Mystery Genre

The person tasked with investigating and solving a crime in a mystery is called a _____.

• suspect

• villain

• motive

• detective

A person who saw a crime is called a _____.

• witness

• red herring

• suspect

• perp

A story or excuse that suspects use to try and prove they are innocent is called a(n) _____.

• motive

• evidence

• alibi

• M.O. (modus operandi)

True or False: Mystery fiction can also be called detective or crime novels.

• True

• False

True or False: Mystery fiction cannot include elements of other genres, such as ghosts (fantasy) or time travel (science fiction).

• True

• False

A witness statement, object, and/or footprint that is used as proof of a suspect's guilt is called _____.

• crime

• motive

• clue

• evidence

What is another name for a detective?

• witness

• sleuth

• victim

• red herring

The _____ is the inner drive or reason a person has to commit a crime.

• motive

• suspect

• deduction

• alibi

In order for someone to commit a crime, they must have the _____, which is defined as the ability to commit the crime.

• motive

• evidence

• means

• witness

Which of the following can be the conflict in a mystery story?

• a crime

• a secret

• a puzzle

• all of the options listed