Do you need a subplot?

I am finding a lot of threads about subplots and all the trappings that go with that, but I am having a problem thinking of a subplot for my mystery. So do you need one to drive the plot or is it just another tool to distract your reader from figuring out whodunit?

Personally, I don't think you *need* a sub-plot... it's more of just a personal preference. I'm writing a quirky sub-plot into mine just to increase my word count and have another storyline to fall back on and it's not related to my main plot in anyway. However, it's not necessary to drive the plot and my story wouldn't be missing anything (except words) for it. It's also not necessary to distract readers from the real culprit, but it can be helpful if your characters aren't cooperating.

It helps to add more depth to the story. I usually use it to encompass my theme, or have it to do with my character arc.

No, you don't need a subplot. Partly it depends on what sort of mystery you're doing -- if you want to keep it simple, go ahead.

OTOH, I do have a subplot. Since I'm writing a series, my main characters have things in their lives that go on in the background of the mystery. I want readers not only to find the mystery engaging enough to want another; I want my readers to like the characters enough to tune in next year to find out what happens next.

I think a subplot helps, but it doesn't have to be another mystery or red herring. Something else going on in the protagonist's life could be the subplot, Maybe he/she is going thru a divorce and that's the subplot, which distracts the character from the main plot enough to make the mystery more difficult than it might normally be to resolve.

Don't need it but it helps. It's great when the subplot weaves in and affects the main plot.

I seem to be the only one who thinks you need a subplot.

Whether a subplot is big or small, I most definitely think you need at least one. They don't have to be just to throw the reader off. There many reasons to use them, and personally, I find that without a subplot books are very linear and easy to figure out.