mystery story essay 200 words

Best Short Mystery Stories 200 Words

Table of Contents

• 1 Short Mystery Stories 200 Words
• 2 1. The Millfield Murder Mystery
• 3 2. The Abandoned Mansion Murder

Short Mystery Stories 200 Words

1. the millfield murder mystery.

Short Mystery Stories 200 Words : The small town of Millfield was in a state of shock. One of their own, a young woman named Sarah, had been found murdered in her home. The police were baffled by the case, as there were no signs of forced entry and nothing appeared to be stolen.

As the investigation progressed, the police began to focus on the people closest to Sarah. They interviewed her friends, family, and coworkers, but no one seemed to have any motive for her murder.

Just when it seemed like the case would never be solved, a clue emerged. A neighbour reported seeing a strange car parked near Sarah’s house the night of the murder. The police were able to track down the owner of the car, who turned out to be an ex-boyfriend that Sarah had recently broken up with.

Upon questioning, the ex-boyfriend admitted to the murder, claiming that he couldn’t handle the rejection. He had gone to Sarah’s house that night, hoping to reconcile, but when she refused, he flew into a rage and killed her.

The small town of Millfield was left reeling by the tragic events, but they could at least find some solace in the fact that the killer had been brought to justice.

2. The Abandoned Mansion Murder

Detective James was called to investigate a strange case at the old, abandoned mansion on the outskirts of town. The mansion had been vacant for years, but recently, a group of teenagers had reported strange noises coming from inside.

Upon arriving at the mansion , James found the front door ajar and a musty smell in the air. As he made his way through the dusty rooms, he found nothing out of the ordinary, until he reached the basement. There, he discovered a hidden room with a locked door.

James immediately called for backup and together, they were able to break down the door. Inside, they found a gruesome scene. A man, who had been missing for years, was tied to a chair, dead.

As James and his team began to investigate the murder, they quickly realized that this case was not as straightforward as it seemed. The man had no identification on him, and no one in the town recognized him.

Further investigation revealed that the man had been living in the mansion for years and had been the caretaker of the property. He had been murdered by someone who knew him and had the motive to kill him.

James and his team worked tirelessly to piece together the clues and finally were able to identify the killer as the long-lost heir of the mansion who had come to claim his inheritance and get rid of the caretaker. The case was solved, but not without leaving many questions unanswered and a sense of unease in the small town.

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There’s nothing quite like sitting down to read a good mystery short story. From the first line, we’re already putting on our detective hats and trying to figure things out. Together with the protagonists, we suss out clues, consider the evidence, and take a hard look at each of the suspects and their alibis.

But whether you work out the solution yourself or are thrown by a convincing red herring, the adventure, thrill, and suspense of a mystery is its own reward. Where else can you get a story with so many twists, turns, and surprises?

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Short stories have been keeping mystery fans satiated for decades. From new Sherlock Holmes adventures in The Strand to Megan Abbott’s thrilling crime stories, mysteries have a proud tradition of packing tons of adventure into a small space. And, just like the ingenious crimes they solve, such a feat will leave readers marveling at how these authors managed it.

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How to Write a Mystery Story

Last Updated: July 7, 2023 References

This article was co-authored by Lucy V. Hay . Lucy V. Hay is a Professional Writer based in London, England. With over 20 years of industry experience, Lucy is an author, script editor, and award-winning blogger who helps other writers through writing workshops, courses, and her blog Bang2Write. Lucy is the producer of two British thrillers, and Bang2Write has appeared in the Top 100 round-ups for Writer’s Digest & The Write Life and is a UK Blog Awards Finalist and Feedspot’s #1 Screenwriting blog in the UK. She received a B.A. in Scriptwriting for Film & Television from Bournemouth University. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 567,393 times.

A good mystery story will have fascinating characters, exciting suspense, and a puzzle that keeps you turning the pages. But it can be difficult to write an engaging mystery story, especially if you have never tried to before. With the right preparation, brainstorming, and outlining, you can create a page-turning mystery of your own.

Preparing to Write

• When it comes to mystery, one of the key elements is tension and making the story compelling from the very beginning. [1] X Research source
• In mystery stories, your reader does not know who committed the murder until the end of the novel. Mysteries are centered on the intellectual exercise of trying to figure out the motivations behind the crime, or the puzzle.
• Mysteries tend to be written in the first person, while thrillers are often written in the third person and from multiple points of view. In mystery stories, there is usually a slower pace as the hero/detective/main character tries to solve the crime. There are also limited action sequences in mysteries than in thrillers.
• Because mysteries are often slower paced, the characters are usually more in-depth and well rounded in a mystery story than in a thriller.

• The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins. The 19th-century mystery novel was originally written in serial form, so the story moves forward in measured steps. Much of what became standard in crime fiction was done by Collins in this novel, so it is an engaging and instructive introduction to the genre.
• The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler. Chandler is one of the genre’s greatest writers, creating engaging stories about the trials and tribulations of private detective Philip Marlowe. Marlowe is a tough, cynical, but honest P.I. who becomes entangled in a plot with a General, his daughter, and a blackmailing photographer. Chandler’s work is known for its sharp dialogue, great pacing, and riveting hero, Marlowe. [3] X Research source
• The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. One of the genre’s most famous detectives, along with his equally famous sleuthing partner Watson, solves a series of mysteries and crimes in this collection of stories. Holmes and Watson inject their unique character traits into the stories along the way. [4] X Research source
• NANCY DREW by Carolyn Keene. The whole series is situated in the United States.Nancy Drew is a detective. Her close friends Helen Corning, Bess Marvin and George Fayne appear in some mysteries. Nancy is Carson Drew's daughter. Carson Drew is the most famous lawyer in River Heights, where they live.
• "Hardy Boys by Franklin W. Dixon.This is similar to Nancy Drew.It is about two brothers: Frank and Joe Hardy, who are talented detectives.They are the sons of a very famous detective, and they sometimes help in his cases.
• A Crime in the Neighborhood by Suzanne Berne. This recent mystery novel is set in 1970s suburban Washington. It centers on the “crime” in the neighborhood, the murder of a young boy. Berne intersperses a coming of age story with the mystery of the death of the young boy in bland, boring suburbia, but manages to make the story anything but bland or boring. [5] X Research source

• For example, in The Big Sleep , Chandler’s first-person narrator describes himself through his clothing on the first page: “I was wearing my powder-blue suit, with the dark blue shirt, tie and display handkerchief, black brogues, black wool socks with dark blue clocks on them. I was neat, clean, shaved and sober, and I didn’t care who knew it. I was everything the well-dressed private detective ought to be."
• With these opening sentences, Chandler makes the narrator distinct through his way of describing himself, his outfit, and his job (private detective).

• For example, in the second paragraph of the first page of The Big Sleep , Marlowe places the reader in the time and setting: “The main hallway of the Sternwood place was two stories high.”
• The reader now knows Marlowe is in front of the home of the Sternwoods and it is a larger home, possibly wealthy.

• In The Big Sleep , Marlowe is hired by General Sternwood to “take care” of a photographer who has been blackmailing the General with scandalous pictures of the General’s daughter.

• In The Big Sleep , Chandler complicates Marlowe’s pursuit of the photographer by having the photographer killed in the early chapters, followed by the suspicious suicide of the General’s chauffeur. So Chandler sets up the story with two crimes that Marlowe has to solve.

• The resolution of the mystery should feel surprising to your reader, without confusing them. One of the benefits of a mystery is that you can pace the story so the solution unfolds gradually, rather than in a rushed or hurried manner.

Developing Your Main Character and Outlining the Story

• Body size and shape, hair and eye color, and any other physical characteristics. For example, you may have a short female main character with dark hair, glasses, and green eyes. Or you may want a more typical detective character: tall with slicked-back hair and a five o’clock shadow.
• Clothing and dress. Your character’s clothing will not only create a more detailed image for your reader, it can also indicate what time period your story is set in. For example, if your main character wears heavy armor and a helmet with a crest, your reader will realize your story is set in medieval times. If your character wears a hoodie, jeans, and a backpack, this will tip off your readers that the story is likely set in modern times.
• What makes your main character unique. It’s important to create a main character who stands out to your reader and feels engaging enough to sustain many pages in a story or novel. Consider what your character likes and dislikes. Maybe your female sleuth is shy and awkward at parties, and has a secret love of reptiles. Or perhaps your detective is a complete klutz and doesn’t consider himself a strong or smart person. Focus on details that will help to create a unique main character and don’t be afraid to draw on details from your own life or your own preferences and tastes. [7] X Research source
• What matters most is that your main character has a burning question or burning need to solve the mystery.

• If you decide to set your story in a time period or location you are unfamiliar with, conduct research on the time period or location through your local library, online sources, or interviews with experts in a certain time period or location. Be specific with your research and during your interviews to ensure you get all the details of a setting or time period right.

• An item is stolen from your main character or someone close to the main character.
• A person close to the main character disappears.
• The main character receives threatening or disturbing notes.
• The main character witnesses a crime.
• The main character is asked to help solve a crime.
• The main character stumbles upon a mystery.
• You can also combine several of these scenarios to create a more layered mystery. For example, an item may be stolen from your main character, a person close to the main character disappears, and then the main character witnesses a crime she is later asked to help solve.

• Create a list of possible suspects your main character may encounter throughout the story. You can use several suspects to point the detective and/or the reader in the wrong direction to build suspense and surprise. [8] X Research source
• Write a list of clues. Red herrings are clues that are false or misleading. Your story will be stronger if you include several red herring clues in the story. For example, your main character may find a clue that points to one suspect, but it is later revealed the clue is actually tied to a different suspect. Or your detective may find a clue without realizing it is the key to unlocking the entire mystery. [9] X Research source
• Red herrings are all about saying "follow this thread" when the "thread" in question is completely wrong. A good writer can put something in the way that stops readers from realizing what's going on.

• The main character is investigating a possible lead alone and encounters the murderer or killer.
• The main character begins to doubt his/her abilities and lets his/her guard down, allowing the murderer to kill again.
• No one believes the main character and he/she ends up trying to solve the crime alone,and he/she ends up getting kidnapped.
• The main character is injured and trapped in a dangerous place.
• The main character is going to lose an important clue if he/she can’t get out of a certain location or situation.

• The main character saves someone close to them, or an innocent person wrapped up in the mystery.
• The main character saves himself/herself and is changed by his/her courage or smarts.
• The main character exposes a bad character or organization.
• The main character exposes the murderer or person responsible for the crime.

• Introduction of main character and setting.
• The inciting incident, or the crime.
• The call to adventure: The main character gets involved in solving the crime.
• Tests and trials: The main character finds clues, encounters potential suspects, and tries to stay alive as he/she pursues the truth. Close ones might be kidnapped as a threat
• Ordeal: The main character thinks he/she has found a key clue or suspect and believes he/she has solved the crime. This is a false resolution, and is a good way to surprise your reader when it turns out the main character got it wrong.
• Major setback: All seems lost for the main character. He/She found the wrong suspect or clue, someone else is killed or harmed, and all his/her allies have abandoned him/her. A major setback will amp up the tension in the story and keep the reader guessing.
• The reveal: The main character gathers all interested parties together, lays out the clues, explains the false leads, and reveals who the murderer or guilty person is.

Writing the Story

• Think what your main character might see in a certain setting. For example, if your character lives in a home much like yours in a small town, you may describe his/her bedroom or his/her walk to school. If you are using a specific historical setting, like 70s California, you may describe your character standing on a street corner and looking at the unique architecture or the cars that drive by.
• Consider what your main character might hear in a certain setting. Your sleuth may listen to the birds chirping and the sprinklers on the lawns on the way to school. Or your detective may hear the roaring of cars or the crashing of ocean waves.
• Describe what your main character might smell in a certain setting. Your main character might wake up to the smell of coffee being made in the kitchen by his/her parents. Or your detective may be hit with the smell of the city: rotting garbage and body odor.
• Describe what your character might feel. This could be a light breeze, a sharp pain, a sudden jolt, or a shiver down his/her spine. Focus on how your character’s body might react to a feeling.
• Think about what your character might taste. Your main character may still taste the cereal she had for breakfast in his/her mouth, or the drink from the night before.

• Think about being concise with your language and description. Most readers continue reading a good mystery because they are invested in the main character and want to see his/her succeed. Be brief but specific when describing the main character and his/her perspective on the world.
• For example, Chandler’s The Big Sleep starts by situating the reader in a setting and gives the reader a sense of the main character’s perspective on the world. “It was about eleven o’clock in the morning, mid October, with the sun not shining and a look of hard wet rain in the clearness of the foothills. I was wearing my powder-blue suit, with dark blue shirt, tie and display handkerchief, black brogues, black wool socks with dark blue clocks on them. I was neat, clean, shaved and sober, and I didn’t care who knew it. I was everything the well-dressed private detective ought to be. I was calling on four million dollars.”
• With this beginning, the story starts in action, with a specific time, date, and description of the setting. It then presents the main character’s physical description and job title. The section ends with the main character’s motivation: four million dollars. In three lines, Chandler has covered many of the essential details of the character, the setting, and the story.

• Think about how you would react in a situation if you were angry or scared. Have your character react in ways that communicate angry or scared, without telling the reader about the character’s emotions. For example, rather than “Stephanie was angry,” you could write: “Stephanie slammed his/her water glass down on the table so hard his/her dinner plate rattled. She glared at him, and started ripping the thin, white napkin into shreds with his/her fingers.”
• Showing, rather than telling also works well for descriptions of setting. For example, in The Big Sleep , rather than tell the reader the Sternwoods were wealthy, Chandler describes the luxurious details of the estate: “There were French doors at the back of the hall, beyond them a wide sweep of emerald grass to a white garage, in front of which a slim dark young chauffeur in shiny black leggings was dusting a maroon Packard convertible. Beyond the garage were some decorative trees trimmed as carefully as poodle dogs. Beyond them a large greenhouse with a domed roof. Then more trees and beyond everything the solid, uneven, comfortable line of the foothills.”

• Plot. Ensure your story sticks to the outline and has a clear beginning, middle, and an ending. You should also confirm your main character shifts or changes at the end of the story.
• Characters. Are your characters, including your main character, distinct and unique? Do all the characters sound and act the same or are they different from each other? Do your characters feel original and engaging?
• Pacing. Pacing is how fast or how slow the action moves in the story. Good pacing will feel invisible to the reader. If the story feels like it is moving too fast, make the scenes longer to draw out the emotions of the characters. If it feels like the story gets bogged down or confusing, shorten the scenes to only include essential information. A good rule of thumb is to always end a scene earlier than you might think or want. This will keep the tension from scene to scene from dropping and keep the pace of the story moving.
• The twist. The twist can either make or break a good mystery story. This is completely optional, but many of the best stories have a twist at the end. Make sure that a twist is not too "cheesy". The more unique a twist is, the easier it is to write. When writing an overused twist, such as "then they woke up", you'll need to be a very good writer to make it sound good. A good twist not only fools the audience, but fools the character(s) too. Consider hinting towards the twist during action scenes, so that when the reader looks back on the story, they'll wonder how they missed it. Try not to make the twist evident too early on.

Mystery Story Help

Community Q&A

Things You'll Need

• Paper and pen and/or a computer with a word processor (like Word)
• Mystery books/stories
• An idea/plot for the story

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-fiction/7-tips-writing-great-mystery-suspense-novels
• ↑ http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/tip-sheet/article/59582-the-10-best-mystery-books.html
• ↑ http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/bigsleep/summary.html
• ↑ http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1661/1661-h/1661-h.htm
• ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/books/97/07/20/reviews/970720.20careyt.html
• ↑ http://blog.karenwoodward.org/2013/10/how-to-write-murder-mystery.html
• ↑ http://www.creative-writing-now.com/how-to-write-a-mystery.html
• ↑ http://blog.karenwoodward.org/2014/03/how-to-write-murderously-good-mystery.html
• ↑ http://www.creative-writing-now.com/how-to-write-fiction.html
• ↑ http://blog.karenwoodward.org/2013/10/how-to-write-murder-mystery-part-two.html

About This Article

Before you write your mystery story you’ll want to create some characters and outline the plot. You might make your main character a detective or just a curious citizen who witnessed a crime. Once you have characters, choose a setting and a mystery such as a murder or a robbery of a precious artwork. If you want to make your story dramatic, add in cliffhangers and red herrings, or clues that lead to dead ends. When you’re ready to write your story, scroll down for tips from our Creative Writing reviewer on creating a well-paced and exciting narrative. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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• Writing Prompts

70 Mystery Writing Prompts That’ll Keep Your Readers Hooked

From whodunits to unsolved crimes, here are over 70 mystery writing prompts that will keep your readers hooked from beginning to end. 

The mystery genre is all about gathering clues and evidence to solve a crime or mystery of some sort. Common mysteries to solve may include murder, kidnappings, theft and any other unsolved crimes. The thing that makes a mystery story so appealing is that no one knows who the true culprit is until the very end of the story. And the big reveal at the end is always shocking to the reader. The secret to a good mystery lies in the plot twist . You have to be two steps ahead of your readers – Get inside the head of your readers and think, “Who would your readers think the main culprit is?” Then switch it around, and pick someone who is highly unlikely to be the real baddie.

You can pick a random prompt from our mystery writing prompts generator below to practice your plot twist skills on:

In a mystery novel, characters are a huge part of the mystery. Common characters may include:

• Street smart detective – They ask all the right questions, but are the answers to be trusted?
• Bent cop – Known for planting fake evidence at crime scenes.
• Mysterious guy – No one knows anything about them, and therefore they could be an easy suspect in the case.
• The scapegoat – The one everyone is blaming.
• The obvious suspect – All clues point to this person.
• The unobvious suspect – No real evidence against this person, but somehow they link to the crime in question.

When writing your mystery story think about the characters you would include carefully before diving in. We even recommend creating character profiles for each character, and maybe even a mind map to show their connection to the crime in question.

Take a look at this collection of the best mystery books for teens for some more ideas!

70 Mystery Writing Prompts

List of over 70 mystery writing prompts, from unsolved murder cases to items that vanished into thin air:

• The richest man on Earth has a hidden vault filled with millions of dollars, expensive jewellery and gems. One night he goes to add to his collection of gems and notices a sentimental piece of jewellery missing.
• One-by-one random things keep on going missing in your house. First your watch, then a teapot. Who is taking them and why?
• One of your classmates mysteriously stops coming to school. It’s been nearly 2 weeks since you last saw them. What could have happened to them?
• A police officer finds a dead body at a barber’s shop in town. The cause of death was drowning. No one knows how the body got there and who did it.
• A person takes a game of snakes and ladders too literally. In random locations around the city, snakes and ladders have been placed. Where do those ladders go? Why are snakes placed in these random places? Can you solve this strange mystery?
• You wake up in a warehouse with no memory of how you got there. The warehouse office is filled with newspaper clippings of missing people from the past 20 years. Who is the kidnapper and why are you in this warehouse?
• Last night a series of supermarkets and warehouses across the city were robbed. The thief or thieves only steal toilet paper. Can you solve this case?
• Meet Benji, the cat detective. Benji is a feisty feline who is on a mission to capture the great tuna can thief. 
• At exactly 7.08 pm last night a scream was heard from 59 Pebble Lane. The neighbours knocked but no one was home. Later that night, the police arrived at approximately 2.13 am to find a cold dead body on the floor in a pool of spilt tea.
• You are a reporter for the Imagine Forest Times newspaper, you are writing an article on the missing bird eggs in the local forest.
• Imagine you are a security guard. It’s your first night shift at the local art Museum. The next morning a priceless painting goes missing, and you are blamed. You need to prove your innocence before you are sent to prison, but how?
• Write a time travel mystery story where the main character keeps going back in time to find out who really murdered their parents.
• You and your friends go to the fairground. You decide to ride the carousel. Round and round you go, and then the ride stops. When it stops you notice one of your friends is suddenly missing. Where did they go? (See our list of writing prompts about friendship for more ideas.)
• The main character in your story is caught red-handed with the missing jewel in their hand. But did they really steal this jewel?
• Write a diary from the perspective of a paranoid person who thinks their neighbour is stealing from them.
• Write down an action scene where the main character trails the secondary character to an abandoned warehouse. What do you think will happen next?
• Someone has been stealing mobile phones at your school. You think you know who it is, so you set up a try to catch the thief.
• A bent police officer has been planting false evidence at crime scenes for years. Who are they protecting and why?
• Write a script between two characters who are meeting in secret to discuss some new evidence in a murder trial.
• Imagine you are a detective interviewing a suspect in the crime of jewellery theft. Write down some questions that you might ask the suspect. If you have time, you can also write the possible answers from the suspect’s point of view.
• You discover a note in your bag. It says, “I know what YOU have done!” – Who can have left this note, and what are they talking about?
• Write a story about a young police officer who is solving the murder case of his best friend from high school. The twist is that this police officer turns out to be the murderer.
• For over 10 years, your twin sister was missing. But there she is – Suddenly walking in the middle of the street. Where has she been? What happened to her?
• Imagine you are an investigator examining the scene of a murder crime. What types of clues would you look out for? Can you make a list of at least 10 possible clues you might find?
• A police car is chasing a potential suspect in a murder trial. Halfway through the chase, the police car disappears. The suspect slows down their car, and wonders, “What happened? Why did they stop coming after me?”
• You come home from school one day and notice that your mother’s things are gone. Your first thought is that she left you and your father. But the truth is that she was kidnapped by someone.
• A mysterious person has stolen all your teddy bears and is holding them for ransom somewhere. Each day you get a cryptic riddle. If you can solve each riddle you will receive one teddy bear back each time. 
• It’s the year 3,000. Your main character is a lawyer for a robot. They must prove this robot’s innocence in a human murder trial. (See this list of sci-fi writing prompts for more inspiration.)
• Someone keeps stealing textbooks from your school. One day you go to school and see a huge statement art piece outside the school made from the stolen textbooks. Can you find out who did this?
• Cinderella has turned into a detective. She needs to solve the case of the stolen glass slippers. After all those glass slippers are super rare.
• The main character in your story must prove their innocence in a murder trial. How would they do this? What evidence would they need?
• The main character in your story discovers that their brother is the real killer. They then try to destroy all evidence linked to their brother to protect them.
• “Poppy! Poppy! Where are you, buddy?” Mindy searched for her pet Labrador everywhere. But she was nowhere to be seen. It turns out all the dogs in town have been missing since last night. What could have possibly happened to them?
• Someone has been leaving embarrassing photographs of various people all over town. Can you track down this person? Why are they posting these photos? 
• Write a mystery story titled, ‘Piece-by-Piece’ about a jigsaw puzzle thief who is stealing random puzzles pieces.
• You notice some muddy footprints leading into a thick forest at your local park. You follow this trail of footprints to a secret hatch in the woods. The door of the hatch has been left open. When you go inside you discover something shocking.
• Your dog digs up an old lunchbox in your backyard. Inside the lunchbox, you find a key, an address and some old newspaper clipping of missing people. You think you can solve this case of the missing people by just visiting that address. But things get a little more complicated…
• This is a mystery story about a boy named Billy who’s home alone and is playing with a toy truck when he finds a strange box. His mother, a lady with a past, is suspicious of this mysterious box, so she calls the police. Billy’s mother is a detective, and they find that the box is really a trap, and Billy is kidnapped.
• Write a crime mystery story about how a little girl’s dream of becoming a scientist led to her death. Why would anyone murder a young girl who wants to be a scientist? How did this happen?
• A small-town sheriff gets caught up in the biggest robbery in history. When over a million dollars just vanish into thin air, people are quick to blame the shifty-eyed sheriff from out of town. But is he really the culprit in this crime?
• When Sara was a young girl she was kidnapped by a strange man and woman who took care of her. But now Sara wants to know what happened to her real parents. Are they still alive? Are they still looking for her?
• The clock is ticking. Somewhere in the city, a group of hostages are locked up. With every hour that goes by, one hostage will be killed. The main character, a street-smart detective must solve the clues to find the location of these hostages in time.
• A police officer finds himself in a very unusual situation. It is just before 6 pm on a Friday night when police were called to a disturbance in the street. The call came from a man who was allegedly threatening a woman with a knife. The man was arrested at 6.05 pm and taken to the police station. However, it was later revealed that the woman left at home has been murdered by someone else, but who?
• A murder mystery party takes a dark turn when one of the guests is murdered for real.
• Write a mystery story titled, ‘Who Stole My Homework?’ The main character’s A* worthy English essay is stolen by someone, but who?
• Use this sentence as inspiration: Inspector Robins pulls out his notebook and writes down two words: Green fingers.
• “10 car windows broken in 10 days! What does it all mean? What does it mean?” Exclaimed Detective Riley.
• During a stop and search, a police officer finds a dead body in the boot of a car. But is the car driver really to blame?
• A lost bracelet ends up in your best friend’s locker at school, along with other precious items. Your best friend is wrongly accused of stealing these items.
• One girl must find her stolen prom dress before the prom. In the days leading up to the prom, more and more of her accessories for prom night are being stolen. Who is this thief?
• Write a mystery thriller titled, “Come and Get It”. It’s about an arrogant criminal who is stealing sentimental items from each police officer in the state, He leaves these items in random locations in the city, along with a note that says: Come and get it!
• Every night the car alarms for every car on your street turn on at exactly 2.03 am. why is this happening, and who is responsible?
• A mysterious hacker has hacked into the city’s power grid. They have the power to on and off electricity whenever they want. Can you catch them before they do any more damage?
• A secret admirer is leaving expensive gifts for your main character. At first, these gifts seem great, but then they soon take a dark twist (see our Valentine’s Day Prompts for more inspiration).
• Your main character is at their senior prom. Dancing the night away. Suddenly the lights go off. Pitch darkness for a minute. When the lights come on, your best friend is gone. And there’s a message in red paint on the wall: You’re next!
• Your teacher gives back your English assignment, and you got an F! Looking closer, you realise that this is not your assignment at all! The same starts happening in your other classes. Someone has been swapping your assignments – But who?
• For the past few days, you have been receiving anonymous emails from someone. The emails are telling you not to be friends with him. You don’t take any of these emails seriously until the police come knocking on your door.
• A family picnic at the park becomes unbearable when you open up the basket to discover every family members untold secrets.
• You are at a Chinese restaurant with your family. It’s time to open up the fortune cookies. When your mother opens up her fortune cookie, it says: “One of your children has been very naughty!”. Then your father opens his cookie up, it says: “Who’s been sneaking around behind mommy’s and daddy’s back?” All eyes at the table are on you. But what did you do?
• Your main character is a bent cop. Trying to manipulate the course of justice, and helping real criminals get away with murder. One day, someone plants evidence that gets this bent cop arrested for a murder they did not commit.
• Write down a scene between two characters. In this scene, the ‘real’ criminal is trying to convince a detective that someone else is guilty of the crime of stealing from a church.
• There are three potential suspects in the murder case of Phillip Green. You are the lead detective on this case. What questions would you ask these suspects to find the real murderer? Make a list of at least 10 questions you may ask.
• A health inspector arrives at a vegan restaurant to discover rotten vegetables, and raw, old meat. The owners know nothing about this and believe someone planted this as sabotage. Who can have sabotaged the vegan restaurant?
• Write a short mystery story for kids titled, ‘Why is the sky blue?’ One child’s curiosity about the sky leads them to discover a secret playground in the park.
• Your main character is a news reporter who is convinced that the killer of Rosie Moore is still out there. They know that the police have convicted the wrong person for this heinous crime. Can your main character find the real killer before the wrong person is sentenced to life in prison?
• Someone has been replacing all shampoos around town with a hair removal solution. When half the town’s hair starts falling out, it is up to you, a top detective to solve this crime.
• Write a mystery story set in the future where a secret cyber group called the ‘Merry Man’ are hacking the bank accounts of rich people and giving this money to the poor. Your main character is a police detective trying to hunt the members of this cyber group down.
• A mysterious person is playing a nasty game of hide and seek with you. They have kidnapped your friends and family members and hid them in various locations within the city. You have exactly 1 hour to find each person before something bad happens to them.
• Someone has left a note in your locker at school. The note reads: Help me, please! You ignore this note, but more notes start appearing in your notebooks, bag and even at home. Until eventually you get a package through the mail. You open this package and scream…
• Write an animal mystery tale about a dog who wants to find the original owner of a doll he found in the park.
• Can you solve this bonus mystery prompt: Someone has been stealing socks from the locals at night. Who could this be and why would they be doing this? (See video prompt below for more ideas.)

Did you find these mystery writing prompts useful when writing your own story? Let us know in the comments below!

Marty the wizard is the master of Imagine Forest. When he's not reading a ton of books or writing some of his own tales, he loves to be surrounded by the magical creatures that live in Imagine Forest. While living in his tree house he has devoted his time to helping children around the world with their writing skills and creativity.

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Largest Compilation of Structured Essays and Exams

A Mystery Essay for Children & Students | Short Story

December 4, 2017 by Study Mentor Leave a Comment

To know the unknown and to see the unseen is the natural instinct of mankind. The human beings, out of all living creatures have been given an extremely well developed brain, and as a result of this, we are always in search of the why and how of everything. Due to this fact one of the many things that intrigue human mind is a mystery, unraveling which  is of prime importance to us.

I had come to terms with this fact at a very young age when my distant uncle introduced me to the world of thriller mystery. Since then I’ve fed my brain of the classics of literary mystery from Hercule Poirot to Mrs. Marple to the likes of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Since then, I had always fantasized about facing a real-life mystery and solving it. The opportunity did not, however, come until my early twenties when I was a fresh graduate, sitting at home ogling at newspapers for jobs with absolutely nothing to do but sit at home and wait for an interview call.

During those days of joblessness, I was in constant search of something to make use of my idly sitting brain, which had been seasoned to solve mysterious problems; thanks to Agatha Christie and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

It was an early October morning and my Aunt had come to visit us from New York. Every year she comes to India to visit her sister, my mom, in October and returns back to New York in January. This I must mention was partly because of family bonding and mostly was a way to escape the chilly New York winters.

She was almost as old as my mother but had not ventured into the idea of marriage. Being the owner of a successful restaurant chain over there, she could afford such long leaves.

Her linage of being from a family of rulers and Zamindars, gave her a bad habit of gambling – something by which my Great Grandfather had ruined our family’s immense wealth, and her job, gave her the income to afford such a hobby. Aunt Bina, as I called her had made a very interesting bet while coming to India.

A rich businessman had lured her into making a bet of safely keeping a paper drawn leaf with her during her trip to India and bring it back to him. She found it very stupid and easy and put her entire property as well as her hotels at stake for it.

As she told us the story, we were all scared and dumbfounded but Madam Bina was as calm as the backwaters of Kerala. She had kept the piece a paper inside a combination-locked suitcase.

Time passed and soon it was January and time to leave for the US. As she opened the suitcase just to be sure, to her utter dismay, there was no paper inside of it and there were ashes inside. I saw her get cold right in front of me. Her face lost its colour and her lips turned from damask to blue in no time.

Somehow my parents handled her and brought her home from the airport unconscious. When she came back to her senses she started crying loudly saying she is now left with no money and even thought of never returning to America. Seeing her lose hopes in that way, I was moved. I promised her that I will found out the fate of that paper and see to it that all her property is intact.

Soon I told her to harden up and tell me exactly what were the words of the bet that took place between the businessman, Mr. Raymond and her. She took out a legal paper from her coat pocket signed by both the parties. After reading the terms of it I asked my aunt about Mr. Raymond as a person.

From what she told me, I got to know that he was the CEO of a leading pharmaceutical company and wanted to acquire her group of restaurant chain many times but she had refused.

Skipping through everyone’s skepticism about my abilities to solve the case, I started by inspecting the suitcase. I even brought a professional lock picker to open it but he failed, saying that such technology cannot be bypassed. The bag was guarded by not only a physical lock but also an electronically programmed lock.

The possibility that the suitcase was wrongfully opened by breaking the lock was ruled out. Then I thought of inspecting the fingerprints on the suitcase. I took it to that distant uncle of mine who was a forensic scientist and a hobby detective.

He told me that the fingerprints on the suitcase belonged to the family members and the driver (who had touched it while loading it into the car).

I was in complete confusion, how a piece of paper could just burn inside a suitcase without anyone opening it in four months. However, this notion of mine was abolished by my aunt who said that she had once opened it during Christmas to check upon the paper and it was there that time.

The driver was the only person that day at home with aunt. May be, he had seen her open the suitcase and had burnt the paper leaf inside.

But for all this, a motive was needed. And very soon I got one. After enquiring about any changes in the driver’s behavior since that night, she told me that before Christmas, he always asked for money time to time for his mother’s cancer, but later to that incident he had stopped asking for money saying his mother is well now – something that is not possible because his mother suffers from a case of terminal leukemia.

Immediately I went to the driver and used the good old tried and tested technique of falsely claiming to know the truth. I told him that I know everything and if he doesn’t confess to it then I would hand him over to the police. In an instance, he broke down revealing everything.

The crooked Mr. Raymond, being the CEO of a pharmaceutical company that produced medicines for leukemia, he lured the driver to believe that he can cure his mother’s disease with some special medication. But for that he would have to burn that piece of paper inside Aunt Bina’s suitcase.

Christmas gave him the right opportunity. He saw the way aunt opened the suitcase, dropped her to the club and returned back home. Using his spare key, he opened the door, opened the suitcase, burnt up the paper and locked it back.

The driver did face lot of scolding but was exonerated on ground of his love for his dying mother. My aunt returned to the US, sued Mr. Raymond and got him behind bars and permanently stopped any fort of betting and gambling.  

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How to Write a Mystery Short Story: 8 Steps with Examples

Last Updated on January 16, 2023 by Dr Sharon Baisil MD

A great mystery novel gets readers involved as amateur sleuths from the crime scene to the clues to the perpetrator. Mystery tales have particular aspects that drive their plots and keep readers engaged, using literary techniques that deliver an interactive experience and create maximum anticipation. A principal character is on a mission to solve a crime in the center of mystery tales. A mystery is a tale that pits the reader against the antagonist, who is only revealed after the narrative. Readers are invited to participate in the mystery by mystery writers who distribute clues along the plot.

You’ve come to the right place if you want to write a mystery short story. This post will provide eight steps to help you write a quality mystery story. We’ll also give you an example to illustrate each step. So, let’s start with the essentials of a mystery genre without any further ado!

What type of story is a mystery?

For hundreds of years, readers have been enthralled by the mystery genre. Edgar Allan Poe, with works such as “The Murders in the Rue Morgue” from 1841, was an expert in mystery writing. A good mystery incorporates certain literary elements to heighten the mystery and build up to a significant conclusion. These elements include:

1 – An atmospheric environment

To heighten the dread of an unknown adversary lurking in the darkness, stories in this genre should establish an unsettling, uneasy mood. Picture Sherlock Holmes sliding through the London fog in pursuit of a murderer, as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle described. Placing hints and red herrings in mysteries is also possible.

2 – A compelling hook

A great mystery should entice the reader to want to figure out the crime, and a fantastic beginning is essential for capturing their attention. The first paragraph of a mystery should contain enough information about the crime to pique interest. The opening chapter should hook the reader into the plot, putting them in the shoes of the principal detective on their investigation.

3 – Involve sleuth

The principal character, committed to discovering the crime, is at the center of every mystery. Mystery novelist Raymond Chandler created private investigator Philip Marlowe as a detective who solves crimes. The sleuth’s backstory, which ties them to the crime or the murderer, and their motivation for solving it are critical elements of their character development.

4 – Crime conflict

In a mystery book, a crime is an occurrence that fuels the story. The main character is sent on their quest by a crime, which fuels the narrative arc and creates the central conflict that begins the investigation.

5 – Foreshadowing

Hints about future events are frequently dropped in Mysteries. This is known as foreshadowing. With a little hint or via character dialogue, a writer may imply the possibility of a future occurrence. With foreshadowing, writers may be more or less blunt, either lightly implying future occurrences or plainly announcing what will happen.

6 – Villain

Since the perpetrator is unknown until they are apprehended, a mystery is often referred to as a whodunit. The plot advances thanks to their activities, which are depicted in the story. The protagonist and the reader discover the criminal’s identity near the story’s conclusion.

7 – Narrative flow

Because of a cat-and-mouse narrative thread, a mystery plot is in constant motion. As the plot approaches the climax and the main character gets closer to solving the crime, the pace will quicken.

8 – Clues throughout the plot

The detective follows a trail of clues as an amateur sleuth to figure out who the perpetrator is. To manage what clues they’re generating, when they arrive, and who knows what while writing mysteries, an author must have a well-organized writing process.

9 – Red herrings

The reader is thrown off course by a good mystery. In mysteries, red herrings are a required component. This misleading evidence generates new suspects, distracting the investigator and diverting him or her from the actual perpetrator, thus increasing the tension. By emphasizing an item, event, or character that draws a reader’s interest and making it seem more important than it is to the plot, a writer creates red herrings.

10 – A satisfactory end!

The big reveal is the sleuth’s discovery of the culprit after great mystery books. To strengthen the identification of the actual killer and eliminate uncertainty, a conclusion should also provide an alibi for all other suspects.

What makes a good mystery novel theme?

The basic premise of the mystery is straightforward to understand. A dead body, a precious item, or a riddle invites attention among the earliest finds. The reader knows that questions will have been resolved after the story, which is reassurance in any murder case.

Here are some story ideas you can take clues from to continue your mystery pieces!

1 – The remains of murder victims, like those in Viking culture, are discovered buried with some of their worldly goods.

2 – Two guests at the wedding party have been slain, and the ceremony will be held at a beautiful place.

3 – Someone replaced the lady’s contact lens solution with a harmful liquid.

4 – A detective tracks down a thief who has stolen something that doesn’t seem to be worth anything for a high fee.

5 – An abandoned bunker with security cameras and a generator is discovered in the middle of a wilderness.

6 – Since every unmarried lady at the ball wished to dance with him, it’s a pity the duke was discovered stabbed in the garden.

7 – This investigative reporter’s death seems a little too convenient.

8 – A lady gets a headache upon awakening and goes to work but soon discovers she’s been gone for a month.

9 – On the phone with the inspector, his friend is murdered.

10 – His new, considerably younger wife was the only one on board who even knew him when he was slain aboard a cruise ship on his honeymoon.

11 – At the distillery, the victim was discovered drowned in a whiskey barrel.

12 – A wife sets up a romantic “scavenger hunt” for her spouse, but some of the clues are changed by someone else.

13 – The wrong body is in the casket during the visitation. Nobody knows who the other body belongs to or where it is.

14 – The killings were human-caused, but they resembled animal assaults in several ways.

15 – Although she believes she has never met the author of the book she is reading, it appears to be telling her own story.

The ultimate 8 steps to writing a mystery short story

Fascinating characters, dramatic suspense, and a puzzle that makes you want to keep reading are all hallmarks of a good mystery tale. However, creating an exciting mystery tale may be challenging, especially if you’ve never attempted it. You may build a page-turning thriller of your own with the appropriate planning, brainstorming, and outlining.

Step 1: Prepare yourself to write and identify the characters.

The difference between the mystery and thriller genres is first essential to understand. The majority of mysteries start with a death. Who perpetrated the crime is the most critical question is a mystery. Thrillers often start with a catastrophic occurrence, such as an assassination, a bank heist, a nuclear meltdown, or another catastrophe. In a thriller, the primary issue is whether or not the protagonist can stop the disaster from occurring.

Try reading some of the outstanding mystery tales available to get a feel for a well-plotted, well-developed mystery. Some of the renowned examples include:

• The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler

Chandler is a master of the private investigator genre, with his novels about Philip Marlowe’s difficulties and tribulations being some of the best. P.I. Marlowe is a hard-boiled, cynical investigator. A General, his daughter, and a blackmailing photographer embroiled him in a conspiracy. Sharp dialogue, fast pacing, and a fascinating protagonist in Marlowe are all qualities of Chandler’s writing.

• A Crime in the Neighborhood by Suzanne Berne

In the 1970s, suburban Washington is the setting for this story. The murder of a small child is the focus of the story. Berne manages to make the narrative anything but plain or dull by mixing a coming-of-age tale with the mystery of the death of a young boy in drab, dull suburbia.

• The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

One of the most well-known investigators in the genre, along with his equally well-known sleuthing colleague Watson, solves a series of mysteries and crimes in this collection of tales. Throughout the route, Holmes and Watson inject their individual character traits.

Consider how the author introduces and characterizes the main character.

Step 2: Consider the plot and check for any obstacles.

Consider when and where the narrative takes place. Marlowe, for example, puts the reader in the period and setting in the second paragraph of The Big Sleep’s first page: “The main hallway of the Sternwood home was two floors high.”

What crime is the protagonist investigating or dealing with? A suspicious suicide, a dead body, or murder might be the case. A good mystery will keep readers engaged by presenting complications or obstacles to the significant character’s goal (to solve the crime). Also, consider how the plot concludes after the tale. The answer to the enigma should not be too self-evident or pushed, yet it should not be too out of the left field or unbelievable.

Step 3: Create your sleuth and analyze the setting

Your primary character may be a private individual or an innocent bystander who gets embroiled in trying to figure out a mystery. What distinguishes your character from the others? Creating a primary character who stands out to your reader and is interesting enough to keep several pages of a narrative or book is critical. What does your character like and dislike?

Maybe your female detective is secretly bashful and strange at parties because she loves reptiles. Perhaps your detective isn’t strong or intelligent, but he is a klutz.

Set the narrative in a familiar place, such as your hometown or school, if possible. Alternatively, research if you’re unfamiliar with a specific time or place. Focus on specific settings, such as a 1970s California home or a 1940s British boarding house, if you use a setting you haven’t experienced firsthand.

Step 4: Create, complicate, and entertain the mystery

A murder or significant crime is not required for all mysteries. The higher the stakes in the narrative are, generally, when a more significant crime is committed. High stakes are essential since they pique a reader’s interest and provide him or her with a reason to continue reading. By making it difficult for your main character to solve the puzzle or mystery, you may build up tension in the narrative. Other people, suspects, false leads, misleading clues, and other crimes are all examples of obstacles you can use.

A cliffhanger is a scenario in which the primary character finds themselves in a predicament that binds or puts them in jeopardy. Cliffhangers keep readers interested and propel the narrative forward, which is crucial in a mystery.

Step 5: Create an ending followed by a story outline

Finish the narrative by solving the puzzle’s solution. The main character’s viewpoint shifts or improves after most mysteries. Create a clear plot outline after reviewing all of your story’s elements. Before you start writing the tale, it’s vital to figure out how the puzzle will be solved in great detail; otherwise, there may be inconsistencies in the puzzle. Your story’s events or plot points should be listed in the order they occur.

Step 6: Start writing the mystery story.

One of the best ways to create a setting or atmosphere is by focusing on the five senses: sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. Descriptions of sensory details may also create the backstory for your character. On the early pages, skip lengthy paragraphs about location or character description. Starting your story in motion, as your main character does, is an effective way to hook your reader.

If you tell someone “the detective was cool,” the person will have to believe you. However, describing the detective’s attire and mannerisms as she enters a room may demonstrate how calm she is to your reader. Showing your reader particular facts is far more forceful than merely informing him what to believe.

Step 7: Don’t confuse your readers

The resolution of a mystery shouldn’t feel sudden or cheap when it’s being created. Rather than bewilder your reader, always strive to play fair and surprise him. Even though there might be red herrings and false leads, the hints provided in the tale should lead to the answer in a logical and transparent manner. If you make your reader think, “It’s so evident; I should have recognized!” he or she will enjoy the conclusion.

Step 8: Revise the draft

Look for critical aspects, such as story, characters, turns, and pace, once you’ve produced the first draft of your mystery tale. Make sure your tale begins, progresses, and finishes according to the outline. After the tale, you should check your central character’s changes or shifts.

The pace at which the story’s events unfold is referred to as pacing. Good pacing will go unnoticed by the reader. If the story seems too quick, the scenes last longer, allowing the characters’ emotions to develop.

The twist might ruin an excellent mystery tale, or it might improve. While there is no obligation to do so, many of the greatest stories have a surprise twist. Make sure that the twist isn’t “cheesy.” It’s easier to write a more unique twist.

Final Words

Mystery is one of the most popular genres among readers. As a result, it’s no surprise that this literary form has received a lot of attention in recent years.

We hope you enjoyed reading about how to write a mystery short story and will start writing your own stories soon! In case you want more tips or need some editing help on your work, don’t hesitate to leave a message in the comments section below.

How to write a murder mystery short story?

When planning to write a murder mystery short story, it is essential to start by thinking about the main characters. Who are they, and what kind of person would do such a heinous thing? Once you have determined who the murderer is, it’s time to develop the plot. How did they find out about incriminating evidence? What was their motive? So, how are they going to execute their evil plan?   It’s time to flesh out your scenes after you’ve answered these questions. Where does the victim live and work? What are local landmarks that could possibly be used for cover purposes?) Is there anyone nearby who may be suspect?) Are any of those people friends or relatives of yours?) How well do you know them?). And finally, what happens during each scene – from inside the victim’s home until after they’ve been killed)?   All of these details need to be meticulously planned in order not only to make sense as a written piece but also to provide clues that will lead readers towards discovering the whodunit before it’s even revealed!

Where can I find examples of other people’s works and learn from them to improve my own work?

One of the most significant ways to improve your work is to take inspiration from other people’s work. This can be accomplished by looking at examples of their work online or visiting a library and reading their manuscripts. You may also communicate with them through social media and provide feedback. By doing this, you will gain valuable insights that will help you improve the quality of your own work.

Any tips for writing a short mystery story?

One of the best ways to improve your writing skills is by participating in online forums and submitting short mystery stories. By doing this, you will get feedback from other writers and learn from their mistakes. Additionally, read critically and make sure that every scene contributes to the overall narrative. Don’t give too much away early in the tale while building suspense. Build slowly, then in a climactic moment, everything falls into place all at once.

How many words should the first book be?

Generally speaking, a first book should be between 50,000 and 100,000 words in length. This may seem like a lot, but it will go faster if you write consistently and avoid shortcuts or filler content. Make sure to research writing styles before beginning (e.g., fiction vs. nonfiction), keep an eye on grammar rules, pay attention to pacing issues, etc., so that your manuscript flows smoothly from start to finish. Remember: Quantity does not necessarily equate to quality! So don’t be discouraged if your 1st draft isn’t perfect – there’s always time for revisions later down the road!

How long should it be?  How many pages should it be?  What genre is best for my mystery short story?

Sticking to the genre guidelines when writing a mystery short story is essential. This means that your story should be set in the contemporary period, have a plot with suspense and thrills, and be written from the first-person point of view. Additionally, ensure that your protagonist is engaging and likable so that readers will want to discover what happens next. Your ending should also resolve the mysteries while leaving enough room for future stories in this series or further exploration of this character’s backstory.

https://www.creative-writing-now.com/how-to-write-a-mystery.html

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/tip-sheet/article/59582-the-10-best-mystery-books.html

https://prowritingaid.com/red-herring#:~:text=Here%20are%20some%20examples%20of,blackmail%2C%20or%20an%20unpaid%20debt.

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7 Short Mystery Stories

Lacey deShazo

Lacey lives in Birmingham, Alabama with her husband, son, and two cats. If she’s not teaching or writing, she’s probably re-watching one of the five television shows she’s already watched a zillion times (Buffy, anyone?) or getting into a new hobby (like skincare or calligraphy). She loves romance, mystery, literary fiction, and horror. Follow her on Twitter @ljdeshazo.

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“The Little Men” by Megan Abbott (from The Best American Mystery Stories 2016 )

I’m especially partial to this one since I’m a recent Megan Abbott convert (late the the party, I know!). This short story is about Penny, who has recently moved into her dream home. However, the beautiful cottage seems to be haunted. After hearing strange noises and creepy rumors from her neighbors, Penny begins to wonder about the death that occurred in the home a decade earlier.

“In My Hands” by Sarah Cortez (from Hit List: The Best of Latino Mystery )

Every entry is fantastic in this short mystery stories anthology, but I chose this one because the twist ending left a pit in my stomach. Elizabeth and her husband Winston have just divorced. One night, our narrator gets a call from Elizabeth. She says, “If I ever get killed, find a PI or go to the police, because Winston will have done it.” Shortly thereafter, Elizabeth goes missing, leaving behind a shattered wedding picture and a cold cup of coffee. Read it on your commute and prepare to think about it all day.

“Miss Marple Tells a Story” by Agatha Christie (from  The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories )

Famed fictional detective Miss Marple recounts a locked room case she once solved. In it, one of Miss Marple’s friends asks her to save him from being charged for his wife’s murder. She requests all of the details of the ghastly crime before solving it on the spot, without ever leaving her chair. This satisfying story is short enough to read over your lunch break.

“Since You Went Away” by Frankie Y. Bailey (from  Shades of Black: Crime and Mystery Stories by African Americans )

This one is from another great anthology of short mystery stories. At the beginning, a young woman decides to tell her date a chilling true story. The tale is about her grandfather, who worked on a passenger train during a time when there was a ghastly murder on board. Reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express , this whodunit is full of zany characters who will keep you guessing until the very end.

Ghost Girl in the Corner by Daniel José Older

This is a novella, but at only 107 pages you could definitely read it in a sitting. Its plot is connected to Older’s Shadowshaper , but you could read it as a standalone since it features two secondary characters from the novel. In it, Tee and her girlfriend Izzy have to evaluate their relationship while also confronting a ghost and looking for a missing girl. Older’s mystery also deals with how missing brown and black girls get less media attention than white ones. The kicker? You can get it for under a dollar!

“The Adventure of the Sealed Room” by Andy Weir

You can read this and other short mystery stories by the author of The Martian  for free! Part of Weir’s Holmesian fan fiction, it centers on Professor James Moriarty, who solves crimes as a criminal consultant. In this particular story, Moriarty himself has been charged with murder and his sidekick, Captain Moran, is called to bail him out of jail and exonerate him. Weir no longer writes these stories, but they are quick and fun reads if you like Sherlock Holmes variations.

“ Killer Fudge ” by Mary Kay Andrews writing as Kathy Hogan Trocheck

If you’re a reader of cozy mysteries, this short story is for you. Callahan Garrity is a former cop who has started a cleaning business in Atlanta. In the series of novels about this detective, she usually solves crimes committed at or around the houses she and her crew have been hired to clean. In this short story, one of Callahan’s “House Mouse” cleaning staff members asks her to help her grandson, Darius, who’s been charged with murdering an antiques dealer. (And if you like this fudge story, there’s another one called Fatal Fruitcake you can read next.)

Like mysteries? Get more recommendations below.

10 Short Mystery Audiobooks

8 Murder Mystery Books That Will Keep You Up All Night

YA True Crime Fiction for Fans of My Favorite Murder

2018 Mystery & Thrillers To Be Excited For

25 of the Absolute Best Cozy Mystery Series

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100+ Mystery Story Ideas – A Guide to Spark Your Imagination

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on Published: September 20, 2022  - Last updated: December 28, 2023

Categories Writing , Inspiration , Storytelling

Are you a lover of a gripping mystery? Well, you’re in for a treat!

As an investigative documentary film director, I’ve always been fascinated by the art of mystery storytelling.

In this article, I’ll give you a treasure trove of 100 mystery story ideas, sorted by genre, to ignite your imagination and get your creative juices flowing.

Whether you’re an experienced author or just beginning your writing journey, these imaginative prompts will inspire you.

As you explore these enticing story ideas, you will find intriguing plotlines and unique elements that make your mystery stand out from the rest.

From cozy mysteries and crime fiction to false clues and fascinating characters – we’ve got you covered!

Key Takeaways

• Discover 100 mystery story ideas sorted by genre, perfect for igniting your imagination
• Uncover unique plot elements and tips to create a captivating narrative
• Enhance your writing with intriguing characters, false clues, and unexpected twists

10 Mystery Story Ideas

• Lost Girl: Imagine a young girl vanishing from her small town, leaving everyone puzzled about her whereabouts and the events leading to her disappearance.
• Unsolved Murder: Picture a murder case with many baffling aspects, lacking a definite suspect or reason behind the crime.
• Forest Secrets: Envision a shadowy forest concealing innumerable mysteries and hidden forces.
• Haunted Mansion: Delve into a spooky mansion with dark, dust-covered halls and empty rooms echoing with peculiar sounds throughout the night.
• Murder Series: Think about a series of horrifying murders with no apparent links or discernable patterns, leaving law enforcement utterly perplexed.
• Cryptic Riddle: Explore a mysterious riddle guiding you along a winding path full of unexpected twists, resulting in disorientation and bewilderment.
• Ancient Secrets: Contemplate an ancient book containing cryptic symbols and mysterious text that appears to unlock forbidden or hazardous knowledge.
• Town Mystery: Visualize a quaint, eerie town where inhabitants seem to protect a deep, dark secret.
• Cult Mystery: Consider a person disappearing after attending an enigmatic cult gathering, never to be seen again.
• Family Secret: Ponder the sudden reappearance of a long-lost family member believed dead, not explaining their absence or return.

10 Murder Mystery Plot Ideas

• Werewolf Suspect: In a small town, the sheriff looks into the homicide of a local woman and starts suspecting that the murderer could be a werewolf.
• Vanishing Killer: A detective is on the trail of a serial killer who appears to vanish without a trace after each crime.
• Conspiracy Discovery: While trying to figure out the cause of their friend’s death, a group of friends stumbles upon a conspiracy, making them believe the government is involved in the murder.
• Crime of Passion: After discovering her husband’s infidelity, a woman kills him in rage, leading the detective on the case to start suspecting her involvement in the crime.
• Robbery Gone Wrong: A man’s death seems to be the result of a botched robbery, but the investigation goes awry when it turns out someone close to him might have been involved.
• Rose and Glasses: A murder victim is found in an alley with just a pair of broken glasses and a single red rose as the only clues to solve the case.
• Forest Symbols: The naked body of a woman discovered in the middle of the woods appears to be covered with bizarre symbols.
• Undercover at School: A detective goes undercover at an elite prep school to solve a student’s murder and begins to suspect that the killer may be one of the student’s classmates.
• Mysterious Cruise Death: After a wealthy businessman’s death at sea on a cruise ship is declared a suicide, his wife begins to question if there was foul play involved.
• Computer Clue: The mysterious death of a man leaves behind only a puzzling note on his computer as the sole clue to solving the murder mystery.

In each of these scenarios, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with elements of murder, whodunits, and murder investigations, all while keeping readers guessing until the very end. So, sharpen your detective skills and get ready to solve these captivating murder mysteries.

10 Cozy Enigma Ideas

Here are some cozy mystery ideas you can explore:

• Detective Retreat: Imagine a group of amateur detectives visiting a small-town bed and breakfast, only to find themselves entangled in an intriguing mystery.
• Bookstore Sleuths: Picture a cozy mystery series starring two sisters running a charming little bookstore while solving perplexing crimes together.
• Countryside Mystery: Imagine a retired detective moving to the countryside for a peaceful life but unexpectedly becoming involved in an exhilarating mystery when her neighbor is discovered dead on her front lawn.
• Book Club Conundrums: Contemplate a lively neighborhood book club that delves into thrilling mysteries and scandals while attempting to untangle each one.
• Sherlock the Cat: Think of a crime-solving cat named Sherlock, strolling through his snug neighborhood and assisting his human friends with investigating mysterious occurrences and disappearances.
• Sleuth’s Journal: Visualize an amateur detective with an insatiable curiosity, writing a personal journal that documents every case she cracks, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant.
• B&B Mysteries: Consider an aspiring detective who transforms her home into a bed and breakfast in the hope her sleuthing abilities will come in handy if any of her guests encounter trouble during their stay.
• Baking Detective: Ponder is a sleuth who loves baking and works as a private investigator, unfolding various exciting cases and striving to solve them all.
• Moonlit Mysteries: Imagine an amateur investigator haunted by images of a mysterious woman wearing a long white dress whenever she walks out under the moonlight.
• Divorce Dilemma: Picture a series of murders connected to a man’s acrimonious divorce, where both parties receive a fortune in truffles and a sinister warning, demanding they sign the divorce papers within a month.

These ideas feature elements such as small towns, cozy mysteries, and elderly women to enjoy as you create captivating stories.

10 Crime Fiction Ideas

• Heist Betrayal: Imagine a group of criminals joining forces to execute a daring heist, only to discover one is a traitor. The tension mounts as they scramble to figure out who’s betraying them.
• Detective’s Dilemma: Envision a seasoned detective hunting down a relentless killer. As the investigator gets closer to cracking the case, they are shocked to realize they might know the culprit better than anyone else.
• Amnesiac’s Mystery: Picture a woman waking up in a hospital with no recollection of her identity or how she arrived there. She soon learns she’s been accused of a crime she can’t recall committing, making her quest for the truth even more harrowing.
• Friend’s Quest: Consider a young woman brutally murdered, leaving her best friend determined to find the killer. As she delves into the investigation, she stumbles upon a tangled web of secrets and surprises.
• Wrongful Conviction: Put yourself in the shoes of a man wrongly convicted of a crime. Desperate to clear his name and uncover the perpetrator, every minute counts as he strives for exoneration.
• PI’s Predicament: Follow a private investigator as they take on what appears to be a simple case at first. But everything changes when they realize they’re on the trail of a ruthless psychopath who won’t go down without a fight.
• Writer Detective: Explore the world of a crime writer who doubles as a detective. They embark on a chilling cold case revolving around the murder of a woman with an enigmatic connection to their family.
• Officer’s Investigation: In the shoes of a police officer moonlighting as a private investigator, uncovering chilling evidence that deeply implicates a serial killer in a string of gruesome murders. The proof is so damning that it leaves everyone involved reeling.
• Underworld Debt: Picture a man trying to make quick cash to pay off his debts, only to find himself entangled in the dangerous underworld of organized crime. He quickly realizes that extricating himself from this web of deceit will be no easy task.
• Mobster’s Trap: Imagine a woman unwittingly immersed in a world of crime and corruption when she attempts to help a friend repay a debt owed to a ruthless mobster. The stakes couldn’t be higher as she navigates this treacherous terrain.

10 Murder Victim Mystery Writing Prompts

• The Stolen Dreams: A young woman’s life is tragically cut short before realizing her dreams and ambitions.
• The Silenced Musician: A talented young musician’s life is senselessly ended without any clear motive.
• The Deceptive Accident: An elderly woman’s death is ruled an accident, but suspicious circumstances suggest foul play.
• The Night Out Nightmare: A college student meets a gruesome end during a night out with friends, shocking everyone.
• The Businesswoman’s Unsolved Murder: A prosperous businesswoman’s baffling murder leaves her community in disbelief and confusion.
• The Innocent Victim: A tragic murder of an innocent bystander caught in a gang shootout, leaving a painful void in their family and community.
• The Philanthropist’s Dark Ties: A wealthy philanthropist’s death reveals deep connections to dangerous criminal organizations, shocking those around him.
• The Truth Seeker’s Demise: An investigative journalist’s dedication to uncovering the truth ultimately leads to their untimely death.
• The Tragic Addict: A young man’s life is abruptly ended due to his addiction, leaving behind a legacy of unfulfilled potential.
• The Lost Artist: A young woman with exceptional artistic talent and the power to inspire others is senselessly robbed of her future.

10 Murder Weapon Ideas

• Calculated Poisoning: Imagine a meticulously calculated poisoning where the ideal dosage is used to guarantee a swift, painless end.
• Sniper’s Choice: Envision a sniper rifle or another long-range firearm employed to eliminate a target from a safe distance, avoiding detection.
• Deadly Meal: Picture a razor-sharp blade secretly placed in someone’s meal or drink, causing a quick and excruciating end.
• Bomb Trap: Think of a bomb concealed in a person’s dwelling or office, resulting in instant death from the blast or a slow demise due to unattended injuries.
• Poison Dart: Consider an untraceable poison dart aimed with lethal precision and effectiveness at its target.
• Assassin’s Knife: Visualize a keen-edged knife in the hands of an expert assassin, capable of inflicting deadly wounds effortlessly and accurately.
• Savage Beating: A savage beating brings about various severe injuries to the victim, who eventually dies in agonizing pain on the cold ground.
• Hidden Gun: A firearm concealed within a folded newspaper or newsstand, ready to be used at any moment to abruptly terminate someone’s life.
• Remote Explosion: A remote-controlled explosive device set off by someone knowing their target would be nearby, granting the victim little opportunity to flee.
• Rampaging Fire: Picture a rampaging fire that burns uncontrollably, with an insatiable hunger to engulf everything in its path.

10 Investigative Agencies

• Shadow Police: You come across a shadowy organization functioning as a high-level police unit, focused on dismantling criminal networks.
• Secret Intelligence Agency: A secret agency gathers intel on various foreign governments and extremist factions, acting as a key crime-fighting asset for the government.
• Elite Agents Group: Discover a hidden group of elite agents highly skilled and trained to handle the most demanding cases.
• Private Detective Agency: A private detective agency partners with local law enforcers, offering valuable insights and support for complex cases.
• Missing Persons Organization: A private organization excels in locating missing individuals, acting as detectives for those who vanished without experiencing violence.
• Abduction Specialists: A detective agency specializes in finding abducted or forcibly detained missing people.
• Paranormal Detectives: A covert team of detectives and investigators focus on solving paranormal or supernatural cases that can’t be addressed through regular methods.
• Quirky Investigators: Meet a quirky and charismatic team of private investigators skilled in unraveling peculiar or challenging cases with grace and expertise.
• Innovative Crime Solvers: A group of proficient detectives armed with cutting-edge tools, much of which they invented, solves the most difficult crimes.
• Dark Secrets Uncovered: A team of seasoned detectives shares collective experience in uncovering the world’s darkest secrets and bringing them to light. Remember to keep a friendly tone and maintain a second-person point of view while discussing these investigative agencies in your article.

10 False Clue Ideas

• The serial killer’s deceptive trail : Imagine a serial killer leaving false leads to mislead investigators and keep them busy searching for non-existent clues.
• Accomplice-planted misinformation : Consider an accomplice or associate of the culprit providing investigators with false information to protect the true offender.
• Personal vendetta setup : Picture someone with a grudge against the victim planting fake evidence to frame them for a crime they didn’t commit.
• Deliberately withheld key details : Visualize crucial facts intentionally kept from investigators, possibly by the killer themselves or by someone shielding a loved one from punishment.
• Shifty informant misguidance : Envision an informant or criminal enthusiast willingly feeding false information to bring the case closer to resolution.
• The killer’s fabricated alibi : Ponder a killer weaving an intricate web of lies to appear innocent and drive suspicion away from themselves.
• Contradictory witness accounts : Think about witnesses providing conflicting accounts of the crime, whether due to faulty memories or intentional deception.
• An uncontainable rumor : Contemplate a rumor that spread rapidly after the crime, causing confusion among witnesses and investigators about the true events and perpetrator.
• The wildfire false lead : Reflect on a phony clue that gained traction and was taken as fact, further clouding the case and helping the actual culprit escape.
• The victim’s puzzling narrative : Imagine a story crafted by the victim before their demise to confuse investigators and guarantee the actual offender gets away.

Keep these false clue ideas in mind as you craft your mystery masterpiece, carefully weaving in elements of misdirection and intrigue to keep your readers enthralled until the very end.

10 Ideas for False Witnesses

• Bribed Witness: Imagine a witness who is bribed by the criminal to point the finger at someone else, effectively steering the investigation in the wrong direction.
• False Testimony for Escape: Consider a witness hoping to disentangle themselves from a crime by testifying falsely, thinking it will help them avoid being implicated.
• Perpetrator as Witness: Envision a witness who is the perpetrator, providing a dishonest testimony in hopes of receiving a lighter sentence.
• Protective Witness: What about a witness shielding the actual offender they care about and providing a misleading testimony?
• Evading Responsibility: Picture a witness trying to evade responsibility for their role in a crime by framing someone else entirely.
• False Claims for Leniency: A scenario exists where a witness makes false claims to dodge charges and achieve a more lenient punishment.
• Inconsistent Testimony: You may encounter a witness whose testimony is confusing, leaving the investigators puzzled about the truth and reliability of their recollections.
• Self-Protection: Consider a witness attempting to protect themselves from blame by avoiding another person’s accusations or appeasing their guilt-ridden conscience.
• Compulsive Liar Witness: Beware of a compulsive liar witness willingly fabricating stories to throw the detectives off the trail of the actual wrongdoer.
• Traumatized Witness: Sympathize with a witness who is so gravely hurt that their account of events is likely to be inaccurate due to their impaired mental state.

10 Crime Scene Ideas

• The Devious Setup: Picture a murder scene where the culprit cleverly staged everything to mislead investigators and throw them off track.
• Tampered Evidence: Imagine a dead body that has been manipulated to destroy evidence or plant false clues, making the case even more baffling.
• Gruesome Encounter: Visualize a crime scene so horrifying and shocking that it leaves you and other investigators feeling deeply disturbed.
• Calm Amidst Chaos: Consider a crime scene that appears eerily tranquil and peaceful, in stark contrast to the savage nature of the crime that occurred there.
• Clean Sweep: Envision a crime scene meticulously wiped clean of any DNA evidence, leaving investigators struggling to solve the case.
• Isolated Incident: Ponder a crime scene situated in a remote, secluded location, making it difficult for you to access and conduct a thorough investigation.
• Crowded Environment: Consider a crime scene in a bustling area, where constant interruptions make gathering evidence and speaking to witnesses challenging.
• Hidden in Plain Sight: Imagine a crime scene in an ordinary location, with no apparent signs that something sinister has occurred there.
• Public Sphere Complications: Visualize a crime scene within a public building, surrounded by witnesses and people with conflicting interests, further complicating the investigation.
• Contaminated by Accident: Consider a crime scene inadvertently compromised by first responders, unwittingly tainting any potentially useful evidence.

What Makes a Good Mystery Story?

Engrossing plot development.

An intriguing mystery story thrives on suspenseful plotting. You want your story to grasp the reader’s attention from the get-go and hold it until the very end. Incorporate unexpected twists and turns, keeping your readers guessing and deeply engaged with the story. Crafting a mysterious and puzzling plot will leave your audience hungry for more.

Multifaceted Characters

To create a captivating mystery, you’ll need complex characters. Not just your protagonist, but also the supporting characters should be well-developed and believable. The most compelling mystery stories are those that make readers genuinely care about the characters and their predicament. Make sure your audience feels invested in the characters’ journey and eager for them to uncover the secrets and motives behind the mystery.

Gratifying Conclusion

Lastly, a rewarding resolution is essential for a great mystery story. Ensure that your story is well-crafted, tying up all loose ends in a neat and satisfying manner. The conclusion should make sense while avoiding any sense of disappointment or deception for your readers. Remember, the power of your mystery lies in your plot twists, suspense, and the unwrapping of hidden secrets, all culminating in a satisfying ending.

What Are Some Good Mystery Genre Topics to Write About?

Here are some captivating mystery genre ideas to inspire your creativity in crafting short stories or thrilling novels:

• Delve into an unresolved cold case that has captured public attention for years, leaving readers wondering about the truth.
• Explore supernatural occurrences in a haunted house where no one can stay for more than a year.
• Uncover a dark secret simmering beneath the surface of a seemingly idyllic small town.
• Chronicles the search for a missing person with an unexpected outcome, either found dead or alive.
• Investigate an identity theft ring specifically targeting people within a certain profession.
• Connect the dots between a series of murders and determine whether they point to a single suspect or multiple perpetrators.
• Follow the elusive con artist who always manages to outsmart the police.
• Delve into the unexpected consequences of a botched hostage situation and who is responsible for it.
• Question the honesty of a witness who has come forward with vital information about a crime.
• Reveal the family drama stemming from buried secrets and lies, and the upheaval caused when the truth finally surfaces.

Remember to keep your writing engaging and friendly as you invite your readers to become part of these mystery genre stories. Good luck in your creative journey!

How to Craft a Cozy Mystery

Step 1: develop an intriguing set of characters.

To create a captivating cozy mystery, start by designing a group of characters readers can relate to and invest in. Your main character should be someone they can empathize with and support, while your villain should evoke dislike. Reflect on your favorite books and movies to identify the emotions you want to invoke in your readers.

Don’t forget to fill your story with an interesting array of supporting characters. They can offer humor, assistance, or play a role in the crime itself. Make sure each character is well-developed and captivating.

Step 2: Concoct an Ingenious Offense

Next, focus on the crime your main character needs to unravel. Consider creating a puzzling situation that is not immediately evident to keep things challenging. Rather than murder, opt for crimes like theft, embezzlement, or fraud. You can also personalize the crime for your main character, such as having their pet kidnapped or their home burglarized.

With the crime in mind, delve into the details. Who is the perpetrator? How did they commit the offense? And most importantly, for what reason? Addressing these questions will help shape your story with added intrigue for the readers. For instance, if the victim was at odds with your protagonist, it could provide an extra incentive for solving the mystery.

Step 3: Incorporate Deceptive Red Herrings

An essential component of any enthralling mystery is the use of red herrings—clues or information that mislead and distract both the investigator and the reader. Skillfully weaving red herrings into your narrative can add challenges for your main character and readers as they attempt to solve the case. However, be cautious not to overuse them, as excessive misinformation may result in confusion and frustration.

What Contributes to an Effective Clue in a Mystery?

The Importance of Clue Placement

An essential factor in developing an engaging mystery is the strategic placement of clues throughout the story. Providing key information too soon may leave your readers feeling confused, while delaying its reveal until the very end might result in frustration. To strike the perfect balance, aim to introduce crucial clues around two-thirds into the narrative. This strategy allows readers ample time to process previous events and gradually piece together the puzzle.

Subtlety: A Crucial Element

When crafting clues, it’s essential to be subtle and avoid any heavy-handedness. Overemphasizing vital information may cause readers to overlook or grow annoyed by its obviousness. Instead, sprinkle hints carefully and allow readers to make connections on their own. Trust us; they’ll appreciate the challenge and feel a sense of accomplishment when everything falls into place.

Focusing on Crucial Details

In a mystery, less is often more, especially when it comes to presenting clues. Including an excessive amount of evidence can overwhelm your readers and detract from the central storyline. Concentrate on one or two essential details that drive the narrative forward, and remember that additional information can be unveiled later if needed.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to craft engaging stories filled with satisfying clues and intriguing mysteries that keep your readers captivated until the final reveal. Make sure your clues are well-placed, subtle, and to-the-point to provide your audience with the gripping experience that they desire.

How to Create a Mysterious Character

Crafting a hidden past.

To establish an enigmatic character, it’s crucial to devise their hidden past. Consider the secrets they conceal, the hardships they’ve encountered, and the reasons behind their guarded nature. Developing answers to these questions will help you create a well-rounded character that intrigues your readers. As you work on their past, maintain a delicate balance—don’t disclose too much too early, but avoid making your character seem hollow. You may want to jot down potential secrets and gradually incorporate them throughout your story.

Describing Their Look

Another essential element for constructing a mysterious character lies in their physical appearance. Reflect on their appearance: do they don all black clothes and a lengthy trench coat, or do they have a more understated style? Similarly to their past, avoid revealing too much about their appearance too soon—only include essential details and leave the rest to the reader’s imagination.

Finding a Voice for Your Character

Discovering the appropriate voice for your mystery character can be challenging, as they should be hesitant to share information about themselves while avoiding being dull or flat. A helpful strategy is employing short, concise sentences for your character’s dialogue. This approach adds a sense of mystery and allows them to express themselves and engage with other characters throughout the story.

Deciding the Number of Suspects in a Mystery Novel

Choose suspects based on book length.

When determining the number of suspects in your mystery novel, consider the length of your book. A shorter book should have fewer suspects, as there’s limited space to develop multiple characters. On the other hand, a longer book can support more suspects, allowing you to explore their motivations and backstories in greater detail.

Keep Your Readers’ Abilities in Mind

It’s essential to think about your readers’ ability to track multiple characters. If your novel targets a younger audience, they might find it challenging to follow along if there are too many suspects. In this case, focus on one or two primary suspects. However, if your mystery novel appeals to adult readers, you can introduce more complexity by adding additional suspects.

What Do You Want the Story’s Resolution to Be?

Lastly, consider the type of solution you’d like for your mystery. If you want the readers to have a fair chance at guessing the solution, it’s better to limit the number of suspects. However, if you’d like to surprise your audience with an unexpected twist, more suspects can help you achieve that surprise element.

Mystery Writers to Study

As a budding mystery writer, immerse yourself in the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of the legendary Sherlock Holmes. Additionally, explore Chris Van Allsburg’s intriguing collection, The Mysteries of Harris Burdick. Happy reading!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are engaging mystery story themes.

You might be wondering what themes can make your mystery story more captivating. Some themes to consider include haunted places, secret societies, or even cursed objects. Drawing inspiration from a variety of sources can help create a fresh and engaging story.

How to Craft a Unique Mystery Plot?

To create a unique mystery plot, focus on developing interesting characters, unexpected twists, and a strong setting. You could also try experimenting with different narrative structures or incorporating subplots to keep readers on their toes.

What Are the Main Elements for a Mystery Romance Story?

When writing a mystery romance story , it’s important to mix elements of both genres effectively. This means crafting a suspenseful mystery while also developing a compelling romantic storyline. Add layers of intrigue, emotional connection, and conflict to create a gripping tale.

How Can I Create Intrigue for Young Readers?

To make a mystery story appealing to young readers, consider featuring relatable characters and age-appropriate themes. Keep the plot moving at a steady pace and be mindful of your target audience’s attention span. Remember to maintain a sense of fun and adventure throughout.

What Makes Exciting Mystery Suspense Ideas?

Great mystery suspense ideas can be found by combining elements of danger, tension, and unpredictability. To create an atmosphere of suspense, consider placing characters in high-stakes situations or introducing a ticking time bomb (literal or metaphorical) to keep readers engaged.

How Should I Add a Surprising Twist to a Thriller?

To add a surprising twist to your thriller story , you could include well-hidden clues, unexpected character motivations, or a shocking revelation that sheds a new light on the central mystery. The key is to keep readers guessing while staying true to the overall story and logic.

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Posts Tagged ‘Mystery’

Time travel, by thegooddoctor in 100 words.

For nearly three weeks, I found myself in a state of utter confusion. Despite using my usual login details, I was unable to access any of my accounts. It was as though I wasn’t myself, like something else had taken over my body. I entertained the possibility of theft or insanity, but my motherboard’s lack of responsiveness left me with more questions than answers. It reluctantly crossed my mind that I had been transported elsewhere. However, how and why I would end up there was still a mystery. These unexplainable experiences have left me feeling perplexed and uncertain. Time travel.

From Guest Contributor Clinton Siegle

Keep Movin’

—Get in the car, doll.

—Where we goin’, Roy?

—To get us some money.

—Gonna buy me something pretty?

—The world, babe.

—Slow down. You almost—

—Look in your purse.

—Know how to use it?

—Point and pull?

—That’s all.

—Who’m I gonna point it at?

—You’ll see.

—Why the mystery?

—There’s Buster, on that park bench.

—You gonna stop?

—He ain’t movin’.

—Looks like a bullet hole in his head.

—Change of plan, doll.

—Who killed him, Roy?

—Wasn’t me.

—Didn’t Buster teach you all you know?

—Main thing he said was, keep movin’.

—Slow down, Roy. From Guest Contributor Joe Surkiewicz

Joe writes from northern Vermont.

The Homes Of Birds (Nature Contest Winner)

I’m very excited to present the winner of our Nature Flash Fiction Contest, from regular contributor Brook Bhagat. Someone might look at the strange format and say it’s more of a poem than a short story, but my favorite poems are the ones that tell a story as well. Plus I liked it so this is the one I’m choosing. Congratulations Brook! And thanks to everyone who participated. A lot of great stories.

I understand the funeral I have the address the dress the time

it begins with smiling cameras and ends with paper tablecloths, cold cuts and deviled eggs downstairs

even worse is the sunshine, all those empty minutes left

I would have lost it

For the hike, still in our black together, you and Ben, the boy, me and my sister arm in arm down the easy path at Garden of the Gods,

lighter than before, noticing the homes of birds in the rocks and remembering we are just a moment, fragments of a mystery that flies and sings.

From Guest Contributor Brook Bhagat

Brook’s poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and humor have appeared in Monkeybicycle, Empty Mirror Magazine, Harbinger Asylum, Little India, Rat’s Ass Review, Lotus-Eater Magazine, Anthem: A Tribute to Leonard Cohen, and other journals and anthologies. She and her husband Gaurav created Blue Planet Journal, which she edits and writes for. She holds an MFA from Lindenwood University, teaches creative writing at a community college, and is writing a novel. Her poetry collection, Only Flying, is due out Nov. 16, 2021 from Unsolicited Press. See more at brook-bhagat.com or reach her on Twitter at @BrookBhagat.

Stay tuned for an announcement soon about our next contest!

Mystery Hour

A 9-year-old girl trick-or-treating in a black-and-white Halloween costume got mistaken somehow for a skunk. The lead detective on the case is borderline Asperger’s. Covering an entire wall of her grubby office is one of those conspiracy theory maps, with all the pins connected by strings. “I’ll break anything in order to figure out how it works,” she’s famous around headquarters for saying. Her brisk confidence irks male colleagues. “Go away,” one shouts, “and take your shitty forest!” She can’t hear him. She’s out in a far corner of the city collecting evidence of the refulgence of pearls of blood.

From Guest Contributor Howie Good

Howie is the author most recently of Spooky Action at a Distance from Analog Submission Press. He co-edits the journals Unbroken and UnLost.

Lure Of The Surf

Chatter heightened in a resort restaurant.

“She’s a striking beauty,” someone blurted. “Out surfing every day,” another added. “Can’t miss.”

Ken placed lunch servings before the patrons, imagining running into someone like that.

When work ended, he headed for the beach. Between relationships, feeling low, he sought peace by the sea. Surfers dotted distant sparkling waters. Their faces couldn’t be distinguished.

Next day, Ken served the same group of diners who had talked so passionately about the mystery woman.

“She’s walking ashore holding a surfboard,” someone shouted.

Everyone, including Ken, turned to look out the window.

It was his sister.

From Guest Contributor Krystyna Fedosejevs

Krystyna writes poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction.

A Genetic Predisposition To Solving Mysteries

I found the broken glass of the window scattered over the shag carpet. Across the room, beneath the armchair, there was a dead sparrow. We had ourselves a mystery.

Ryan’s first conjecture, not unwarranted, was that the bird struggled before it died, coming to its final resting place several feet from the window. But he ignored the bullet hole in the far wall.

Ryan was always attracted to the easiest solution. And after discovering that our parents had once been international assassins and were now in quiet retirement, I wished that I had listened to him and ignored my curiosity.

A Mystery Unraveled

Gordon Seckenheim dedicated his post-doctoral research to insect behavior. Specifically, he wanted to learn why moths are attracted to a flame.

His work determined that the moths killed in this way are suicidal. As corroborating evidence, he cited the global human suicide rate of .0074 percent. When you figure there are an estimated 200 trillion moths and butterflies, it makes sense that millions would kill themselves every night. It’s simple mathematics.

It was accounted a strange coincidence when Dr. Seckenheim himself committed suicide after his marriage ended.

Or it may have been that his emotional state somehow clouded his analysis.

No Explanation Necessary For Looking Good

Detective Stephens surveyed the scene, trying to make sense of it. He could be certain of only one thing. The man was dead.

Stephens could find no explanation for the manner of death. The victim was fully dressed in a suit and tie, but had died from several bullet wounds to his heart. His clothes did not have any holes or blood on them. No one reported hearing any gunshots. A note read that despite his death, he refused to leave the neighborhood.

The mystery was never explained, but the man’s ghost never did leave. At least it was well-dressed.

Echoless Well

The town of Bottomless Well was famous for one reason only.

No one could ever remember any water being drawn from the well. Yet, thanks to its purported wish granting properties, people still visited from miles around.

The well was meant to be a mystery, like God or a woman’s heart; it was better not knowing where the bottom lay.

When scientists discovered that the floor reached exactly 36 feet and 7 inches underground, and that the peculiar convex shape and absorptive qualities of the rock prevented any sound from escaping, the villagers pragmatically changed the name. Life carried on as before.

Scooby Doo, Where Art Thou!

Fred: Forsooth, the mystery’s unveiled and the truth may be inveighed that which proclaims your guilt is the spot of blood on your hilt

Old Man: The fault, dear kids, lies not with my stars nor with any lack of resolve in my felonious arts, but in your mysterious machine you came peddling and in solving this crime have proven sorely meddling

Exuent Old Man

Shaggy: The mystery’s resolved and all danger dissolved after so much hue and cry it’s time the Great Dane and I despite being two such mindless ‘tards at last receive our just and due rewards.

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Home / Essay Samples / Life / Mystery

Mystery Essay Examples

Bermuda triangle: the mysterious world.

Have you ever had visions or heard strange and otherworldly moments. We live in a world that’s full of mysteries. Throughout the time of man there have been many strange and mystifying happenings. For example, the Bermuda triangle is a much unknown area and is...

Analysis of the Literary Genre of Mystery Fiction

“Crime fiction satisfies in us a secret yearning for justice, the unappeasable appetite for a fair world, which begins in childhood and never leaves us. It satisfies our need for conclusions, both moral and narrative” (Nick Eliot). A mystery story is a genre of fiction,...

The Mystery Around Lady Alroy in the Sphinx Without a Secret

A Sphinx is known to be secretive and have mystery surrounding it, many questions and wonderings revolve around it such as why and how it came to be. In this story, two old friends reconnect and Lord Murchison explains how he is trying to figure...

Review of All Good Things: a Jack Hart Mystery by Rosemary Reeve

All Good Things: A Jack Hart Mystery by Rosemary Reeve is a suspenseful, action-packed mystery. Jack Hart is an associate at a prestigious law firm in Seattle. He has a warm friendship with (and secret crush on) his coworker, Harmony. When her dad (who is...

Eros, Mystery and Fantasy in Mircea Eliade’s Writings

My research topic focuses on predominant elements: Eros, mystery, and fantasy in “Șarpele” and “Domnișoara Christina”. These three elements are characteristic of Mircea Eliade and they can remark of Mihai Eminescu, in the writing “Cezara”, which is similar to “Șarpele”. Eros is a central theme...

History Mysteries - the Notorious Killer Jack the Ripper

There are some mysteries in history that will never be solved. Whether it is lack of information surrounding the mystery or sheer indifference toward discovering what really happened, some historical mysteries have not been solved till date and may never be solved in the future....

Literary Analysis of the X-files Episodes

The X-Files is always somewhat of a mystery for the viewer, always leaving behind some question to ponder as the credits roll. Whether its wondering how someone can survive being burned alive, raised from the dead, or survive a run in with a horde of...

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