A good start for a crime story could be introducing a character in a very suspicious situation. For instance, a man is seen lurking around a jewelry store late at night, wearing all black and constantly looking over his shoulder. This character's behavior makes the reader suspect that he is up to no good, perhaps planning a robbery. It makes the readers eager to find out if their suspicions are correct and what will happen next.
A great way to start a crime novel is with a mysterious scene. For example, you could begin with a dead body being discovered in a strange place. It immediately grabs the reader's attention and makes them wonder what happened.
Beginning with a strange conversation can be a good start. For example, two people talking in code about something illegal. It makes the reader wonder what they're up to and what the crime will be.
Another way is to begin with a false alibi. For example, a suspect claims to have been at a party all night when a crime occurred, but there are little details that don't add up. The main character, perhaps a detective, starts to dig deeper into this alibi. This setup draws the reader in as they want to know if the suspect is really guilty and how the truth will be uncovered.
Starting with a thought - provoking question can be great. Like 'Have you ever wondered what it would be like to wake up in a world where everyone had forgotten your name?' This makes the reader start thinking and gets them engaged in the story right away.
Begin with a mysterious character. For example, a veiled figure that appears out of nowhere in a fog - covered graveyard. This character can be the source of the gothic elements to come, such as dark secrets or a connection to the supernatural. It creates an air of mystery right from the start that draws the reader in.
A great start could be a description of a spooky object. 'I found an old, dusty book in the attic. Its pages were yellowed and brittle, and there was a strange symbol on the cover that seemed to pulse with an otherworldly energy. As I opened it, a cold wind blew through the attic, even though all the windows were closed. It was a Halloween discovery that would change everything.'
One good way to start a halloween story is with a spooky setting. For example, 'The moon hung low in the sky, casting an eerie glow over the old, abandoned cemetery. Tombstones jutted out of the overgrown grass like jagged teeth, and a thick fog rolled in, muffling all sound.' This immediately sets a creepy mood for the story.