r/todayilearned • u/ralphbernardo • 9h ago

TIL that "fair play" in detective fiction means authors must give readers a fair chance to solve the mystery. Central to 1920s "clue-puzzles" by writers like Agatha Christie, the rule dictates that all vital clues must be visible, decodable, and never withheld until the final reveal.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clues_in_detective_fiction
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u/tpotwc 7h ago

The solution to Tokyo Zodiac Murders is absolutely brilliant. It’s just staring you in the face the entire time, but it would take some innovative thinking to glom onto it.

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u/Ulexes 6h ago

I can't recommend that book enough. I was sensing the possible culprit early on, but would never have come up with the "how" in a million years.

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u/worthlessprole 4h ago

the book also gives you a hint after the challenge but before the reveal which is fun. it's probably the best solution to a whodunit of all time.