The Ingredients of a Mystery Story

• A gripping and creditable plot – the reader believes what is happening.

Structure

• First paragraph introduces setting (time and place), key characters and theme

• Rest of first half generally builds up the background to main incident, develops characters and relationships, sets up the theme

• Second half – deals with one main incident in detail – all made plausible by the careful construction and vivid detail/clues given in first half.

• Final paragraph usually an explicit conclusion with a definite ending.

Characterisation

• Only a couple of main characters – vivid and sharp.

• More concentration on thoughts and feelings.

• Physical description used if important to story or to emphasise theme or atmosphere.

• Minor characters kept to a minimum, sometimes not even named.

Setting and Atmosphere

• Small number of locations, limited time span (longer periods usually only involved with flashbacks)

• Language and description crafted to enhance mood, tone, atmosphere

Suspense

• Anxiety created for the reader

• Contains tension – reader unsure of what is going to happen

Twists, Turns and Clues

• Story keeps you guessing

• Contains clues suggesting possible solutions

• Some clues (red herrings) throw reader off the scent