In a locked room mystery short story, the concept of the locked room challenges the reader's perception of what is possible. Many of these stories play with the idea of the 'impossible' crime. The characters in the story are also important. There is usually a brilliant detective who is able to think outside the box. The suspects, on the other hand, are often complex individuals with their own secrets. Sometimes, the solution to the mystery lies in the relationships between the characters. For example, a suspect might have an accomplice who helps them create the illusion of a locked room mystery. Also, the use of red herrings is common. The author will introduce false clues to mislead the reader and the detective within the story, making it even more difficult to solve the mystery.
Well, in a locked room mystery short story, there are a few key things. First, there's the locked room itself, which creates a sense of mystery. Then, there are the suspects with their motives and alibis. The detective has to figure out who did it despite the locked room situation. And there are often hidden clues within the room that are crucial for solving the mystery.
Use description. For example, describe the locked room as having a strange glow seeping from under the door or making the lock look old and rusty with strange symbols on it. This immediately makes the reader wonder what's inside.
One of the greatest is 'The Murders in the Rue Morgue' by Edgar Allan Poe. It's a classic that really set the standard for locked room mysteries. The story's setting and the seemingly impossible nature of the crime within a locked room is both fascinating and mind - boggling.
Paul Halter's works, like 'The Demon of Dartmoor', are also excellent modern locked room mystery novels. His stories are full of complex puzzles and impossible situations. He often uses classic mystery elements but gives them a modern spin, making them both nostalgic and fresh for mystery lovers.
Once upon a time, there was an old mansion with a locked room. No one knew what was inside. One day, a curious young girl named Lily found the key by chance. When she opened the door, she was amazed to find that the room was filled with beautiful paintings and old books. It seemed that this was a secret treasure room forgotten by time. The books told stories of the past owners of the mansion, and Lily felt as if she had stepped into a different era.
The key elements often include a seemingly impossible crime scene where the victim is found in a locked room. There's usually a limited number of suspects who had access to the room or were in the vicinity. Another important element is the detective or investigator who uses their wits and deduction skills to solve the mystery.
Agatha Christie's 'The Crooked House' is also a great one. It has a complex plot within a seemingly impossible crime scene. The characters are all suspects, and Christie masterfully weaves the mystery.
Agatha Christie is a very famous author. She wrote many mystery novels, some of which are locked room mysteries like 'And Then There Were None'. Her plots are always full of twists and turns.