What are the characteristics of top whodunit novels?

Answer 1

One characteristic is the element of suspense. The reader is constantly in a state of not knowing what will happen next. The characters are often complex and may have their own secrets. In a good whodunit like 'The Big Sleep', the motives of different characters are not clear at first. Another aspect is the setting, which can add to the mystery. A spooky old mansion or a fog - covered street can enhance the overall mood of the story. Also, the clues are cleverly planted throughout the story, and the reader is challenged to piece them together before the detective does.

Answer 2

Top whodunit novels usually have a mysterious crime at the center, like a murder or a disappearance. They also have a detective or an investigator figure, who tries to solve the mystery. The plot is full of twists and turns to keep the readers guessing. For example, in Agatha Christie's novels, Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple have to figure out who the culprit is among a group of suspects, and there are always unexpected revelations.

Answer 3

Well, they often start with a seemingly unsolvable crime. There's a sense of enigma right from the beginning. The narrative usually unfolds gradually, revealing more details about the crime and the suspects as it progresses. In many top whodunit novels, the author plays with the reader's perception. For instance, by making a character seem innocent at first but later turning out to be the culprit. Red herrings are common too, which mislead the reader and the detective in the story, adding to the overall intrigue.