Basis Definition Subgenre of narrative fiction; often thought of as detective fiction Usually involves a mysterious death or crime to be solved Each suspect must have a credible motive Central character must be a “detective” who solves the crime

Tip-Offs to Mystery Genre Mystery, crime or puzzle to be solved Main character who is detective and sets out to solve crime Suspects and motives; must be weighed and evaluated Overt clues presented Hidden evidence (may seem unimportant) Suspense Foreshadowing Red herrings—kind of foreshadowing clue that leads readers to false conclusions

Elements Common to Most Mysteries Law enforcement Crime Weapon(s) Settings (i.e. haunted houses, city streets, deserted areas, dark streets, alleys, warehouses, etc.) Mood setters (foggy nights, cemeteries, creaking gates, footsteps, thunder, wind, screams, blood, etc.) Key words (alibi, motive, clues, evidence, victim, sleuth, witness, suspect, red herring, etc.)

Mystery vs. Suspense Mystery stories focus on the question of “whodunit?” Suspense stories focus on the how and if it will be figured out by the protagonist (reader may know from the beginning)

Sub-Genres Amateur detective