How do murder mystery novels typically start?

Mostly, murder mystery novels are classified under the genre of mystery or detective fiction. These novels focus on solving a crime, often a murder, through investigation and deduction.

Novels often start with an attention-grabbing scene or a compelling introduction of the main character.

You could begin by introducing a mysterious death scene. Maybe it's in a creepy old mansion or a busy city street at night. Make it intriguing to hook the readers.

Well, crime novels usually begin by introducing either a victim or a perpetrator, or maybe setting up a suspenseful situation. This hooks the reader and makes them want to know more. Sometimes, it could also start with a detective getting assigned to a puzzling case.

Depressing novels commonly begin by describing a sense of emptiness or despair. It could be through the character's inner thoughts or the environment they find themselves in. Sometimes, it's a sudden event that shatters their world and kicks off the story.

Visit your local library and ask the librarian for some classic true murder mystery novels. They are very knowledgeable and can guide you. You could start with a book like 'The Devil in the White City' which has an interesting historical context along with the murder mystery aspect.

They often use red herrings. For example, in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo', there are many characters who seem suspicious at first but turn out to be innocent. This misleads the reader and creates suspense. Also, withholding key information until the right moment. Like in 'Gone Girl', the truth about the main characters' relationship is gradually revealed, keeping the reader in suspense.

Through unexpected plot twists. For example, just when you think you've figured out who the murderer is, new evidence pops up that completely changes the situation.

Many begin with a sense of confusion for the protagonist. In 'Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World', Subaru finds himself suddenly in a strange world without really understanding how he got there. It's a common way to draw the reader in as they experience the main character's disorientation. Another way is through a summoning process like in 'The Rising of the Shield Hero' where the character is summoned to a new world which is kind of like a reincarnation start.

Often, they start with the main character being transported to another world. This can happen in various ways. For example, they might die in their original world and then be reincarnated in a new one, like in 'Re:Zero'. Or they could be summoned by some magic or a powerful entity, such as in 'The Rising of the Shield Hero'.