How to Create a Killer Twist Ending in Your Mystery

Published September 2, 2025

by Kim Olgren

One of the greatest thrills in reading (or writing) a mystery is the twist ending—that gasp-worthy moment when everything clicks into place and the reader realizes the truth has been hiding in plain sight all along.

But here’s the secret: a satisfying twist isn’t built in the final chapter. It’s carefully crafted throughout the story, revealing clues with finesse and purpose. Mystery writing involves creating an intriguing puzzle that entertains the reader and makes them continue turning page after page. 

You’re leaving breadcrumbs your readers don’t even realize they’re following until the big reveal. Do it right, and your twist feels both shocking and inevitable. Do it wrong, and your readers will feel tricked or cheated.

So how do you get it right? 

Start by Asking Yourself the Right Questions

1. Does the twist feel earned when revealed?

A twist should never come out of nowhere. The clues should be there all along—just subtle enough that the reader doesn’t necessarily piece them together until it’s too late. When the reveal lands, readers should think: “Of course! How did I miss that?” 

2. Did I plant details that mean one thing at first, and another in hindsight?

Some of the best clues are about double meaning. A harmless line of dialogue, an offhand detail, or a small gesture can take on an entirely new meaning once the truth comes out. These kinds of clues should be used sparingly, like a sprinkle of red pepper flakes in a marinara sauce, to give it just a hint of spice. 

3. Have I included 2–3 clear but camouflaged clues?

Every strong twist should have at least a few solid clues that tie directly into the reveal. Slip them in naturally—through dialogue, setting, or background details—so they feel unimportant at first glance. 

Bury a vital clue in a moment of comic relief or casual conversation. Readers won’t think twice about it… until the end. In The Big Sleep, by Raymond Chandler, a letter that was never mailed (a detail that seems insignificant) holds the key to revealing the lies at the heart of the case.

4. Does each clue feel natural for the character or situation?

Nothing breaks the readers’ immersion in your story like a character who suddenly blurts out something that only exists to serve the plot. Clues work best when they feel like part of everyday life, not a spotlighted hint. Sudden revelations should be left for the reader to discover for themselves.

5. Am I balancing truth with misdirection?

Mysteries thrive on red herrings—plausible but false leads that distract from the truth. The trick is layering in believable misdirection while hiding the real clues in plain sight. Think about all the red herrings in Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None.

6. Is the biggest clue hiding where the reader least expects it?

Some of the best twists hinge on something bold and obvious that nobody thought mattered: a repeated phrase, a background object, or a character’s casual habit. In another Agatha Christie example, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, the murderer is found to be the narrator of the story.

7. Does the twist connect emotionally, not just logically?

The strongest twists don’t just surprise the reader—they reframe the story’s emotional core. Maybe it changes how we see the protagonist’s choices, or deepens a relationship we thought we understood.

8. Am I revealing too much too soon—or not enough at all?

If test readers guess the twist early, you may need more misdirection. If they don’t understand the ending even after it’s revealed, you may need clearer foreshadowing. Finding the sweet spot is key. Experiment with placement.

9. Can a character unknowingly foreshadow the truth?

Sometimes the best clues come through innocent mouths. A child’s drawing, a nervous joke, or a side character’s rambling comment might hold the truth that nobody takes seriously… until the reveal. 

10. Do my clues match the tone of my story?

Subtle, atmospheric hints work well in noir or psychological mysteries, while cozy or comic mysteries can lean into more overt or ironic foreshadowing. The clues should always feel like they belong in your world.

Bonus Techniques for Killer Clues

Rule of Three: Repeat important clues or suspects in three different ways. The last clue, put together with the first two, gives the answer to the mystery.

Contrast with red herrings: Let the false leads scream for attention while the real ones whisper in the background. The TV shows Psych and Monk do this well. 

Use objects: A misplaced item, a forgotten trinket, a broken watch—these silent storytellers make excellent clues. Agatha Christie uses clocks and other items brilliantly in The Clocks. 

Layer genres: If your story blends mystery with supernatural or horror, clues can lean towards symbolism, dreamlike, or surreal.

A twist ending isn’t just about shocking your readers—it’s about rewarding their attention. Done right, foreshadowing creates that perfect blend of surprise and satisfaction, the moment where your reader sets the book down and whispers, “I should have seen it.

The trick? Start planting your clues early, disguise them well, and make sure your twist deepens the story—not just flips it. Writing mysteries isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you plan your puzzles well, your readers will keep coming back for more.

Editor’s Note: Kim will be speaking at the East Library at 11:00 AM on 9/20/25. Stop by and say hello!

Kim Olgren is the author of the internationally-selling cozy mystery, FLIPPED-A JILLIAN MCELROY FLIPPING MYSTERY (writing as Kimberly Olgren). Flipping houses can be murder. As Jillian soon finds out when she buys her first house for renovation, setting off a powder keg of murder, kidnapping, and worst of all, the necessity to hire infamous womanizer, Nathan Strong as her general contractor. When not writing, Kim can be found in her local community renovating houses with her husband, volunteering with her local writers’ organization, crafting, or camping somewhere in the Rocky Mountains. Visit her blog, ‘Round the Bend, and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.