This week: Setting the Bait Edited by: Dawn Embers  
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Mystery Newsletter by Dawn
Taking a look at the climax section of the story where the character might know who is the culprit but they need a way to catch them. The setup can have physical bait or it can be a person putting themselves into matters. Does the main character jump in? Is someone or something else used? What will be enticing for the criminal/bad person? |
So, I have this story. I should clarify. In this case, by story I mean an entire series that involves both a detective and a witch. The witch has a bad habit of using himself as bait when trying to catch the supernatural culprit. In the first book, there is a time where he specifically asks thee detective to come over during when he is going to do a ritual, because he is trying to entice the witch collector. Detective doesn't make it in time because his partner thinks the witch is suspicious. Which ends up abducted. Not only is he bait, but the bad guy actually catches him and he has to rely on the detective to figure out the location to find him and the others. Book 2, the witch ends up in jail (framed) and has to join an organization so he can get out in time to save the detective from a monster. Book 3, he claimed the guy from the alternate universe is the bait but the witch ends up stabbed. Book 4, he probably is going to be the bait again, unless I add a new storyline then it will be book 5. But there is a pattern.
Even my non-supernatural detective series has one book where the detective ends up being put as the bait for a serial killer because he is the target. Guys around him that the killer sees as hitting on his man end up dead. So, they set it up so that he goes on the dates and puts himself out for the killer but with police backup. HIs partner is also not happy about this. He might also end up stabbed at one point. Oops.
That ramble brings me to the point of the newsletter. Sometimes, when a character thinks they might know the culprit but they aren't sure, a setup can be used in an attempt to trap the villain in the act. This doesn't always have to be the main character. In fact, it doesn't have to be a person at all.
One option is the object as temptation.
This helps in the case of someone who is stealing things. A diamond thief, for example, might be tempted by an elaborate set up that is done to protect a special collection. Once that is created and advertised, there is the chance that they could go in for the steal, falling into the trap made for them. Diamonds are a good option but there are other antiques or things of value one might use in a mystery story. Not every mystery has someone dying.
Other times, it is there person that is necessary. Hopefully, they don't die. It's a risk being the one set up as the "treat" for the villain. This could be done in superhero and fantasy type stories too, not just mystery. And for mystery, it is an option. If using a person, there are a few options. The main, point of view, character is a good option. This is a prime choice because the reader can see how that set up goes from the character because we are in their mind. We can imagine how they might feel, the tension and a little fear. Another option will be a secondary person that we don't have for the point of view. The main character can help them understand the setup, give them tips on how to act, plus be around for backup or protection.
Might not always be the smartest idea but that doesn't mean a character won't do it. So, create a set up and put someone or something at risk and catch a villain. Like the mousetrap but bigger. Maybe don't call it a mousetrap though. Or maybe you could make a joke one like the game, Mousetrap, and see if someone falls for it. Might not be the villain but you never know.
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Have you ever used a character as bait in order to catch the bad guy?
Last time, months ago, I wrote a Mystery Newsletter and discussed the dynamic duo, where one is a cop/detective and the other character trying to solve the mystery is a civilian. Here is a comment sent for that newsletter:
Comment by Ichabod Crane  :
Good idea having a character to do the 'dirty' work. Enjoyed the Newsletter. Thank you for including 'Homicide in South Bunker' in your Editor's Picks.
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Mystery: October 22, 2025 Issue [#13409]
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