Whodunit mystery short stories often have clues hidden throughout the narrative. The characters can be quite diverse, and the setting might play a crucial role in the mystery. Also, the pace is usually fast to keep the readers engaged.
They usually have a complex plot with multiple suspects. The ending is often unexpected and full of twists.
These stories typically have a puzzling crime. The author might mislead the reader with red herrings. And the solution to the mystery is revealed in a dramatic way at the end.
One classic 'whodunit' mystery novel is 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie. It's set on an isolated island and one by one, the guests start to die in mysterious ways. Another is 'The Murder of Roger Ackroyd'. Christie was a master at creating suspense and unexpected twists in her 'whodunit' stories. Also, 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler is a great example. It has a complex plot full of mystery and a hard - boiled detective trying to solve the case.
One of the best is 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie. It's a classic where a group of people are lured to an island and are killed off one by one, leaving the reader constantly guessing who the killer is among them.
Another good one is 'The Secret in the Garden.' A body is found in a secluded garden. Everyone in the nearby house has a motive, but who did it? The clues are hidden among the flowers and paths.
'The Da Vinci Code' by Dan Brown is a great choice. It combines mystery with historical and religious elements for a thrilling read. Another one is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn, which has lots of twists and turns.
Agatha Christie's 'The Witness for the Prosecution' is a classic. It keeps you guessing till the end.
One great horror mystery whodunit novel is 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. It features the brilliant and terrifying Hannibal Lecter, and FBI agent Clarice Starling's investigation to catch a serial killer known as 'Buffalo Bill'. The psychological horror and mystery elements blend together perfectly.
They usually have a mystery to solve, with clues hidden throughout. The characters are often diverse and suspicious, and the ending is often a surprise.
One characteristic is a sense of intrigue. They often start with a strange event or situation, like a sudden disappearance or an unexplained death. For example, in many short mystery stories, the opening scene hooks you right away.
One characteristic is the element of suspense. For example, in 'The Cask of Amontillado', the reader doesn't know exactly what Fortunato will encounter as he follows Montresor deeper into the catacombs. Another is the use of red herrings. Writers often put in false clues to mislead the reader. Also, the mystery usually has a central enigma, like in 'The Tell - Tale Heart' where the narrator's true motivation for his actions is a mystery at first. And the stories are often concise, getting to the point quickly to keep the reader engaged.
Characteristics include concise yet vivid descriptions. Since they are short, they need to paint a clear picture in just a few words. In 'The Speckled Band', Doyle describes the strange circumstances and the menacing presence effectively. Another characteristic is the ability to engage the reader quickly. They don't have a long build - up like some novels. 'The Cask of Amontillado' grabs you right from the start with its strange invitation. And they often leave a lasting impression. Even though they are short, stories like 'A Jury of Her Peers' stay with you long after you've read them because of their unique take on mystery and human nature.