The settings in a mystery novel play a great role in creating suspense. A desolate and isolated place, like an old abandoned house in the middle of nowhere, gives a sense of unease. As the detective explores this place and discovers things like a hidden diary or a strange symbol, the suspense mounts. Also, the way the characters interact with these things matters. If a character seems overly nervous when a particular object is mentioned, it makes the reader suspect that there's more to it, and thus suspense is created.
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.
The voice can be used in various ways. For example, an unreliable narrator's voice can create doubt and mystery. If the narrator seems to be hiding something or is not entirely trustworthy, it makes the reader constantly question what's really going on. Their tone might be evasive or overly defensive at times.
The items in a mystery novel's list create suspense in multiple ways. The clues, for instance, are often scattered and not fully understood at first. As the detective starts to piece them together, we as readers are eager to see if our own interpretations are correct. The suspects, each with their own secrets and motives, keep us guessing. And the sense of danger that is often present, whether it's a threat to the detective or to other characters, heightens the suspense. There might be a ticking clock element, like a ransom that has to be paid within a certain time, which adds to the urgency and keeps us turning the pages.
The use of limited visibility, such as a character being in a dark room with only a small flashlight. Also, the presence of something just out of sight but hinted at, like a figure that you can only see the outline of in the shadows.
The mystery novel's structure creates suspense by withholding information. We don't know who the culprit is from the start. Clues are given bit by bit, which keeps us guessing.
Mystery novels often have a lot of unanswered questions. The fact that the reader doesn't know who the culprit is or how the crime was committed keeps them in suspense. Also, the red herrings, those false leads, make the reader second - guess their assumptions. And the characters' motives being unclear adds to the mystery and suspense. For instance, a character who seems innocent at first but has a hidden past related to the mystery.
The structure creates suspense mainly through the use of red herrings. These false clues mislead the reader and keep them guessing. Also, the slow revelation of information about the mystery keeps the tension high. For example, if a murder has occurred, not all the details are given at once.
The presence of multiple suspects creates suspense. Since each suspect could be the killer, the reader is constantly guessing. For example, in 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie, there are ten suspects on an island, and the reader has to figure out which one is the murderer.
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.
Mystery and horror stories create suspense in multiple ways. Firstly, the pacing is crucial. A slow build - up with small, mysterious events gradually leading to a big revelation or a terrifying climax can keep readers hooked. Secondly, the use of unreliable narrators can be very effective. In a mystery, if the narrator may be lying or misinterpreting things, it adds to the mystery. In horror, an unreliable narrator can make the reader doubt what is real and what is not, thus creating suspense. Also, the sense of the unknown, whether it's an unexplained phenomenon in a mystery or an otherworldly being in a horror story, is a powerful tool for creating suspense.