How do you build suspense in a story?

You can build suspense by creating uncertainty about what will happen next. Maybe introduce mysterious characters or situations and don't reveal all the details at once.

Undercover detective novels build suspense by hiding the true identity of the detective or the villain. For example, in many novels, the undercover detective has to blend in with the bad guys without being detected. This creates a constant sense of danger. Also, the slow revelation of clues and the unexpected twists keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The reader is always wondering if the detective will be found out or if they will be able to solve the case before it's too late.

The conflicts in the novel create suspense mainly through a sense of mystery and danger. You never know how the characters will handle the difficult situations they face, and that keeps you engaged and eager to find out.

The conversation builds suspense by leaving key details unanswered or hinted at, making the reader eager to know more.

You can build suspense by creating uncertainty about the outcome. For example, give the reader multiple possible endings and keep them guessing which one will happen. Also, withholding key information and revealing it gradually can heighten the suspense.

The pacing is crucial in building suspense. The plot moves in a way that alternates between revelations and new mysteries. For example, just when the detective seems to be getting close to the truth, a new piece of evidence emerges that throws everything into question again, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat throughout the entire novel.

Another way is by introducing multiple suspects. Each suspect has their own motives and secrets, like in 'Murder on the Orient Express'. The reader is constantly trying to figure out who the real killer is among all these possible characters, which builds great suspense.

Authors often use secrecy and hidden emotions. For example, they might have the characters keep their feelings to themselves for a long time. In a "secret relationship novel", the characters may act one way in public but have completely different feelings in private. This contrast builds suspense as the reader wonders when and how these hidden feelings will be revealed.

They often use mystery. For example, in 'The Silence of the Lambs', the identity of the serial killer 'Buffalo Bill' is slowly revealed through the investigations of Clarice Starling. Also, the use of a race against time, like in 'Kiss the Girls' where the victims are in danger while the detective tries to figure out the killer's pattern. Another way is through the mind of the killer. In 'American Psycho', we get inside Patrick Bateman's deranged mind which is very suspenseful.

You can start by leaving hints and clues throughout the story. Don't reveal everything at once. Make the readers keep guessing and wanting to know more.