Best way to start a horror story with a mystery element?

One of the best ways to start a mystery story is with an intriguing event. For example, a strange disappearance. You can begin by describing the scene where a character vanishes without a trace. The suddenness and mystery of it will immediately hook the reader. It makes them wonder what happened and why, creating an instant sense of curiosity that will drive them to keep reading.

Open with a strange noise. A continuous scratching sound from inside the walls, getting louder and louder. The character tries to figure out what's making the noise but is too afraid to investigate further. This creates suspense and a sense of dread right from the start.

Set the scene in a spooky, isolated place like an old, creaking mansion on a stormy night. For example, 'The wind howled outside the decaying mansion as the rain lashed against the broken windows, and I stepped inside, not knowing what horrors awaited me.'

You could also start with a strange discovery. 'He found a key in his grandfather's old chest, a key with no lock in sight.' It plants the seeds of mystery and gives the reader a question to ponder from the very beginning. Mystery stories thrive on unanswered questions at the start.

One of the best ways to start a horror story is by setting a creepy atmosphere. Maybe describe a dark, abandoned place or a strange noise in the night.

Begin with a mystery. Drop the reader right into the middle of a strange situation without any explanation at first. Maybe start with a character finding a strange symbol carved into their bedroom wall that they've never seen before and having no idea how it got there. It creates instant intrigue and a sense of foreboding.

You could start with a scene of a desolate planet where something strange and unexplainable is happening. Like strange energy readings or strange structures that seem to have no purpose. This sets the stage for the mystery in your science fiction story.

Start with a character who has an unusual memory lapse. For example, a character wakes up in a strange place and can't remember how they got there. They have no idea what they were doing before or who they might have been with. This is different from the typical mystery openings and makes the reader curious about what caused this memory loss and what secrets might be hidden in those lost memories.

Start with a strange character. Maybe a person who is wearing a long black coat, a wide - brimmed hat that shadows their face, and has an air of secrecy about them. They could be standing in a crowded place but seem completely detached, as if they are in their own world filled with secrets. This kind of character piques the reader's curiosity.

A great start for a mystery story could be a sudden disappearance or a mysterious message. It creates suspense and makes the reader eager to solve the mystery along with the characters.