pre 20th century mystery novels

The settings were often very detailed. Take the Sherlock Holmes stories again. The descriptions of London, from the fog - covered streets to the seedy alleys, added to the atmosphere of mystery. Also, the characters in these novels were typically well - defined, with distinct personalities that contributed to the overall mystery and suspense of the story.

Another excellent pre - 20th - century mystery novel is 'The Moonstone' by Wilkie Collins. It has a complex plot full of mystery and intrigue. There are multiple suspects and a lot of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the end.

One of the best pre - 20th century novels is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It's a classic that explores themes of love, marriage, and social class in 19th - century England. The relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy is iconic.

Pre - 19th century novels often had complex moral and social themes. For example, many focused on the class structure, with characters' fates being greatly influenced by their social standing. They also typically had a more formal language style compared to modern novels.

There is also 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' by Mark Twain. Set in the pre - 20th century American South, it follows the mischievous adventures of a young boy named Tom Sawyer. It gives a vivid picture of the life, culture, and values of that time and region, with Tom's escapades including everything from whitewashing a fence to getting lost in a cave.

There was Daniel Defoe. His 'Robinson Crusoe' was quite popular. Also, Jonathan Swift with his 'Gulliver's Travels'. These authors were able to create vivid worlds and memorable characters in their pre - 19th - century novels. Defoe's Crusoe was a great example of a character dealing with isolation and survival, while Swift used his work to satirize society.

Many pre - 20th century novels offer a historical perspective. 'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne, for instance, shows the strict Puritan society in America. We can learn from these novels about how society used to be and how far we've come. Also, the writing styles in these novels have influenced modern literature. Writers like Dickens had a unique way of creating vivid characters and settings that still inspire today's authors.

The 19th - century mystery novels often featured a slow - burn build - up. They didn't rush into the mystery but rather took time to introduce the setting, the characters, and the initial situation. This made the later revelations more impactful. The language used was also quite elaborate and descriptive. Writers would use long, detailed sentences to paint a vivid picture of the scenes and the emotions of the characters. And they often incorporated elements of the supernatural or the unknown, whether it was a strange apparition or a seemingly inexplicable event, which added to the overall mystery.

One characteristic is the use of complex and often convoluted plots. Writers like to keep readers guessing until the very end. For example, in 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie, the plot twists and turns constantly.

One of the best is 'The Moonstone' by Wilkie Collins. It's often considered the first modern English detective novel. The story involves a precious diamond, a group of diverse characters, and a complex mystery that keeps readers guessing.