best way to start a detective story

A great way to start a detective story is with a mysterious event. For example, a strange disappearance in a small town. Just describe how a person vanished without a trace one foggy night. It immediately grabs the reader's attention and makes them wonder what happened and who will solve the mystery.

One great way to start a story is with an interesting character in an unusual situation. For example, 'There was a man who woke up one morning to find his house had disappeared overnight.' This immediately grabs the reader's attention and makes them wonder what will happen next.

Begin with a dialogue. For example, '“You can't be serious,” she said, her eyes wide with disbelief.' It makes the story feel immediate and alive. The reader is plunged right into the action and wants to know what the conversation is about.

One great way to start a story is with a captivating hook. It could be an interesting question, like 'Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a world without colors?' or a shocking statement such as 'The day the world ended, no one saw it coming.' This immediately grabs the reader's attention and makes them want to read more.

One good way is to start with a mysterious event. For example, a valuable object goes missing from a highly secured place. This immediately grabs the reader's attention and makes them wonder how it could have happened. It sets the stage for the detective to come in and start investigating.

Begin with a cryptic message. Maybe a piece of paper with a riddle or a series of numbers that seem to have no meaning. This hooks the reader as they will be curious to see how the detective deciphers it. It also sets the tone for a story full of puzzles and secrets.

Out of nowhere.

Once upon a time.

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.

I don't think there is a universal best way. A good start for a historical fiction could be 'In the year 1812, as the war drums beat across the land...' which grounds the story in time and place. But for a contemporary coming - of - age story, you could start with a relatable teen moment like 'I was standing in the school hallway, my heart pounding as I waited for the results of the test.' Different stories require different beginnings to engage their intended audiences.