Writing genres: mystery

 


Mystery is a fiction genre where the nature of an event, usually a murder or other crime, remains mysterious until the end of the story. (Wikipedia).

"Mystery novels are often called “whodunnits” because they turn the reader into a detective trying to figure out the who, what, when, and how of a particular crime." - masterclass.com 


Most mystery novels include those elements:

• crime and someone who did it
• someone to investigate the crime, probably the protagonist 
• gaps in knowledge, forcing both the reader and the MC on a search for answers
• challenges and twists, as the case proves not to be so easy to figure out
• evaluating clues and getting a suspect list
• capturing the guy behind the crime

However, mystery fiction doesn't have to be always logical and down-to-earth; supernatural mystery exists as well.

The mystery doesn't have to be a murder or a kidnapping case story, so get creative and think about your own unique ideas. 


A good mystery story needs:

→ a great hook
→ mysterious mood
→ planting clues 
→ red herrings (a clue or piece of information that is, or is intended to be, misleading or distracting)
→ revealing information step by step
→ satisfying ending
→ portion of psychology


To write a good mystery book, you need to learn how to properly give out clues and balance giving answers with creating questions. You want the reader to use their brain and try to solve the case together with the detective, so it can't be too obvious, but also shouldn't be impossible - there's little joy in realizing you were brainstorming for nothing.


"Mystery stories do not normally involve a lot of violent conflict, but rather create intrigue and suspense by discovering suspects and eliminating potential clues until the shocking truth is revealed. Various “reveals” that take place throughout the story are a hallmark of the genre." -authorlearningcenter.com



SUBGENRES

DETECTIVE NOVEL - crime novels centering around a detective investigating a crime. Arthur Doyle, Agatha Christie or Raymond Chandler fit this subgenre.

COZY MYSTERIES - also follows a detective solving a case, but without sex, violence and profanity. Dorothy Sayers and Elizabeth Daly are some of the writers to be mentioned.

POLICE PROCEDURAL - mystery novels featuring a protagonist who is a member of the police force. Some of the novelists would be Ed McBain or P. D. James.

CAPER STORIES - mystery stories told from the point of view of the criminals. Well-known novelists include W. R. Burnett, John Boland and Peter O’Donnell.


Click HERE to read about some of the mystery storytelling tropes. 


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