Well, mystery novels with 'unspeakable things' can increase suspense in multiple ways. Firstly, they shock the reader. If a book suddenly reveals an 'unspeakable' act of violence or a moral abomination, it immediately grabs the reader's attention and makes them eager to know more. Secondly, these things are often at the heart of the mystery. They are what the detective or protagonist is trying to understand and resolve. So, as the reader follows the investigation, the 'unspeakable things' keep the suspense high because they are the key to unlocking the whole story. For instance, in a mystery about a serial killer who performs 'unspeakable' acts on his victims, the nature of these acts is both horrifying and essential to solving the mystery. The reader is constantly in a state of suspense, waiting to see if and how the killer will be caught and these 'unspeakable' deeds will be brought to light.
The 'unspeakable things' in mystery novels often add to the suspense because they are disturbing and unexpected. For example, in a mystery where there are occult - related 'unspeakable things' like in some horror - mystery hybrids, the unknown nature of these elements keeps the reader on edge. They create a sense of dread and anticipation as the reader wonders how these elements will be resolved or uncovered.
Unspeakable things such as heinous crimes, deep - seated family secrets, or psychological traumas add layers of suspense. In a mystery novel, when a character's past is filled with 'unspeakable things' like abuse, it makes the reader question what else could be hidden. As the plot unfolds and these things start to surface bit by bit, it builds tension. The reader is constantly speculating about how these 'unspeakable things' are connected to the central mystery, whether they will be fully revealed, and what the consequences will be once they are.
One well - known 'unspeakable things' mystery novel could be 'The Silence of the Lambs'. It involves the hunt for a serial killer by an FBI trainee, and there are many dark and 'unspeakable' aspects of the killer's mind and actions. Another might be 'Gone Girl', which has a complex mystery full of secrets and unexpected twists that are quite disturbing in a way that could be considered related to 'unspeakable things'.
Things like hidden secrets are used. For example, if a character has a dark past that's gradually uncovered, it builds suspense. Also, the discovery of new and unexpected clues keeps the reader guessing. Every time a new clue is found, it makes the reader wonder how it fits into the overall mystery.
Slasher mystery novels often create suspense through the unknown identity of the killer. For example, in 'The Silence of the Lambs', the reader is constantly trying to figure out who 'Buffalo Bill' is. They also use settings that are isolated or spooky, like the old mansion in many slasher mysteries. This makes the reader feel that danger could be lurking anywhere.
They often use the unknown. For example, not clearly showing the ghost at first. Just giving hints like strange noises or cold spots. This makes the reader wonder what's really there.
Horror mystery novels create suspense in several ways. One way is through the use of the unknown. For example, in 'The Shining', we don't know exactly what the forces in the Overlook Hotel are capable of. Another way is by slowly revealing information. In 'Dracula', Stoker drip - feeds details about Dracula's abilities and weaknesses. Also, the setting can add to the suspense. In 'The Haunting of Hill House', the old, creaky house with its hidden rooms and strange noises keeps the readers in suspense.
They often use cliffhangers at the end of chapters. For example, in 'Gone Girl', just when you think you have the story figured out, there's a new revelation that makes you want to keep reading. Mystery and suspense novels also introduce complex characters with hidden motives, like in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' where Lisbeth Salander has a mysterious past.
They often use red herrings. For example, in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo', there are many characters who seem suspicious at first but turn out to be innocent. This misleads the reader and creates suspense. Also, withholding key information until the right moment. Like in 'Gone Girl', the truth about the main characters' relationship is gradually revealed, keeping the reader in suspense.
Through unexpected plot twists. For example, just when you think you've figured out who the murderer is, new evidence pops up that completely changes the situation.
In first person mystery novels, the suspense is often created by the limited perspective of the narrator. Since we only see the story through their eyes, there could be a lot of things they don't know or are hiding, which makes us wonder.
Haunted house mystery novels create suspense in several ways. For one, they often use the setting of the haunted house itself. The creaking floors, dark corners, and strange noises make the reader feel uneasy. For example, in 'The Haunting of Hill House', the description of the old, large house with its odd architecture builds suspense. Another way is through the unknown. When characters start experiencing strange things but don't know what's causing them, like in 'House of Leaves', it keeps the reader on edge. Also, withholding information from the reader, such as the true nature of the haunting in 'Hell House', makes the reader eager to find out more.