Ultimate Mystery Writing
Write and illustrate an original short mystery story, design clues and red herrings, and guide readers to solve the case with suspense.
Step-by-step guide to write and illustrate an Ultimate Mystery
Mystery Setting | How to Start a Mystery Story | Story Pirates University
Step 1
Pick your detective and setting by naming the hero (or heroine) and where the mystery happens.
Step 2
Choose the central mystery by deciding what was stolen lost or strange (for example a missing trophy or odd footprints).
Step 3
List three suspects by writing their names and one possible motive for each on a sticky note or card.
Step 4
Create three true clues that, when put together, point to the real solution and write each clue on a separate sticky note or card.
Step 5
Make two red herrings by writing two believable but false clues that will distract the reader.
Step 6
Plan your story structure by arranging sticky notes for Beginning Middle and End in the order you want the mystery to unfold.
Step 7
Write the first draft of your short mystery using your plan and include the clues and red herrings at the right moments.
Step 8
Read your draft aloud slowly and mark any places where you want more suspense or clearer clues.
Step 9
Revise one part you marked to raise the tension or clarify a clue and write the new version in pen or pencil.
Step 10
Draw at least three illustrations: your detective one key clue scene and the culprit reveal to help tell the story.
Step 11
Add tiny hidden details to your illustrations that match your clues by labeling or drawing small symbols near objects.
Step 12
Make a clue sheet by writing the three true clues and two red herrings on a neat page so readers can try to solve the case.
Step 13
Share your finished mystery story and illustrations on DIY.org so others can read and try to solve your case.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use instead of sticky notes or cards if we don't have them?
If you don't have sticky notes or cards, cut squares from printer paper or use index cards taped to the table and label them with pen or pencil so you can rearrange your Beginning/Middle/End plan.
What should we do if the clues don't clearly point to the culprit or the story feels confusing when we read it aloud?
If readers can't solve the case or the draft feels confusing when you read it aloud, mark the unclear spot, then revise that part in pen or pencil to add a specific detail that links a true clue to a labeled symbol in your illustration while keeping red herrings believable.
How can I adapt this mystery activity for younger kids or older kids?
For younger children, use only two suspects on sticky notes, big labeled drawings, and oral storytelling, while older kids can add extra suspects, more complex clue chains, and a typed clue sheet before posting to DIY.org.
How can we make the mystery more fun or unique after finishing the basic story?
Turn your clue sheet and labeled illustrations into an interactive scavenger hunt by hiding the three true clues and two red herrings with matching tiny symbols from your drawings and inviting friends to solve the case and share photos on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to write and illustrate an Ultimate Mystery
Writing a story with beginning, middle, end - tutorial for kids
4 Videos
Writing a story with beginning, middle, end - tutorial for kids
How to Write a Mystery Story
Writing Mystery Stories!
What is a Mystery? (A Short Writing Lesson for Kids 8-12)
Facts about mystery writing and creative storytelling
✍️ Many famous mystery stories were first published in magazines like The Strand, where readers waited eagerly for each new installment.
📚 Agatha Christie is one of the best-selling authors of all time — her books have sold around two billion copies.
🐟 The phrase "red herring" comes from smoked herrings once used in 19th-century Britain to distract hounds during training.
🔎 The word "whodunit" became popular in the early 20th century as a playful name for mystery stories about solving crimes.
🕵️♂️ Sherlock Holmes first appeared in Arthur Conan Doyle's A Study in Scarlet in 1887.
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