 Mystery: July 16, 2008 Issue [#2501] |
  Mystery
This week: Edited by: SHERRI GIBSON  
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What is a mystery? It is like a puzzle. A reader has to discover the secret or riddle in order to solve it and find out who the criminal or enemy is. Clues are imperative, but should be puzzling. Make a reader have to think by using a strong plot that paints a picture in the reader's mind, yet leaves them guessing.  |
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 What is your idea of a good mystery? Is it a cozy mystery with less action, a hardboiled detective mystery, an amateur detective mystery, or one not mentioned here?
Let's talk about hardboiled stories. A hardboiled mystery is different from a cozy mystery because it consists of a lot of nonstop thrilling action. In a hardboiled mystery, a scene should take place in a setting where the victim would have to go alone, and is described as tough. Unlike a cozy mystery, this type of story is much more difficult to write being as it centers mainly on one crucial character, which means the clues to solving it is harder. When writing a hardboiled mystery, a writer must make all of the characters possible suspects to keep the reader guessing. A good example of this is writing about a mysterious serial killer or an assassin.
The setting should be as well defined as the characters in the story, especially if the place is where clues to the mystery are going to be found. Remember, a good mystery is challenging. Then there's realism. If you are writing a hardboiled mystery, try to keep the characters and setting as realistic as possible, and the reader in suspense until the very end. Giving a few clues to go on is imperative when writing a good hardboiled mystery. Just do not give too much away too soon. 
**If you have a good mystery you would like read, post it here or email me. I just love a good mystery!  ** |
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That was a very informative newsletter, thank you! Now I realize that there are really a lot of stories out there that could pass as a mystery story. I used to think it's just the "Whodoneit" part that is important to answer in a mystery. Thanks again and more power! Maimai J Saves for Upgrade 
Glad you liked it.
Sherri,
Mixing Mystery with other genres is a stable for Dean Koontz. He does it flawlessly, mixing mystery with aliens, demons, ghosts...you name it. billwilcox
I couldn't agree more, Bill. Koontz is an excellent writer.
Thanks on the newsletter on the importance of the setting. I just finished reading "Death in Holy Orders" by P.D. James, and one thing that fascinated me was the setting (a small Anglican school on the east coast of England). I don't know why, but I love stories where the setting is somewhat confined to a small area. That's probably why so many of my stories take place in small towns. It's just amazing how much drama you can get in smaller places! faithjourney
Setting is as important as the characters in my opinion. It can make or break a good mystery.
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