First, treat the mystery like a branching tree. Start with a single core fact that everyone knows—maybe a body, a missing item, or a crime scene. From there, create a few key variables: motive, means, opportunity. Each variable can take a handful of discrete values. For each combination, define a set of clues that point toward that state but keep one extra hint that could mislead if the player skips a step. Lay out the clues as layers: the first layer gives a surface detail (a torn note, a footprint), the second layer reveals context (a fingerprint belongs to a suspect), and the third layer confirms the culprit. By randomising which value each variable takes on each playthrough, you keep the puzzle fresh while still preserving the logical path. Make sure every clue has at least two possible interpretations until the player gathers the next piece—this keeps them guessing. Also, insert a “red herring” clue that looks plausible but only fits if the player chooses the wrong path. That adds that satisfying “aha!” when they finally cross the bridge. Finally, tie the final solution to a unique piece of evidence that only appears if the player follows the correct logic. If they’ve been methodical, that piece will click; if they’ve been reckless, it will stay hidden. That way the puzzle stays solvable and always feels like a living, breathing mystery.

Good call on the caps. Three options per variable keeps the tree shallow enough that the logic stays tight but still lets you shuffle for variety. Let the player rack their brain first—maybe give a subtle nudge like a question in a journal entry rather than a hard clue. Then, when they’re ready, drop the heavy piece. Keep tweaking the “weight” of hints: if the puzzle feels too easy, lean on the subtle ones; if it’s too hard, give a clearer path. That balance will keep the mystery feeling fresh yet solvable.

Sounds like a solid plan—timed journal pages add that breath‑holding edge. Just remember to hide the timer in a way that doesn’t feel like a “reset button”; let the player see the clock, but make the clue itself worth the wait. And keep the hint‑weight knob handy—if the beta crew breezes through, crank up the subtlety; if they’re stumped, drop a clearer breadcrumb. That way the mystery stays alive and the logic never feels like a dead‑end.

Nice, you’ve got a good loop there—tension, tweak‑ability, and a core that stays razor‑sharp. Keep iterating, and soon the mystery will feel like it has its own pulse.