How do murder mystery romance novels usually create suspense?

The characters are often complex and not fully trustworthy. In 'Watchmen', every character has their own secrets and motives. You're constantly questioning who could be behind the murder because each character seems to have a reason to be involved. Also, the slow revelation of clues over the course of the story builds suspense. It's like peeling an onion, layer by layer, and you never know when a big revelation is going to come.

Murder mystery stories also build suspense by gradually revealing clues. The author might drop small hints here and there throughout the story, making the reader try to piece them together before the detective in the story does. A good example is when a small object is mentioned early on that turns out to be a crucial piece of evidence later. This keeps the reader engaged and on the edge of their seat, wondering what will be revealed next.

Often, murder novels create suspense through withholding key information. For example, they might not reveal the identity of the killer right away.

They often use red herrings. For example, in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo', there are many characters who seem suspicious at first but turn out to be innocent. This misleads the reader and creates suspense. Also, withholding key information until the right moment. Like in 'Gone Girl', the truth about the main characters' relationship is gradually revealed, keeping the reader in suspense.

Through unexpected plot twists. For example, just when you think you've figured out who the murderer is, new evidence pops up that completely changes the situation.

The presence of multiple suspects creates suspense. Since each suspect could be the killer, the reader is constantly guessing. For example, in 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie, there are ten suspects on an island, and the reader has to figure out which one is the murderer.

They often use medical jargon and procedures. For instance, when a detective or a character is trying to figure out a strange illness or a cause of death, the complex medical terms and procedures add mystery. Just like in 'Coma', the way the patients are put into comas through some unknown medical means keeps the readers in suspense.

Fictional murder mystery stories build suspense in several ways. One is through the setting. A spooky old mansion or a desolate island, like in many Agatha Christie stories, can add an air of mystery. The use of red herrings is also important. These are false clues that mislead the reader and the detective in the story. In 'Sherlock Holmes' stories, Holmes has to sift through these red herrings to find the real solution. Moreover, the slow revelation of the victim's past can create suspense. If the victim had a dark secret, as is often the case, the discovery of that secret bit by bit keeps the reader on edge.

They often create suspense by hiding the true feelings of the characters. For example, in a novel where one character is secretly in love with another, the reader is kept in suspense wondering when or if that character will reveal their feelings. Another way is through external factors like family or society. If the relationship is secret because it goes against the family's wishes or social norms, the reader is on edge waiting to see if they will be discovered.

Scary murder mystery stories create suspense by withholding key information. For example, the identity of the murderer is often kept secret until the end. Also, by using a sense of danger. The threat of another murder can keep readers on edge. And the setting can play a big role. A spooky old house or a desolate forest makes the story more suspenseful.