The ability to conjure and construct a genuinely immersive yet eerily unsettling atmosphere through detailed description, careful manipulation of vibe and tone, and artistic curation of words and scenarios are undoubtedly among one of the most impressive and defining traits of a masterfully talented, fluently articulate mystery-novel wordsmith of the highest caliber. It’s no doubt that a large portion of American pop culture, television, media, books, and poetry has taken on decades-long fascinations and appreciations for the mystery novel genre, as many new and upcoming titles, have sprung up on the scene within local and international book markets, finding a comfortable spot right there on the ledge of the bookshelf (or website) beside all the classic titles that came before – like those of Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick, John Grisham, and Stephen King.
This continuity of new mystery novel book titles flowing into and saturating the writing community and publishing industry is a telltale sign of the genre’s rapidly growing success and fascination in the minds of those fans and readers who derive pleasure and excitement from reading a good mystery book. Aside from this aspect, this observation also shines a light on the consistency and undeviating persistence of classic mystery novels that have earned themselves loyal and passionate cult-followings throughout the years. Some have been gifted with movie adaptations and reboots, while some even went on to inspire countless spinoffs and copycats that pay homage to the original classic works of art, which, to this day, remain highly relevant, widely analyzed, and commonly consumed by die-hard fans and enthusiasts of the genre who compose the cult-followings that praise these works even after so many years following their original release dates.
Writing and formulating mystery novels is an art form in itself – a sub-category of expression within a sub-category of expression – one so influential that it has significantly resonated with its fan-base worldwide. With this being said, one might wonder – what are some necessary elements to consider when writing these works of art? Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re an author who’s in the process of crafting your very own mystery novel.
Have a solid plot.
This element is the key foundation upon which the sense of fear and dread will build – it must be believable and properly-paced to maintain the reader’s immersion. Slowly reveal clues that misdirect the reader from a lingering surprise as the plot thickens.
The crime and the perpetrator.
Usually, mystery novels establish a significant theme of crime and culprit within the first couple of chapters. This element generally presents a problem to be solved, an unexplainable event, a missing thing or person, or a sinister crime.
Important clues.
These are tips that relay possible explanations to mysteries that unfold in your plot. As your story progresses, intertwine multiple possibilities to create a general sense of unsureness and anticipation in the reader’s mind.
Use multiple red herrings.
Many authors throw in misleading or distracting sub-plot clues to draw the reader’s attention away and prepare them for a series of hard-hitting reveals. As the detective or protagonist is lead-off track, a more convoluted scheme may unfold.
Make sure your story has a good setting.
Good mystery fiction must incorporate a unique feel – a well-crafted atmosphere to establish suspense and thrill for the reader. It is normally a familiar location to portray a disturbingly relatable or mundanely realistic plot aspect.
Avoid clichés
The entire mood of a mystery must be maintained at all times, and a single cliché or predictable plot twist or theme can easily make or break the immersion of the suspense – try to be tastefully original and experiment.
Maintain a good pace.
We all know how a rushed plot or seemingly-forced idea in any work of fiction draws back from the overall potential of a good story – in any form of media and in any genre. The curated pace by which a writer reveals his plot is vital.
Write suspenseful dialogue.
It is important to perfect the tone of dialogue that sounds persuasive to the ear. It should be fluid and open to interpretation for full suspenseful effect.
A solution to the problem.
Typically, this particular genre is more end-focused, as the plot revolves around and ultimately dwells down to who or what perpetrated what and why, and so on. Provide a satisfying climax that invokes a eureka moment in the reader.
Overall cohesion.
Writing a mysterious novel requires attention to the essentials of excellent, suspenseful storytelling: compelling narrative and tone, cryptic storylines, and reader immersion.
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