Elements of a Mystery Vocab

Someone who saw the crime happen or knows something about it and can provide information.

• alibi

• mystery

• witness

• victim

Someone who is harmed or suffers because of the crime/mystery.

• suspect

• evidence

• red herring

• victim

A false lead or suspect that is meant to throw the investigator off track

(BAD INFO)

• alibi

• suspects

• detective/sleuth

• Red Herring

Something that proves WHO was involved in the crime.

• sleuth

• mystery

• clues

• evidence

A story, excuse, or person a suspect uses to prove they weren’t near the crime (The Cover Story)

• clues

• alibi

• mystery

• crime

A fact or object that helps solve the crime.

• crime

• mystery

• witness

• clues

A person who attempts to solve a mystery by gathering helpful clues and information.

• detective/sleuth

• witness

• suspect

• witness

A story of a genre that focuses on solving a crime or unusual event.

• crime

• alibi

• red herring

• mystery

An action committed that is against the law.

• alibi

• crime

• witness

• sleuth

Someone who saw the crime happen or knows something about it and can provide information.

• detective/sleuth

• witness

• suspect

• red herring