Well - developed characters are also important. In short mystery novels like 'The Black Cat' by Edgar Allan Poe, the main character's complex and often unreliable narration adds to the mystery. His actions and inner thoughts are crucial elements that make the story both puzzling and engaging.
Great new mystery novels usually have a suspenseful plot. They make you keep turning the pages to find out what happens next. For instance, 'The Woman in the Window' builds up the suspense steadily. The use of red herrings is also common. In 'The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle', there are many false leads that add to the mystery. And many of them explore psychological aspects, such as 'An Anonymous Girl' which delves into the minds of the characters.
Well, in great romance mystery novels, there is often a sense of suspense. For example, in novels like 'Rebecca' by Daphne du Maurier, the new wife is constantly in the shadow of the first wife, Rebecca, and there's mystery around her death. The romance is also intense as the main character tries to navigate her relationship with her husband while dealing with the mystery.
In great recent mystery novels, there are often complex plot twists. For example, in 'The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle', the time - loop concept adds to the mystery. Regarding sex in novels, recent ones tend to be more open and honest in exploring sexual relationships. They might show how sex impacts characters' emotions and decisions, like in 'Conversations with Friends' by Sally Rooney.
Many of them are concise but profound. They manage to tell a complete story with complex characters in a short space. For example, they often use vivid language to quickly draw the reader into the plot.
Russian short novels also tend to be quite philosophical. Tolstoy's short novels, like 'The Death of Ivan Ilyich', make the readers think about life, death, and the meaning of existence. The characters in these novels are often on a journey of self - discovery, which is a common theme that makes these short novels so great and thought - provoking.
One characteristic is that they can convey complex ideas in a concise way. 'Animal Farm' manages to comment on political systems and power struggles in a short space. They also tend to have strong emotional hooks. In 'A Wrinkle in Time', the main character's longing for her father creates an emotional pull. Additionally, great short YA novels often introduce young readers to different literary devices, like the use of symbolism in 'The Giver'.
Great short horror novels often have a strong sense of atmosphere. They can quickly draw the reader into a world of fear. For example, in 'The Yellow Wallpaper', the description of the wallpaper and the room sets a very claustrophobic and spooky mood. Another characteristic is the use of unexpected twists. In 'The Monkey's Paw', the wishes turn out in the most horrifying ways. Also, they usually have a memorable antagonist or source of horror, like the vampire in 'Carmilla'.
Well, a great mystery novel usually has interesting characters. The detective, in particular, is often a very unique and intelligent figure. Think of Sherlock Holmes. His sharp mind and idiosyncratic personality are part of what makes the stories so engaging. Also, a good mystery novel creates a sense of suspense. It makes you feel like you're on the edge of your seat, constantly wondering what will happen next.
One of the great mystery novels could be 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' by Arthur Conan Doyle. It's a classic with Sherlock's brilliant deductions and the interesting cases he solves in Victorian London.
One characteristic is a sense of intrigue. They often start with a strange event or situation, like a sudden disappearance or an unexplained death. For example, in many short mystery stories, the opening scene hooks you right away.