Just Follow the Clues ! How Will You Find Your Way ?

The History of Mystery Modern crime dramas owe a lot to Edgar Allan Poe- known as “ the father of the mystery story ”.Edgar Allan Poe Poe introduced mystery fiction's first fictional detective, Auguste C. Dupin, in his 1841 story, "The Murders in the Rue Morgue." "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" is the most famous example of a mystery style known as the locked room, in which "a murder victim is found inside an apparently sealed enclosure and the detective's challenge is to discover the murderer's modus operandi." “ M.O. ” – the method of operation Poe was one of the first to shift the focus of mystery stories from "a focus on the superficial trappings of eerie setting and shocking event to a study of the criminal's mind." (Crime Classics)

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's brilliant detective, Sherlock Holmes, arrived on the mystery scene in the late nineteenth century in "A Study in Scarlet" (1887).Sherlock Holmes Holmes had a style unlike any detective seen before. With his flair for deducing clues, Sherlock Holmes worked with his ever-reliable sidekick, Dr. Watson, to figure out the clues and solve the crime. The genius of Conan Doyle was reflected in his creation of a character whose intelligence was formidable, turning the solving of crimes into a science. Current manifestations: Sherlock – BBC Elementary -- CBS

The 1920s was known as the Golden Age of mystery fiction. A time of growing prosperity in both England and America, the popularity of mystery fiction was at an all-time high. Crime in these stories strictly adhered to a prescribed format with little or no variation. A writer emerged during this time whose name became synonymous with Golden Age fiction. Agatha Christie wrote more than 80 novels in 50-plus years, and is today probably the best-known female mystery writer in history.Agatha Christie “Murder on the Orient Express”

"Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? One of the most popular radio shows in history debuted in August 1930 when "The Shadow" went on the air. "Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!" The opening lines of the "Detective Story" program captivated listeners and are instantly recognizable even today. Originally the narrator of the series of macabre tales, the eerie voice known as The Shadow became so popular to listeners that "Detective Story" was soon renamed "The Shadow," and the narrator became the star of the old-time mystery radio series, which ran for 24 years, until A figure never seen, only heard, the Shadow was an invincible crime fighter. He possessed many gifts which enabled him to overcome any enemy. Besides his tremendous strength, he could defy gravity, speak any language, unravel any code, and become invisible with his famous ability to "cloud men's minds." The Shadow knows!"

Taking the out of great stories

Identifying Elements of Mystery Writing

Setting and Atmosphere Setting – the author designs a place and time that seems mysterious or scary the author designs a place and time that seems mysterious or scary The setting fits the mood and atmosphere of the story. the author uses words that make the setting the author uses words that make the setting seem scarier and more mysterious; the use of details and description to set a feeling/mood Atmosphere –

What is Suspense ? Suspense – Suspense – “ when you ’ re dying to know what will happen next even though you ’ re afraid to find out “ To build or develop suspense, the characters take (sometimes foolish) chances or risks that set up new obstacles or situations Often the author has the main character make a mistake that puts them in greater danger a mistake that puts them in greater danger or causes new problems to solve

What is a “sleuth” ? A sleuth is a detective, employed or engaged in catching a criminal or getting information that is not easily available to solve a mystery. “ Sidekick ” -a character that assists the detective in solving the case

What’s a Mystery without Clues ? When reading a mystery, make a list of clues you may use to solve the mystery. ONE needs to be a CRUCIAL clue – the one piece of information that helps the “sleuth” finally solve the mystery Consider “red herrings” – bits of information that are designed to mislead the readers by making them suspect the wrong characters.

*Remember- an obstacle can be increased or complicated by a decision a character makes under pressure/ in a panic Example- a “ bucket of water ” on the roof when there is a small fire.. The reader may know the bucket actually contains kerosene from the cleaning crew, but the character believes it is water and throws it on the fire to extinguish the flames, but it actually “ feeds the fire ” *this techniques helps increase the tension of the rising action* *this techniques helps increase the tension of the rising action*

Elements of Mystery and Suspense- Setting – the author designs a place and time that seems mysterious or scary Atmosphere – the use of details and description to set a feeling/mood Suspense – Suspense – “when you’re dying to know what will happen next even though you’re afraid to find out” leuth -- a detective, employed or engaged in catching a criminal or Sleuth -- a detective, employed or engaged in catching a criminal or getting information that is not easily available to solve a mystery. getting information that is not easily available to solve a mystery. Obstacles - problems for the character to solve; an obstacle can be increased or complicated by a decision a character makes under pressure or in a panic

CRUCIAL clue – the one piece of information that helps the “sleuth” finally solve the mystery “Red Herrings” – bits of information that are designed to mislead the readers by making them suspect the wrong characters. “Red Herrings” – bits of information that are designed to mislead the readers by making them suspect the wrong characters. “Sidekick”- a character that assists the detective in solving the case Locked Room – victim is found in a room with no apparent entrance/ exit of perpetrator Cherchez la femme – look for the woman; the idea is that behind every crime, a woman is, in some way, involved Ratiocination – thinking things through; intellect, not brute force