing is about planting subtle hints that something significant is going to happen later in the story. It’s a way to prepare readers for the twist without giving it away. The trick is to be subtle enough that the hints are almost imperceptible, yet clear enough that when the twist occurs, readers can look back and see how it all fits together.

One effective method is to include seemingly inconsequential details that gain significance as the story unfolds. For example, a character’s offhand comment or a seemingly trivial object can take on new meaning in the light of the twist.

In your own work, look for opportunities to drop these breadcrumbs. It could be a recurring motif, a piece of dialogue, or a minor character’s action. The key is to make it feel natural and unobtrusive, so it doesn’t tip off the reader too early.

MISDIRECTION—THE ART OF DECEPTION 

Misdirection is the art of leading readers down the wrong path, making them believe they know what’s going to happen, only to pull the rug out from under them. It’s a staple in crime fiction and, when done well, can make for a truly memorable twist.

A classic technique is to introduce red herrings—elements that seem to point to a particular outcome but ultimately lead nowhere. These can be false clues, suspicious characters, or misleading events that divert attention from the real plot.

Incorporate misdirection by creating multiple layers of mystery. For instance, in a murder investigation, several suspects could each have plausible motives and alibis. As the protagonist uncovers more information, the true culprit should only become apparent at the climactic moment.

EXAMPLES FROM NOTABLE AUTHORS 

Learning from the masters can provide valuable insights into crafting your own twists. Agatha Christie, for instance, was renowned for her use of red herrings and intricate plotting. In “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd,” she masterfully uses an unreliable narrator to deliver one of the most famous twists in crime fiction.

Gillian Flynn’s “Gone Girl” is another great example. Flynn expertly manipulates the reader’s expectations through alternating perspectives and unreliable narratives, leading to a series of jaw-dropping twists that keep the reader guessing until the very end.

In my own Sean McPherson series, I strive to weave suspense through careful pacing, foreshadowing, and misdirection. For example, in Incognito, I used a seemingly innocent character’s peculiar habit as a subtle clue that becomes pivotal in the story’s climax. The twist was both surprising and satisfying for readers who connected the dots.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER 

Crafting unpredictable twists in crime fiction is a delicate dance of timing, hints, and deception. Here’s a quick recap of the techniques:

Pacing: Balance high-stakes moments with quieter scenes to keep readers engaged.

Foreshadowing: Plant subtle hints that make sense in hindsight.

Misdirection: Use red herrings and false clues to divert attention from the true plot.

Remember, the goal is to create a twist that feels both unexpected and inevitable. When readers can look back and see how all the pieces fit together, the twist becomes a rewarding experience.

So, next time you sit down to write, think about how you can use these techniques to elevate your story. With practice and a bit of creativity, you’ll be crafting twists that leave your readers in awe.

AUTHOR BIO 

Laurie Buchanan writes the critically acclaimed Sean McPherson novels—pulse-pounding crime thrillers with heart-stopping twists that plunge readers into the depths of malice, the unwavering quest for justice, and high-stakes consequences.

A cross between Dr. Dolittle, Nanny McPhee, and a type-A Buddhist, Buchanan is an active listener, observer of details, payer of attention, reader and writer of books, kindness enthusiast, and red licorice aficionado.

Her books have won multiple awards, including a Foreword INDIES Book of the Year gold, an International Book Award gold, a National Indie Excellence Award, and a PenCraft Award for Literary Excellence; she has also been a finalist in the Crime Fiction/Suspense Eric Hoffer Awards, the CIBA Clue Book Awards, and a CIBA Finalist for best series.

Laurie’s writing studio is in the hayloft of a historic carriage house in the Pacific Northwest. Her husband, Len, a private pilot, and Henry, their not-so-standard Standard Poodle, join her on daily walks. She always carries a camera because sometimes the best word choice is a picture. To learn more, please visit Laurie’s website at www.lauriebuchanan.com.

THE ILLUSIONIST

For fans of Louise Penny and Robert Dugoni, Illusionist is a contemporary crime thriller where PI McPherson must choose between killing an author at a writing retreat in the Pacific Northwest or letting a college student die.

When an illusionist joins the Pines & Quill writing retreat, one of the owners vanishes without a trace in the middle of everyone, but the surrounding would-be witnesses don’t see or hear a thing. That’s when crime boss Georgio Gambino makes a checkmate move against his nemesis, Sean McPherson. He forces a writer in residence to kill another writer and frame McPherson. In a video call, Gambino warns the writer, “If you don’t follow orders, your daughter will die.” Then, he pans the camera to prove access to her college dorm room.

McPherson discovers that Carmine Fiore, Gambino’s second in command, covets his boss role and is staging a coup. As Gambino’s soldiers traffic drugs, weapons, and humans, Fiore plants incriminating evidence against the notorious Sureños gang. Can McPherson leverage that knowledge for a temporary truce and the gang’s help?

The writers in residence—a former NASCAR driver, a professional triathlete, an architect turned house flipper, and a world-renowned magician who may not be who she appears to be—band together with McPherson to create the illusion of a lifetime.

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