Mystery Terminology

Front

Mystery

Back

a novel, short story, play (or movie) dealing with a puzzling crime or unknown situation

Front

Suspense

Back

a feeling of anxiety or excitement about what will happen next

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.4

CCSS.RL.4.4

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

Front

Motive

Back

the reasons why the culprit commits the crime

Front

Means

Back

a way to commit the crime

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.8

CCSS.RI.5.8

CCSS.RI.6.8

CCSS.RL.4.5

CCSS.RL.6.1

Front

Opportunity

Back

a chance to commit a crime

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.4

CCSS.RI.5.4

CCSS.RL.5.1

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

Front

Sleuth, detective, investigator

Back

the person trying to solve the mystery

Front

Victim

Back

the person harmed injured or killed as a result of a crime

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.4

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RL.4.4

CCSS.RL.5.1

CCSS.RL.5.4

Front

Witness

Back

the person who has information about the crime

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.10

CCSS.RL.4.6

CCSS.RL.5.10

CCSS.RL.5.6

CCSS.RL.6.10

Front

Suspect

Back

a person who might be guilty of the crime

Front

Culprit

Back

the person who committed the crime