Puzzle mystery. This is a less common but still valid term for a detective novel. Just like a puzzle, the detective novel presents a mystery that needs to be pieced together. The various clues, suspects, and events in the story are like the pieces of a puzzle that the detective (and the reader) must assemble to solve the mystery.
Sleuth story. A sleuth is another word for a detective, so a sleuth story is basically a detective novel. It emphasizes the role of the detective in the story who is on the hunt for clues and the truth behind a mystery or crime.
Literary work. Novels are a significant part of literary works. This term is a bit broader but can be used as another way to refer to a novel, highlighting its place in the realm of literature. Novels are often studied and analyzed as important literary works due to their complex characters, themes, and narrative structures.
Tale. It has a sense of a story being told, much like a novel. For example, 'The Canterbury Tales' is a collection of stories that could be considered as a group of mini - novels.
Romance (when referring to a type of novel but can also be used as a synonym in a broader sense).
Fables. Fables are short stories that usually feature animals as characters and convey a moral. For example, Aesop's Fables are well - known around the world.
Episodes can be regarded as parts of a story or as a story in itself in some cases.
Yarns. This is a more informal way of referring to stories, often used when the story might be a bit tall or exaggerated, like sailors telling yarns about their adventures at sea.
Sure. How about starting with a character doing something completely inappropriate for the situation? Like 'The priest walked into the bar and started break - dancing.' It's unexpected and funny. Another is starting with a false fact presented as real in a humorous way. 'Scientists have recently discovered that unicorns are actually allergic to rainbows. And this is the story of one unicorn's quest for an umbrella.'
There are words like 'diabolical'. This implies something devilish, something that is extremely evil and cunning in a very scary way. 'Horrific' is another strong word for scary stories. It describes something that is so bad and terrifying that it can leave a long - lasting impression on the reader or listener. 'Hideous' can also be used, especially when describing a really grotesque or ugly and scary character or situation in a story. These words can add more depth and intensity to the horror in a scary story.
Well, there are 'haunting' which gives the idea that the story stays with the reader long after it's been read. 'Gripping' is another one, just like 'enthralling', it makes the reader hold on tight to the story. Also, 'riveting' which means extremely interesting and holding one's attention firmly. The story might be about a mystery or an adventure, and these words would be very suitable to describe how it draws the reader in. It's not just about the plot, but also how the characters are developed and the setting is described that can make a story 'riveting'. For example, a story set in a post - apocalyptic world with complex characters fighting for survival can be 'riveting' as it combines elements of danger, hope, and human nature.
Romance. Now, this doesn't just mean love stories. In a broader sense, it can be used to describe a long - form fictional work, which is similar to a novel book. For example, some historical romances are actually full - length novels with a romantic element. However, it's not as commonly used as 'novel' in this context.