In murder mystery fiction, the presence of a central mystery is key. This is what drives the story forward. Then there's the detective - protagonist relationship. The detective is often an outsider, looking in on the lives of the suspects. The suspects themselves have motives, which are another element. Motives can range from love, money, revenge, to protecting a secret. And the way the mystery is finally resolved, with all the loose ends tied up, is also a classic element.
One classic is 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie. It's set on an isolated island where guests are mysteriously murdered one by one. Another is 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' by Arthur Conan Doyle. It features Sherlock Holmes investigating a case involving a supposedly supernatural hound. Also, 'Murder on the Orient Express' by Christie again, where a murder occurs on a train and Poirot has to solve it.
Agatha Christie's 'Murder on the Orient Express' is also very well - known. The story is set on a train where a murder occurs, and detective Hercule Poirot has to figure out who among the diverse group of passengers is the killer. Christie is a master of creating intricate plots and unexpected twists in her mystery novels.
Complex characters are also typical. There are usually detectives or investigators with their own quirks and backstories. And the suspects are often multi - faceted. In historical fiction, they may be influenced by the events and beliefs of the time. For instance, a character might be a religious zealot in a medieval - set mystery, which could be related to the motive.
Sherlock Holmes stories by Arthur Conan Doyle are also classic murder mystery novels. For example, 'The Hound of the Baskervilles'. Holmes uses his brilliant deductive reasoning to solve the mystery involving a seemingly supernatural hound. His character is iconic in the world of mystery solving.
One classic murder mystery story is 'Murder on the Orient Express' by Agatha Christie. It features a complex plot where a detective has to solve a murder on a train filled with a diverse group of suspects.
One of the well - known old murder mystery novels is 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' by Arthur Conan Doyle. It's a Sherlock Holmes story filled with suspense and mystery on the moors.
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.
The Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle is also among the top. For example, 'The Hound of the Baskervilles'. Holmes' brilliant deductions and the atmospheric settings make it a classic murder mystery. These stories are full of complex cases that Holmes manages to solve using his sharp intellect.
One classic element is the detective character, like Sherlock Holmes. They are often highly intelligent and observant. Another is the mystery itself, which can be a murder, a theft, or some other strange occurrence. And the setting also matters. For example, a spooky old mansion can add to the atmosphere of mystery.
Murder mystery authors in fiction often have a great sense of suspense. They know how to keep readers on the edge of their seats, like Agatha Christie who drops little clues here and there to keep the mystery alive until the very end.