If you’ve ever read a murder mystery that kept you guessing until the very last page, chances are the author had you chasing red herrings. These clever misdirections are a hallmark of great storytelling, especially in the mystery genre. But crafting a red herring that captivates readers without frustrating them is an art form in itself.

What is a Red Herring?

A red herring is a literary device designed to divert your reader’s attention from the true culprit or solution. The term originates from a 17th-century practice where smoked fish (which turned red) was used to distract hounds from the scent they were tracking. In storytelling, red herrings serve as the metaphorical smoked fish, leading readers astray and making your plot twists all the more satisfying.

Why Red Herrings Are Essential in Mysteries

In murder mysteries, red herrings are the lifeblood of intrigue. Without them, the solution can feel obvious, leaving readers underwhelmed. A well-placed red herring not only enhances the suspense but also:

• Keeps Readers Engaged: The chase for clues feels rewarding when there are plausible (but false) trails to follow.

• Heightens the Surprise: The reveal of the real culprit hits harder when readers have been carefully misled.

• Adds Depth to Characters: Suspicions can spotlight different facets of your characters, making them more complex and interesting.

• To Deepen Your Plot: They add complexity and depth, making your story more intriguing.

Crafting a Convincing Red Herring

A red herring needs to feel like a natural part of your story—not an obvious attempt to mislead. Here’s how to create one that seamlessly integrates into your narrative:

1. Start with Plausibility

Your red herring should be grounded in logic. Ask yourself: Would a reasonable person suspect this character or clue? If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track. For example, if a character has a shady past or is caught lying, readers might naturally think they’re hiding something bigger.

2. Play with Reader Assumptions

Readers often rely on genre tropes and their own biases. Use this to your advantage by flipping those expectations. For instance, if you introduce a wealthy, arrogant character, readers might assume they’re the villain—making it even more surprising when the kindhearted neighbor turns out to be the murderer.

Introduce multiple characters with motives that make them seem guilty. Give each one distinct reasons for being involved in the crime.

Example: A jealous coworker, a scorned lover, or a mysterious stranger all have potential to draw suspicion.

3. Layer the Clues

Instead of pointing a neon sign at your red herring, subtly layer evidence to build suspicion. A stray glove, a half-truth, or a conveniently timed alibi can plant doubt without screaming guilt.

Scatter details throughout the story that point to an innocent character or situation. These clues should be believable but ultimately irrelevant.

Pro Tip: Use diary entries, overheard conversations, or planted objects to mislead your audience.

4. Distract Without Derailing

While a red herring should capture attention, it shouldn’t overshadow the main plot. Keep it balanced so readers stay invested in the overarching mystery, not just the false lead.

While red herrings can elevate your mystery, they can also backfire if not handled with care. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Don’t Overdo It: Too many red herrings can confuse or frustrate readers.

• Stay Fair: Readers should have enough information to solve the mystery, even if they’re misdirected along the way.

• Avoid Randomness: Red herrings should fit seamlessly into your plot and not feel contrived.

Types of Red Herrings to Use

Red herrings come in all shapes and sizes. Experiment with these types to see what fits best in your story:

1. The Suspicious Character

This is the classic go-to red herring. Introduce someone with a secret or questionable behavior, but make their motives unrelated to the crime. For example, a witness might act nervously because they’re hiding an affair, not because they’re the killer.

2. The Misinterpreted Clue

Present evidence that seems damning at first glance but has an innocent explanation. For instance, a bloodstained knife might turn out to be from a steak dinner, not the murder weapon.

3. The Decoy Motive

Create a character with a strong motive to commit the crime, only to reveal later that their anger or jealousy was unrelated to the murder. This works well when paired with a contrasting personality—like the gentle artist who has a grudge but wouldn’t hurt a fly.

4. The Overzealous Investigator

Sometimes the detective or protagonist themselves can serve as a red herring by misinterpreting clues or focusing too heavily on one suspect. This keeps readers on their toes and makes the eventual reveal feel earned.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned writers can stumble when creating red herrings. Here’s what to watch out for:

1. Making It Too Obvious

If your red herring is too blatant, readers will see through it immediately. Avoid clichés like the mysterious stranger who disappears after every crime scene unless you can add a fresh twist.

2. Neglecting Payoff

Readers hate loose ends. If you introduce a red herring, ensure it has a resolution. For example, reveal why a character was acting suspiciously, even if it’s unrelated to the main crime.

3. Frustrating the Reader

Overloading your story with too many red herrings can confuse and irritate readers. Aim for a few well-placed misdirections instead of a dozen weak ones.

Mastering the Timing of Red Herrings

Timing is everything when it comes to red herrings. Introduce them too early, and readers might forget about them. Introduce them too late, and they might feel shoehorned. Here’s a simple guideline:

1. Early On: Plant subtle seeds of suspicion.

2. Midpoint: Let the red herring gain traction, giving readers enough time to develop theories.

3. Climactic Moment: Reveal the truth behind the red herring while pivoting to the actual culprit.

Examples of Brilliant Red Herrings

Looking for inspiration? Here are some iconic examples of red herrings done right:

Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

Agatha Christie, the Queen of Crime, was a master of red herrings. In The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, she throws suspicion on nearly every character.

• The Red Herring: The narrator, Dr. Sheppard, is presented as a trustworthy and neutral observer, which naturally deflects suspicion away from him.

• The Outcome: Christie’s ingenious twist reveals that the narrator himself is the murderer, leaving readers stunned.

• Takeaway: Use character perception to manipulate your readers' trust and direct their attention elsewhere.

Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles

Sherlock Holmes stories are filled with red herrings, but The Hound of the Baskervilles offers an excellent example.

• The Red Herring: The spectral hound is built up as the primary antagonist, convincing readers the culprit is supernatural.

• The Outcome: The hound turns out to be a real dog used to perpetuate a hoax for personal gain.

• Takeaway: Lean into myths or superstitions to distract readers from grounded, logical explanations.

Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl

Modern mysteries have their share of misdirections, and Gone Girl is a prime example.

• The Red Herring: The initial portrayal of Nick Dunne’s character makes him appear guilty of his wife’s disappearance. Flynn provides just enough evidence to make readers suspect him.

• The Outcome: The shocking twist reveals that Amy staged her own disappearance to frame Nick.

• Takeaway: Plant subtle but plausible evidence that can lead readers down the wrong path.

How to Practice Crafting Red Herrings

Like any skill, creating effective red herrings takes practice. Here are a few exercises to get you started:

Rewrite a Classic Tale: Take a well-known mystery and add a red herring of your own. How does it change the story?

Focus on Character Backstories: Write a scene where a character has a secret unrelated to the plot. How can you make their behavior suspicious without making them guilty?

Experiment with Misdirection: Craft a short story where the ending hinges on a red herring. Test it on friends or writing groups to see if they fall for it.

Write a Short Mystery with Two Suspects:Create a scenario where two characters seem equally guilty. Drop subtle clues that point to the innocent party.

Analyze Your Favorite Mysteries: Reread your favorite mystery novels and pinpoint the red herrings. Ask yourself why they worked and how the author misdirected you.

Get Feedback: Share your story with friends or fellow writers. Ask if they guessed the ending and if the red herrings were effective.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Challenge

Crafting red herrings is an art that requires creativity, subtlety, and a deep understanding of your readers. Done right, they can elevate your murder mysteries from good to unforgettable. So don’t be afraid to misdirect, mislead, and keep your audience guessing—they’ll thank you for the ride when all is revealed.

Now it’s your turn. Grab your pen, lace up your detective boots, and start weaving some cunning red herrings into your next story. Who knows? You might just write the next great whodunit!

The Works of Edgar Allan Poe