Mystery Plot Template / Story Beats / Roadmap

In the Novel Factory, we use a Universal Storyline template based on the Hero's Journey, and we've created a few more targeted structure templates for common genres, such as Romance and Mystery.

However, we've been asked a few times if we can develop these further and tailor them more closely to those genres.

So, we've researched and read and scoured the web and are proud to present the Mystery Plot Template!

Obviously, a template is only ever intended to be a starting point and a guide, and should not be taken as hard and fast laws. Take it, shake it up and deviate from it.

 It's a tool, not a rule.

And here is the same as text, for your convenience.

Act One

Present the crime

Introduce the sleuth

Offer plausible suspects

Introduce crime complications

Introduce private life subplot

Act Two

Initial investigations and interrogations reveal clues

Disappearance of one suspect

Raise the stakes

Development of sub plot

Act Three

Reveal hidden motives of stakeholders

Unsatisfying solution reached

Return to overlooked clue from act one

Resolution of subplot

Confrontation with perpetrator

Resolution