A good online mystery story often has a clever mystery to solve. It's not too easy to figure out, but also not so convoluted that the reader gets frustrated. There are usually clues scattered throughout the story that the reader can pick up on if they're paying attention. Also, the pacing is important. It should be fast - enough to keep the reader engaged, but also slow - enough in parts to build up the tension. The language used is also crucial. Vivid descriptions, especially when it comes to the mystery elements like a strange object or a mysterious character's appearance, add to the allure of the story.
Agatha Christie's works, which are available online in e - book or audiobook forms, are always popular. Her mysteries like 'Murder on the Orient Express' and 'And Then There Were None' are constantly being read and discussed online. Another popular one is Dan Brown's 'The Da Vinci Code', which has sparked a lot of online debate and interest due to its mystery and conspiracy elements.
One characteristic is unique world - building. Popular online fantasy stories often create detailed and immersive fictional worlds, like Middle - earth in 'The Lord of the Rings'. Another is interesting characters. They can be heroic, like Harry Potter, or complex anti - heroes. Magic systems also play a big role, whether it's the wand - based magic in 'Harry Potter' or the complex Runes in 'The Witcher' series.
The 'Throne of Glass' series by Sarah J. Maas has elements of mystery and a strong romantic sub - plot. The main character Celaena is involved in a world full of secrets and political intrigue, all while her relationships with other characters develop romantically. There's also 'The Hating Game' which is a contemporary mystery romance. It's about two coworkers who seem to hate each other at first but as the story unfolds, there are mysteries about their pasts and a growing romantic connection between them.
One popular mystery online novel is 'The Silent Patient'. It's about a woman who stops speaking after being accused of murdering her husband. Another is 'Gone Girl', which has a complex plot full of twists and turns regarding a missing woman. And 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' is also well - known, with its dark and mysterious story set in Sweden.
Most popular murder mystery novels have a well - crafted plot. There are usually red herrings to mislead the reader. In 'Gone Girl', there are so many twists and turns that you think you know what's going on, but then it completely changes. Also, the use of clues is important. The author drops little hints along the way that the astute reader can pick up on, like in the Sherlock Holmes stories where Holmes is able to piece together the mystery from the smallest of details.
New popular mystery novels usually have a strong sense of atmosphere. They create an environment that adds to the mystery, such as the dark and cold settings in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'. Plot pacing is also important. They start with a hook to draw you in and then keep the momentum going. Take 'The Woman in the Window' for example. It starts with a strange sighting and then keeps building the mystery. Moreover, they often play with the reader's perception, making you question what you think you know, like in 'In a Dark, Dark Wood'.
Popular romantic mystery novels often have complex characters. The characters' relationships are full of tension, whether it's love - hate like in 'The Hating Game'. There's also an element of secrecy. In many of these novels, the characters are hiding something about their past or present that ties into the mystery, such as in 'Verity'. And the settings usually play an important role. For example, in 'The Girl on the Train', the train and the surrounding areas are integral to the mystery and the character's state of mind.
One characteristic is complex characters. In recent popular mystery novels like 'The Woman in the Window', the main character has her own flaws and secrets which are intertwined with the mystery. Another is the use of unexpected plot twists. For example, in 'The Silent Patient', the big reveal at the end completely changes the way you view the story.
Well - developed characters are also important. In the 'Thursday Murder Club' series, the characters are diverse and have their own personalities and backstories. Their interactions and relationships add depth to the mystery - solving aspect of the novels.
Popular British mystery novels usually have a sense of suspense that keeps readers hooked. They might start with a mysterious event, such as a murder or a disappearance. The authors are good at dropping hints throughout the story, but not so obvious that the reader can easily figure out the solution. They also tend to explore human nature. In many novels, the motives for the crimes are related to jealousy, greed, or revenge, which are common human traits.