Well, first of all, they offer a unique blend of two popular genres. People love detective stories for the intrigue and the process of deduction, and love stories for the emotional connection. In detective love stories, the mystery surrounding the characters' relationships adds an extra layer of excitement. We are not only interested in who the culprit is in a crime, but also how the love relationships will develop. The uncertainty in both the mystery and the love plot keeps the readers hooked. For instance, in stories like 'Gone Girl', the mystery of the marriage is as much of a draw as the mystery of the possible crime.
The humor. It lightens the mood of the often - serious detective genre. For instance, in a story where the detective is always making silly mistakes but still manages to solve the case, it's really funny.
The mystery aspect. We love trying to figure out the solution before the detective does. In the best detective stories, there are always clues and red herrings that keep us engaged.
The characters are often very interesting. For example, in detective stories, the detective usually has unique skills or quirks. In 'Sherlock Holmes', Holmes has his amazing powers of observation and deduction. These traits make the characters memorable and the stories appealing.
The mystery element is key. These stories present a problem, often a murder or a theft, and the reader is eager to find out how it will be resolved. The detective stories in 'wsj best detective stories' use red herrings effectively, leading the reader down wrong paths just like the detective might be misled in the story. This creates suspense and makes the revelation at the end all the more satisfying.
They are appealing because they offer a quick escape. You can read one during a short break. The humor in them lightens the often - serious detective genre. For example, instead of a dark and brooding detective, you might have a clumsy one who still manages to solve the case in an unexpected way.
One reason is the contrast. Detectives are usually serious about solving crimes, but when there are funny elements added, like a clumsy sidekick or a comical misunderstanding in the investigation, it creates an interesting mix. For example, in some stories, the detective might accidentally get into a comical situation while following a suspect.
The real - life aspect. Knowing that these events actually happened makes them more thrilling. It's not just a fictional story but something that occurred in the real world, which adds an extra layer of fascination. For example, when we read about the Jack the Ripper case, we are reading about a real horror that once haunted the streets of London.
One reason is the human element. These stories involve real people with real motives and emotions. In the JonBenét Ramsey case, we see a family in turmoil, and the public tries to understand what could have led to such a tragedy. Another factor is the challenge. For detectives and the public alike, trying to solve these cases is like a puzzle. In the Black Dahlia case, the complex nature of the crime scene and the lack of clear evidence made it a fascinating challenge.
The mystery aspect. We love trying to figure out the solution before it's revealed. For example, in 'Serial', listeners are constantly speculating about the truth.
The mystery aspect. People love trying to figure out the whodunit before the detective in the story does. For example, in 'Murder on the Orient Express' by Agatha Christie, readers are constantly guessing who the murderer is among all the suspects on the train.