One characteristic is that they can play with the genre conventions in a humorous way. Take 'The Invisible Library' series. It combines mystery, fantasy and humor. The idea of a library that exists across different dimensions and the librarians who have to solve mysteries related to books from all these places is really unique and funny. Good funny mystery novels also often have a fast - paced plot with lots of little mysteries or sub - plots within the main mystery. This keeps the reader on their toes and entertained. The humor can come from the characters' misunderstandings, like in many classic whodunit mysteries with bumbling detectives who misinterpret clues in a hilarious way.
Well, first of all, they often have unique and likable characters. For example, in 'The Spellman Files' series, the Spellman family members are all quirky and their interactions are really funny. Another characteristic is an unexpected plot. In a good funny mystery, the twists and turns can be both surprising and humorous, like in 'The Big Over Easy' where the nursery rhyme characters are involved in a mystery in a very comical way. Also, the writing style is usually light - hearted. It doesn't take itself too seriously and can make the reader laugh out loud while still keeping the mystery element engaging. It might use sarcasm, witty dialogue or humorous descriptions to keep things interesting.
Good funny mystery novels usually have a clever balance between the mystery and the humor. The mystery should be engaging enough to keep you guessing, but the humor is what sets them apart. For instance, in 'Aunt Dimity's Death', the idea of a ghost helping to solve a mystery is quite funny, yet the mystery itself is well - crafted. They also tend to have a strong sense of place. If it's set in a small town, like in 'Murder She Wrote' - style mysteries, the small - town gossip and idiosyncrasies add to the humor and the mystery. And of course, the characters often have flaws that are endearing rather than off - putting, which makes their actions in the mystery all the more humorous.
Funny mystery novels often have quirky characters. For instance, in 'The Spellman Files' by Lisa Lutz, the Spellman family members are all a bit odd, which makes their detective work full of comical situations. They bicker, play pranks on each other, yet still manage to solve mysteries.
Funny murder mystery novels often have unique characters. For example, they might have an eccentric detective like in 'The Spellman Files' series. These characters bring humor through their odd behaviors and quirks. They also may use clever wordplay in the dialogue. For instance, a character might make a pun related to the crime scene which makes the reader laugh.
One characteristic is the way they handle the tension of the mystery. Instead of always having a high - octane, nerve - wracking tension, they break it up with humor. In many British mystery novels, there are comical side - plots or characters that provide comic relief. For instance, in some of the classic Agatha Christie novels, the bumbling police officers or the nosy neighbors can add a touch of humor. The humor also helps to humanize the characters, making the readers more invested in not only the mystery but also the characters' fates.
They also need to be good at creating interesting characters. The detective or the main character in a mystery novel often has to be intelligent, observant and have a distinct personality. Take Sherlock Holmes as an example. His sharp mind and idiosyncratic character made him extremely popular. Moreover, a good mystery novel creator should be able to build suspense effectively. They can use various techniques such as withholding key information or creating false leads to keep the readers in suspense throughout the story.
Good murder mystery novels usually have a complex plot. There are often many twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the end. For example, in 'Gone Girl', the plot flips and you realize things are not as they seemed at first. Also, interesting characters are key. They should have their own motives and secrets, like in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'.
Good English mystery novels often have complex plots. There are usually multiple layers of mystery that keep the reader guessing. For example, in 'And Then There Were None', the way the characters die and the mystery behind who the killer is keeps you on the edge of your seat. Another characteristic is interesting characters. Detectives like Sherlock Holmes are not only smart but also have unique personalities that draw readers in.
Good Japanese mystery novels often have complex characters. For example, in many Keigo Higashino's works, the characters are multi - faceted, with their own motives and secrets that are not easily discernible at first. This adds depth to the mystery.
A key characteristic is the balance between mystery and romance. In 'Gone Girl', the mystery of what happened to the wife is intertwined with the complex relationship of the couple. The settings in these novels can also add to the mood. For instance, in 'A Discovery of Witches', the academic and magical settings enhance both the mystery and the budding romance. Also, the dialogue in good mystery romance novels is crucial as it can convey both the mystery - solving aspects and the romantic feelings, like in 'The Kiss Quotient' where the conversations between the main characters are both sweet and revealing of their secrets.
Well - crafted mysteries often have a unique setting. It can add to the atmosphere of the story. For instance, in 'The Hound of the Baskervilles', the moors create a spooky and mysterious backdrop. And the solution to the mystery should be both unexpected and satisfying, like in many of Agatha Christie's works.
Good modern mystery novels typically have a strong sense of atmosphere. This could be a spooky, noir - like atmosphere in a detective story set in a seedy part of town, or a more light - hearted but still mysterious atmosphere in a cozy mystery. They also often make use of modern technology in the plot, such as cell phones or the internet. The characters are usually well - rounded, with their own backstories and motives that are slowly revealed as the mystery unfolds. And the writing style is usually engaging, drawing the reader into the mystery from the very first page.