They often had complex plots. For example, the stories would weave together the mystery of a crime or a hidden secret with the budding or troubled romances of the characters.
The characters in these novels were multi - dimensional. The heroes and heroines were not just simple lovers but also had to solve the mysteries. They had to be intelligent, brave, and often had a certain charm. The villains were also well - crafted, with their own motives that were often intertwined with both the mystery and the attempts to thwart the romances in the story.
The settings were typically very detailed. In many of these novels, the turn - of - the - century backdrop, whether it was the bustling cities or the grand manors, added to both the mystery and the romance. The strict social norms of the time also influenced the relationships in the stories, creating interesting dynamics between the characters. For instance, a forbidden love might be part of the plot, and the mystery could be related to why the love is forbidden or how the characters will overcome the social barriers.
One great turn of the century romance mystery novel is 'The Moonstone' by Wilkie Collins. It combines elements of a love story with a mysterious disappearance of a precious jewel. The characters are well - drawn and the plot keeps you guessing.
They often have complex plots. The settings are usually in the cities of that time, like London or New York, showing the seedy underbelly. And the characters can be very diverse, from cunning criminals to dogged detectives.
One characteristic is that they often reflect the social changes of that time. For example, the transition in values, from more traditional to more modern ones. There was also a lot of exploration of new literary styles as writers were influenced by the changing world around them.
Often, a turn of the century novel reflects the social changes happening at that time. For example, new technologies and ideas were emerging, and this is usually mirrored in the plot or setting. There's also a sense of transition in the values presented in these novels.
One characteristic is that it often reflects the social changes and transitions at the turn of the century. It might show the shift in values, technologies, and cultural norms. For example, novels from the turn of the 20th century in Western countries might deal with the impact of industrialization on society, such as changes in the class structure and the role of women.
The 19th - century mystery novels often featured a slow - burn build - up. They didn't rush into the mystery but rather took time to introduce the setting, the characters, and the initial situation. This made the later revelations more impactful. The language used was also quite elaborate and descriptive. Writers would use long, detailed sentences to paint a vivid picture of the scenes and the emotions of the characters. And they often incorporated elements of the supernatural or the unknown, whether it was a strange apparition or a seemingly inexplicable event, which added to the overall mystery.
One characteristic is the use of complex and often convoluted plots. Writers like to keep readers guessing until the very end. For example, in 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie, the plot twists and turns constantly.
One characteristic is the complex and often convoluted plots. These novels liked to keep readers guessing with multiple twists and turns. For example, in 'The Woman in White', the identity of the woman in white herself is a mystery that is slowly unraveled through a web of lies and deceptions.
Many of these novels are set in contemporary settings which makes them relatable. 'The Girl on the Train' is set in modern - day London. They also use modern technology as part of the plot, like in some cyber - mystery novels. The mystery in these novels is not just about 'who did it' but also 'why' and 'how'. This multi - layered approach to mystery makes them stand out, as seen in various novels like 'The Silent Patient' where the psychological aspects are as important as the physical actions.
Often, they blend local culture. For instance, they might incorporate elements like Turkish coffee houses which could be settings for mystery - related conversations.