The writer of mystery and detection fiction must emphasize puzzle, which should not be confused with plot. The
Whodunit of puzzle is often related to the plot element of Why it was done, and thus the ease of confusion. But whereas the mystery writer deals with both plot and puzzle, readers are often interested primarily in puzzle, while plot is only on the fringe of their attention. Writers must keep in mind this difference in emphasis, since puzzling elements such as red herrings or suspicious characters may or may not be integral to the story's basic plot.