Locked Room Mystery. This is a classic type of suspense story title. It gives the impression that there is a mystery within a confined space, and the reader will be curious to know how the mystery will be solved. There could be a dead body in a locked room, and no one knows how it got there. It sets up a situation full of questions and anticipation.
Beneath the Surface. It's short and simple but makes you wonder what lies beneath. Is it a hidden truth? A dark secret? It gives a feeling that there's more than meets the eye.
One effective way is to start with a captivating hook - a surprising statement, a thrilling scene, or a mystery. It instantly grabs the reader's interest and makes them want to know more.
If your starting sentence is 'The clock stopped ticking at exactly midnight.' You can immediately create a sense of mystery. The reader will wonder why the clock stopped. Was it a sign of something supernatural? Or perhaps there was a mechanical failure with a deeper meaning? By posing this unanswered question right at the start, you hook the reader.
Start with a gripping opening scene. It could be a high-stakes situation, a mystery, or a surprising event that makes readers want to know more.
One way is to start with an interesting or mysterious statement. For example, 'The door creaked open, and a cold wind rushed in, but no one was there.' This immediately makes the reader wonder what's going on.
By creating a sense of mystery. For example, 'The old clock in the attic started ticking again, after years of silence.' This makes the reader curious about why it started ticking.
By starting with a bang. For example, an explosion in a space station that throws the characters into immediate chaos.
By creating an interesting character right away. For example, if the main character has a really unique job or hobby, like being a treasure hunter or a master of ancient calligraphy. It makes the reader want to know more about them.
By creating a sense of mystery. For example, 'The door to the attic creaked open, and a strange smell wafted out.'
By being mysterious. For example, 'Is it here?' 'I'm not sure, but something's different.' This makes the reader wonder what 'it' is and what's different, thus grabbing their attention.
Good first sentences often create mystery. For example, 'The door at the end of the hall was always locked, until today.' This makes the reader wonder what's behind the door and why it was locked. It immediately hooks them into wanting to know more.