The 10 Elements of the Mystery Genre

How should every mystery begin?

• With a narrator

• With a strong hook

• With a satisfying conclusion

• With a cat

Which of these settings would not be ideal for a mystery?

• An ominous old house

• Dark streets on a foggy night

• A sunny day at the beach

• A shadowy forest with a full moon

Answer explanation

Stories in this genre should create an ominous, uneasy mood through setting to support the anxiety of an unknown antagonist lurking in the shadows.

This event creates the central conflict...

• a red herring

• a villain

• a sleuth

• a crime

Answer explanation

A crime launches the investigation, sending the main character on their quest and sparking the narrative arc.

A ________ is at the heart of every mystery - they are determined to solve the crime!

• sleuth

• villain

• motive

• crime

The main character and the reader often find out the identity of the _________ as the story reaches its climax.

• sleuth

• villain

• protagonist

• motive

A mystery plot is in constant motion, this is called the...

• crime

• motive

• narrative momentum

• climax

Answer explanation

It's a game of cat-and-mouse as the pacing quickens as the story moves towards the climax.

This element helps to engage the reader in the story on a deeper level...

• the hook

• the villain

• the sleuth

• a trail of clues

Hints of what may happen in the future...

• foreshadowing

• hook

• trail of clues

• narrative momentum

These false clues bring tension to the story

• narrative momentum

• trail of clues

• red herring

• crime

This element ties up the loose ends...

• trail of clues

• satisfying conclusion

• sleuth

• strong hook