Mystery novels often have a lot of unanswered questions. The fact that the reader doesn't know who the culprit is or how the crime was committed keeps them in suspense. Also, the red herrings, those false leads, make the reader second - guess their assumptions. And the characters' motives being unclear adds to the mystery and suspense. For instance, a character who seems innocent at first but has a hidden past related to the mystery.
The pacing in mystery novels is key to creating suspense. Slow parts where the detective is gathering clues build anticipation. Then there are the fast - paced parts like a chase or a confrontation. The mystery itself, whether it's a locked - room mystery or a serial killer on the loose, creates a sense of unease. And the way the author reveals information bit by bit, like peeling an onion, keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, always wanting to know more.
The presence of multiple suspects creates suspense. Since each suspect could be the killer, the reader is constantly guessing. For example, in 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie, there are ten suspects on an island, and the reader has to figure out which one is the murderer.
Slasher mystery novels often create suspense through the unknown identity of the killer. For example, in 'The Silence of the Lambs', the reader is constantly trying to figure out who 'Buffalo Bill' is. They also use settings that are isolated or spooky, like the old mansion in many slasher mysteries. This makes the reader feel that danger could be lurking anywhere.
They often use the unknown. For example, not clearly showing the ghost at first. Just giving hints like strange noises or cold spots. This makes the reader wonder what's really there.
Mystery and horror stories create suspense in multiple ways. Firstly, the pacing is crucial. A slow build - up with small, mysterious events gradually leading to a big revelation or a terrifying climax can keep readers hooked. Secondly, the use of unreliable narrators can be very effective. In a mystery, if the narrator may be lying or misinterpreting things, it adds to the mystery. In horror, an unreliable narrator can make the reader doubt what is real and what is not, thus creating suspense. Also, the sense of the unknown, whether it's an unexplained phenomenon in a mystery or an otherworldly being in a horror story, is a powerful tool for creating suspense.
Horror mystery novels create suspense in several ways. One way is through the use of the unknown. For example, in 'The Shining', we don't know exactly what the forces in the Overlook Hotel are capable of. Another way is by slowly revealing information. In 'Dracula', Stoker drip - feeds details about Dracula's abilities and weaknesses. Also, the setting can add to the suspense. In 'The Haunting of Hill House', the old, creaky house with its hidden rooms and strange noises keeps the readers in suspense.
They often use the unknown. For example, in many horror mystery stories, there are shadowy figures or strange noises that the characters can't immediately explain. This makes the reader wonder what's going on and creates suspense. Another way is through unreliable narrators. If you can't trust the person telling the story, you're constantly on edge trying to figure out what's real and what's not.
One way is by delaying the revelation of key information. For instance, keep the identity of the real culprit hidden until the very end.
They often use things like an unknown threat. For instance, in a story, there might be a shadowy figure that the main character keeps seeing but doesn't know who it is. This makes the reader wonder what the figure will do.
They often use red herrings. For example, in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo', there are many characters who seem suspicious at first but turn out to be innocent. This misleads the reader and creates suspense. Also, withholding key information until the right moment. Like in 'Gone Girl', the truth about the main characters' relationship is gradually revealed, keeping the reader in suspense.
Through unexpected plot twists. For example, just when you think you've figured out who the murderer is, new evidence pops up that completely changes the situation.