How can one create suspense in plotting detective fiction?

To create suspense in short fiction, you can start with an intriguing opening. Maybe start with a strange situation or a mysterious character. Then, use cliffhangers at the end of short sections within the story. This makes the reader eager to keep going. Also, play with the readers' expectations. For instance, make them think a character is safe and then suddenly put them in danger. And don't reveal all the details too soon. Let the mystery build up.

Authors create suspense in 'whodunit' detective fiction by withholding information. They don't reveal all the clues at once. For example, they might only drop hints about a suspect's true identity little by little. Another way is by creating a sense of urgency. Maybe the detective is racing against time to solve the case before the killer strikes again. And they can also build suspense through the relationships between the characters. Tense interactions among the suspects can keep the reader on edge.

One way is to withhold information. For example, don't reveal the true identity of a character right away. Another is to set a ticking clock, like a character has only a few minutes to solve a mystery. Use short, choppy sentences to build tension.

Start by choosing a time period that interests you. If you're into the Renaissance, that could be your starting point. Then, do extensive research on that era. Read books, articles, and watch documentaries. Next, come up with some character ideas. Maybe a struggling artist during the Renaissance. After that, think of a basic plot, like the artist's journey to find recognition in a society full of patrons and rivals.

They often use mystery elements. For example, in many detective horror novels, there's an unknown threat or a series of strange events that the characters need to figure out. This keeps the reader in suspense as they wonder what will be revealed next.

First, create interesting characters. For a romantic suspense novel, you need a strong hero and heroine. Then, think about the central mystery or suspense element, like a missing heirloom or a series of strange events. Next, establish the setting. It could be a spooky old mansion or a small, secret - filled town. Also, start weaving the romance between the characters. Maybe they start off as enemies but gradually fall in love as they solve the mystery together.

The element of the unknown in the science - fiction aspect also adds to the suspense. When there are multiple bodies, perhaps some are genetically modified or have alien - like features. The detective has to figure out how these bodies are related to the crime. Maybe one body has a special ability that was used in the crime, but it's not clear which one at first. So as the detective investigates, the reader is kept on edge wondering which body holds the key to solving the mystery. And also, the very existence of multiple bodies might mean there are multiple suspects or victims, and the detective has to sort through all the possible relationships between them, which can be very suspenseful.

The key elements often include a mysterious crime, a detective figure. For example, in Sherlock Holmes stories, there's always a puzzling crime like a strange murder or a theft that seems impossible. The detective then uses his or her deductive reasoning skills to solve it.

Build up mystery and keep the readers guessing. Introduce unexpected elements and withhold key information until the right moment.

They often keep the identity of the serial killer hidden for a long time. For example, in many novels, the author drops small clues here and there that seem insignificant at first but later turn out to be crucial.