1. Mystery Unit

2. Elements of a Mystery Story or Novel Characters Suspect: character(s) who may have committed the crime or caused the problem Detective: character(s) trying to solve the mystery. Sleuth is another word for detective. Witness: character(s) who saw the crime being committed

3. Elements of a Mystery Setting Where and when the story takes placeWhere and when the story takes place Can help create mood of the storyCan help create mood of the story

4. Elements of a Mystery Plot Usually, the story includes one of the following: a problem that needs to be solved a problem that needs to be solved an event that cannot be explained an event that cannot be explained a secret a secret a crime that has been committed a crime that has been committed something lost or missing something lost or missing

5. Elements of a Mystery Clues: hints that help the detective and the reader solve the mystery Red herrings: false or misleading clues that lead a detective or reader off track or make it more difficult to solve the mystery

6. Additional Mystery Vocabulary to Know alibi – an excuse offered by a suspect stating he/she was elsewhere when a crime was committed crime – an act that is against the law evidence – something that might help prove a fact in a trial innocent – not guilty interrogate – to question formally

7. investigate – to observe or study by close examination and inquiry