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What is a mystery?
The mystery genre is a genre of fiction that follows a crime (like a murder or a disappearance) from the moment it is committed to the moment it is solved. Mystery stories/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. Most mysteries, but not all, feature a detective or private eye solving a case as the central character. |
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4 Sub-Genres of Mystery and Crime Fiction
Mystery and crime fiction often fall into four separate sub-genres, each with its own characteristics.
 Detective
These are crime novels that center around a detective (professional, amateur, or retired) investigating a crime or solving a murder case. Detective novels generally start with a mysterious incident or death and unfold as the detective follows leads, investigates suspects, and ultimately solves the case. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle introduced the world to the famous Sherlock Holmes in 1887, when he first began writing a series of stories featuring the popular detective.
Cozy Mysteries
These are detective novels that contain no sex, violence, or profanity. In order to solve a case, the detective in a cozy mystery often uses their intellect as opposed to police procedures. The genre has some overlap with detective novels; for example, Agatha Christie is considered both a detective novelist and a cozy mystery novelist.
Police Procedural
These are mystery novels featuring a protagonist who is a member of the police force.
Caper Stories
These are mystery stories told from the point of view of the criminals rather than the detective trying to catch them. They take readers inside the crimes and heists, giving them full access to their motives, tricks, and swindles. Unlike most mysteries, caper stories often include elements of humor.
What Is the Structure of a Mystery Novel?
Some mystery novels break from the traditional format to heighten suspense or play with readers’ expectations. But generally, most mysteries follow roughly the same structure:
 The crime
The audience is introduced to the crime around which the story is based.
Investigation
The detective works on solving the mystery. They question each suspect, search for clues, and follow new leads in hopes of finding the guilty party.
Twist
The detective finds a new clue, an unexpected lead, or a crack in a suspect’s alibi that shocks them—and the reader—and changes the course of the investigation.
Breakthrough
The detective uncovers the last remaining piece of the puzzle and solves the mystery.
Conclusion
The culprit is caught and all outstanding questions are resolved.
6 Tips to Keep in Mind When Writing a Mystery Novel
Whether it’s your first attempt at writing a mystery novel or short story, or you’re simply trying to improve your mystery-writing skills, there are a few things you should keep in mind as you write:
 Start with an exciting hook
Mystery novels draw in the reader from the first paragraph—or better yet, the first sentence. Pique a reader’s interest immediately and make them want more.
Set a mysterious mood
Even the most shocking plot twist will fall flat without the right mood. Setting a mysterious mood that immediately puts your readers into the world of your novel. A dark setting, such as an abandoned building or an isolated cabin in the woods, descriptive language of the chilling details of the case, and suspenseful dialogue will set your readers in the middle of the action and encourage them to keep reading.
Reveal information slowly
As you write, consider how your reader will react to how you pace your storytelling. Create the element of suspense by controlling how much information you reveal, and how and when you reveal it. Every mystery story has a main storyline, but it’s often built on smaller moments that sustain the audience’s interest along the way. Learn more about creating suspense in writing here.
Leave clues behind
Let the reader feel like they’re part of the story. Drop clues throughout the novel that let them be an active participant in solving the mystery. They shouldn’t be too obvious, but discovering them and thinking through the possible explanations should feel exciting and satisfying for the reader.
Provide a few red herrings
The best mysteries are the ones readers can’t solve right away. Divert the reader’s attention with details about people, places, and objects that may not be true and misguide them with contradicting evidence. When they finally learn the truth, they’ll feel satisfied with the journey it took to get there. Learn more about red herrings in our complete guide here.
Tie up loose ends
Mystery stories don’t typically end with cliffhangers. You should solve the crime, explain the mysterious disappearance, or reveal the murderer. Your ending doesn’t have to be happy necessarily, but it should answer all of the outstanding questions the reader has about what happened and what the outcome means for all of the characters involved. |
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Mystery: March 16, 2022 Issue [#11226]
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