Well, first off, there's almost always a crime scene. It's the place where the murder happened and where a lot of the initial clues are found. Then there's the motive. Why would someone want to kill the victim? It could be for money, love, revenge, or power. And the plot usually has some sort of red herrings, things that mislead the detective and the reader. This keeps the suspense going until the very end when the real killer is finally revealed.
A mysterious death is a common element. There's usually a victim whose death seems strange or unexplained at first. Another element is the detective or investigator figure, like Sherlock Holmes. And there are always suspects, people who might have a motive for the murder.
In a murder mystery short story, there is often a setting that adds to the mood, like a spooky old mansion or a fog - covered alley. Characters with secrets are also common. They might be hiding something that is related to the murder. There's a build - up of tension throughout the story. As the investigation progresses, the reader gets more and more involved, trying to piece together the clues. And at the end, there's a sense of justice when the murderer is caught or punished, which gives a feeling of closure to the story.
Well, there's always the victim at the center. Then, there are often clues like strange objects at the scene, fingerprints or footprints. And the story usually builds up suspense as the detective tries to figure out who among the suspects is the killer. There could be red herrings too, things that mislead the detective and the reader. For example, a suspect who seems guilty at first but is actually innocent. Also, the setting can play a big role, like a spooky old house or a deserted alleyway that adds to the overall mystery.
Another element is the setting. Hindi murder mystery stories often use the local environment effectively. Whether it's the crowded streets of Mumbai or the small alleys in a village, the setting can both hide and reveal clues. It also adds to the atmosphere of mystery. For instance, in some stories, a deserted old haveli (mansion) can be the site of a crime, and the spooky nature of such a place heightens the sense of mystery. Moreover, the element of family and relationships is crucial. Many stories revolve around family secrets or disputes that lead to murder. Family members may be suspects, or there could be a family - related motive behind the crime.
One great fictional murder mystery short story is 'The Murders in the Rue Morgue' by Edgar Allan Poe. It's considered a pioneer in the detective story genre.
One common element is the use of red herrings. Writers often throw in false clues to mislead the reader about the identity of the killer or the nature of the murders. For instance, in a story, a character might seem suspicious because of their odd behavior, but it turns out they are just a harmless eccentric. Another is the build - up of tension. This can be achieved through things like strange noises, unexplained events, or a feeling of being watched. In a short murder horror story, this tension keeps the reader on edge until the final reveal. And, of course, there's the element of violence or the threat of violence, which is central to the horror aspect.
Suspects are a common element. There are usually several people who could have committed the murder. Another is the crime scene. It often holds important clues. And the detective or investigator who tries to solve the case.
One of the most famous is 'Sherlock Holmes' series by Arthur Conan Doyle. Holmes' brilliant deductions and his partnership with Watson make the stories engaging. Another is 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie. It has a unique and suspenseful plot where ten people are lured to an island and killed one by one. Also, 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' is a great example. It combines elements of the supernatural and murder mystery, with Holmes solving the mystery of the Baskerville family curse.
Well, the cold weather is a big one. It can be used to create a sense of isolation, like in a small town cut off by snow. Another common element is the use of winter landscapes as a backdrop for the mystery. For example, a body found in a frozen lake or in a snow - covered forest. Also, the holidays in winter, like Christmas, can play a role. There might be a murder during a Christmas party or something related to the holiday stress and family drama.
In western murder mystery novels, the theme of justice is prevalent. The hero or heroine is usually on a quest to find the truth and bring the murderer to justice. Also, there are often red herrings to mislead the reader. For example, a character who seems very suspicious at first but turns out to be innocent, while the real killer is someone unexpected. This makes the reading experience full of surprises.