The characters are usually well - developed. Each character has their own secrets and possible motives for murder. In a puzzle - like murder mystery novel, you can't easily tell who is the real culprit just by first impressions. It's like a game of figuring out the true nature of each person in the story.
These novels typically keep the readers in suspense throughout. There are unexpected twists and turns. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, a new piece of evidence or a sudden revelation changes everything. It's like working on a difficult jigsaw puzzle where the picture keeps changing as you add more pieces.
Well, for one, a complex plot structure. Just like in a puzzle, there are many pieces that need to be put together. In a 'puzzle like' murder mystery novel, there are multiple sub - plots, hidden motives, and false leads that all contribute to the overall mystery. For example, in 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn, the plot twists and turns constantly, and you have to figure out what is real and what is a lie, much like solving a difficult puzzle.
One of the most famous is 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie. It has a very puzzling plot where ten people are stranded on an island and start getting murdered one by one. The reader has to figure out who the killer is among them.
Another good one is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It combines a murder mystery with a lot of puzzles and a complex web of characters. The main characters have to dig deep into a decades - old disappearance and murder case, uncovering secrets along the way.
Funny murder mystery novels often have unique characters. For example, they might have an eccentric detective like in 'The Spellman Files' series. These characters bring humor through their odd behaviors and quirks. They also may use clever wordplay in the dialogue. For instance, a character might make a pun related to the crime scene which makes the reader laugh.
Good murder mystery novels usually have a complex plot. There are often many twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the end. For example, in 'Gone Girl', the plot flips and you realize things are not as they seemed at first. Also, interesting characters are key. They should have their own motives and secrets, like in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'.
New murder mystery novels often have complex characters. For example, they might have a detective with a troubled past that affects how they solve the case.
Most popular murder mystery novels have a well - crafted plot. There are usually red herrings to mislead the reader. In 'Gone Girl', there are so many twists and turns that you think you know what's going on, but then it completely changes. Also, the use of clues is important. The author drops little hints along the way that the astute reader can pick up on, like in the Sherlock Holmes stories where Holmes is able to piece together the mystery from the smallest of details.
English murder mystery novels usually involve a lot of suspense. The author will drop hints throughout the story to keep the reader guessing. There are often red herrings to mislead the reader. Take 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' for instance. There are many twists and turns, and the reader is constantly trying to piece together the clues. The detectives in these novels are often very intelligent and observant, like Sherlock Holmes.
French murder mystery novels often have complex characters. The French culture values in - depth character exploration, so in these novels, characters are not just simple good or bad, but have multi - faceted personalities.
One characteristic is the use of vivid descriptions. Authors describe the Indian landscapes, the food, and the traditions, which all add to the atmosphere of the mystery. Also, the complex social hierarchies in India often lead to intricate plots. For example, a murder could be related to a power struggle within a family or a community. And many Indian murder mystery novels incorporate elements of the supernatural or religious beliefs, which gives them a unique flavor compared to Western mystery novels.