a sense of mystery

By using the portrait as an enigma. If the portrait has a strange expression or a mark that no one can explain, it creates mystery. Also, if the backstory of the portrait is only partially revealed.

A mystery short story can create tension through its characters' emotions. If the detective is frustrated or the victim is terrified, that feeling spreads to the reader. Also, withholding information from the reader until the right moment can build up a lot of tension.

Well, when there are dark settings in a story, it's like a veil is drawn over the normal world. The lack of light hides things. Say, in a dark alley in a story. We don't know who or what is there until something reveals itself. This anticipation builds mystery. The characters are also more on edge in such settings, which adds to the overall sense of mystery.

They often use the vastness and unpredictability of the sea. For example, in 'The Terror' by Dan Simmons, the sea is a harsh and unforgiving environment. The characters are isolated, and there are unknown threats lurking, like the mysterious creature in the ice. This creates a lot of suspense.

One way is through the use of setting. A spooky old house or a fog - covered forest can immediately create an atmosphere of mystery and suspense. Also, withholding information from the reader. For example, not revealing the true identity of a monster or the cause of strange events right away.

She uses the setting to create mystery. The rural and somewhat isolated setting has areas like the old woman's cottage which seem normal on the surface but hold secrets. For example, the overgrown garden and the dilapidated parts of the cottage add an air of mystery.

She might use ambiguous descriptions. For example, not clearly defining the appearance of the ghosts. This leaves the reader to imagine and fills the story with mystery.

I recommend the following mystery novels to you. It's scary to read ~ "His Strange Girlfriend": The protagonist's girlfriend's behavior is very strange, making life scary and strange. "Strange Things in the Village": The protagonist felt that something would happen around him in the village. This feeling became stronger and stronger, and it was very terrifying. "The Blood Kindred Cain Was Dotted": The Blood Kindred Cain was actually entangled with a woman who was clinging onto him. This woman was even pregnant with his child. It felt strange and terrifying. "Meidai's Tea": The protagonist began to dream of her cat, but the cat did not die. Instead, Zhang Qian used various hints to make her think that she could only save herself by killing the cat. This kind of scenario was very terrifying. I hope you like this fairy's recommendation. Muah ~😗

😋I recommend the following books to you: 1. " The Land of Fragrance and the Classic of Mountains and Seas ": This is an Eastern fantasy novel. The protagonist has a mysterious background and grows up between conspiracy and power. He has mastered the shocking method of setting up and breaking formations and can summon countless divine beasts and gods to help. 2. " Tyrannical Martial Arts: " This fantasy novel was written by the protagonist Chu Yang, who was a peerless genius with three innate abilities. He had the innate ability and the soul of a warrior. He advanced triumphantly and established his own supreme martial arts. 3. " The Great Emperor Tongtian ": In this fantasy novel, the protagonist Chu Han had a photographic memory. After opening the door to the sea of consciousness, he found a Heavenly Book of Fate, which contained the ancient alchemy inheritance, talisman inheritance, array inheritance, weapon inheritance, and other profound inheritances. 4. " The Counterattack of the Minor Actor in the Fantasy World ": In this fantasy novel, the main character, Xiao Chen, suddenly realized that he was just a character in a fantasy novel, and he was just a damn minor character. Hence, he began to take advantage of the protagonist's autumn wind, seize the protagonist's luck, pretend to be a pig to eat a tiger, and quietly make a fortune. The above is my personal recommendation. I sincerely hope you like it.😗

Lovecraft creates mystery by the way he describes the cats. He gives them an air of secrecy and power. For example, the cats seem to communicate and act in unison, which is a bit strange. Also, the setting of Ulthar itself is a bit of a mystery. It's an old town with its own superstitions and the cats are a big part of that. We don't really know all the ins and outs of how the cats came to have such influence.