Mysteries A Genre of Literature

What is a mystery? Mysteries are often filled with suspense, but they are also puzzles. Part of the fun of a mystery is matching wits with the criminal; and figuring out “whodunit.”

Elements of a Mystery A crime or unexplained event

Elements of a Mystery One or more detectives trying to solve the crime

Elements of a Mystery Clues or evidence of what really happened

Elements of a Mystery Suspects who might have committed the crime

Elements of a Mystery Detective work, such as finding evidence and questioning witnesses and suspects

Elements of a Mystery A solution to the mystery – “Whodunit.”

Vocabulary Used in a Mystery Crime – an action that is against the law

Vocabulary Used in a Mystery Suspect – someone thought to be responsible for committing the crime

Vocabulary Used in Mystery Alibi – a claim that a person accused of a crime was somewhere else when the crime was committed

Vocabulary Used in a Mystery Detective – one who investigates crimes, usually for or with the police

Vocabulary Used in a Mystery Witness – a person who has seen or heard something

Vocabulary Used in a Mystery Clue – something that helps solve a problem or mystery

Vocabulary Used in a Mystery Evidence – information and facts that help prove something or make you believe something is true

Vocabulary Used in Mystery Solution - the answer to a problem; an explanation Arrest - to stop or hold someone by the power of law

Vocabulary used in Mystery Red Herrings – distractions or false clues that lead a detective or reader off track or make it more difficult to solve the mystery

Vocabulary Used in Mystery Foreshadowing – the author’s use of clues to hint at what might happen later in the story Suspense – a feeling of anxious uncertainty about the outcome of events in a story

How do you read a mystery? 1) Investigate 2) Ask questions 3) Ask yourself, “What doesn’t fit?” Look for: 4) Motive 5) Opportunity 6) Means (i.e. resources)