A cryptic note was left on the doorstep. Notes are often used as plot devices in mystery stories. A cryptic note makes the reader wonder who left it, what it means, and what secrets it might hold.
The missing key was the first clue. Starting with a missing or important object as a clue sets the stage for a mystery. It makes the reader start thinking about what the key is for, who had it last, and why it's missing, which are all elements that drive a mystery story forward.
In a far - off land. This phrase creates a sense of mystery and distance. It makes the reader curious about this unknown place and what might be happening there. It could be a land full of magic, adventure or strange creatures.
One of the best ways to start a mystery story is with an intriguing event. For example, a strange disappearance. You can begin by describing the scene where a character vanishes without a trace. The suddenness and mystery of it will immediately hook the reader. It makes them wonder what happened and why, creating an instant sense of curiosity that will drive them to keep reading.
A good way to start a mystery story is to introduce a strange event. For example, 'The old clock in the attic started chiming at midnight, even though it hadn't worked in years.' This immediately creates a sense of mystery and makes the reader wonder what's going on.
One dark and stormy night, a figure emerged from the shadows. This simple phrase sets a spooky and mysterious mood right from the start, which is perfect for a mystery story.
Open with a mysterious object. For instance, 'The small, ornate box sat on the dusty shelf, pulsating with an unseen energy. No one knew where it came from or what it held, but I could feel its malevolence from across the room.'
You could also start with a strange discovery. 'He found a key in his grandfather's old chest, a key with no lock in sight.' It plants the seeds of mystery and gives the reader a question to ponder from the very beginning. Mystery stories thrive on unanswered questions at the start.
Start with a character who has an unusual memory lapse. For example, a character wakes up in a strange place and can't remember how they got there. They have no idea what they were doing before or who they might have been with. This is different from the typical mystery openings and makes the reader curious about what caused this memory loss and what secrets might be hidden in those lost memories.
One of the best first mystery novels is 'The Mysterious Affair at Styles' by Agatha Christie. It introduced the famous detective Hercule Poirot. The plot is full of twists and turns, with a classic whodunit setup. Christie's writing style is engaging and easy to follow, making it a great starting point for mystery lovers.