What are the characteristics of the top 10 murder mystery stories?

Top murder mystery novels often have a complex plot. For example, in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson, there are multiple layers of mystery involving family secrets and serial murders. This makes the reader constantly try to piece together the clues.

The element of surprise is crucial. These novels often have unexpected twists. Take 'Gone Girl' again. Just when you think you have it all figured out, a new revelation turns the whole story on its head. And in terms of writing style, many of the top ones are very engaging, making it hard to put the book down as you're eager to solve the mystery.

One characteristic is the unexpected alibis. Like in the story where the gardener said he was watering the plants at night but it rained that day so there was no need. Another is the comical characters. For example, a bumbling detective who always gets the wrong clues at first but in a funny way. Also, the situations can be humorous. Such as when the suspects all start blaming each other in a really over - the - top and comical manner.

Some of the well - known ones are 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie. It's a classic where ten people are lured to an island and murdered one by one in a very mysterious way.

Agatha Christie's 'Murder on the Orient Express' is also a best - selling murder mystery. The complex web of characters and the unexpected solution to the murder make it a classic. Christie was a master of the genre, and this book is a prime example of her talent for creating engaging mysteries.

Well, 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote is often considered among the top. It's a non - fictional novel that reads like a mystery, delving into a real - life murder case. 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn is also a popular choice. The story is full of twists and turns as a man tries to find his missing wife and all sorts of secrets are uncovered. And 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris, which features the iconic Hannibal Lecter and a terrifying murder mystery.

A great murder mystery story often has a complex plot. There are usually multiple suspects with their own motives and secrets. For example, in 'And Then There Were None', each character has a past that could be a reason for the murders. Also, a good mystery has a detective or investigator who is intelligent and observant. In 'Sherlock Holmes' stories, Holmes' deductive skills are what drive the story forward. Another factor is the element of suspense. It keeps the readers on the edge of their seats, like in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' where the mystery unfolds slowly but surely.

They often have a sense of authenticity. Since they are based on real events, the settings, for example, are real places that readers can look up and sometimes even visit. This adds an extra layer of intrigue.

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.