good start to a mystery story

First, create an intriguing setting. It could be an old mansion, a dark forest, or a mysterious town. Then, introduce a compelling mystery that makes readers curious. Maybe a disappearance or a strange crime.

A great way to start a mystery story is to introduce a puzzling situation. Say there's a string of unexplained disappearances in a small, quiet town. The first disappearance might be a well - liked local who was last seen walking home from work one evening. There are no signs of a struggle, no witnesses, and no obvious motive. This situation makes the reader curious and eager to find out what's causing these disappearances.

Start with a strange character. Maybe a person who is wearing a long black coat, a wide - brimmed hat that shadows their face, and has an air of secrecy about them. They could be standing in a crowded place but seem completely detached, as if they are in their own world filled with secrets. This kind of character piques the reader's curiosity.

A great start for a mystery story could be a sudden disappearance or a mysterious message. It creates suspense and makes the reader eager to solve the mystery along with the characters.

You could start with a mysterious disappearance. It immediately hooks the reader and raises questions.

One good way is to start with a strange discovery. For example, a character finds a mysterious object like a blood - stained handkerchief in an unexpected place, like their own pocket when they are sure it wasn't there before. This immediately creates intrigue and makes the reader wonder how it got there and what it means.

A strong sense of place can be crucial. For example, a spooky old mansion in the middle of a dark forest immediately sets an eerie mood. Also, an interesting and somewhat mysterious character like a detective with a hidden past can draw readers in.

Set a unique atmosphere. Imagine starting the story on a fog - covered street at midnight. The limited visibility and the silence broken only by the occasional howl of a distant dog create an air of mystery. Then introduce a character who seems out of place in this setting, like a well - dressed person in tattered clothes. This makes the reader wonder who this person is and what they are doing there.

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 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.