It may be that the wanting to be in on the trick makes it keep your attention and makes the surprise worthwhile.

Anyway, I think you're onto something and it would be great to see your post get fleshed out.

billytheked

But if you are in on the trick, there aren't any surprises. and surprises are one lovely thing of stories. so there must be some amount of the reader still being willing to have the trick played on them.

the_stacker_muse

Writing is hostile

But if you are in on the trick, there aren't any surprises. and surprises are one lovely thing of stories. so there must be some amount of the reader still being willing to have the trick played on them. 

Looking forward to your review.