What are the characteristics of 'best short mystery stories'?

Characteristics include concise yet vivid descriptions. Since they are short, they need to paint a clear picture in just a few words. In 'The Speckled Band', Doyle describes the strange circumstances and the menacing presence effectively. Another characteristic is the ability to engage the reader quickly. They don't have a long build - up like some novels. 'The Cask of Amontillado' grabs you right from the start with its strange invitation. And they often leave a lasting impression. Even though they are short, stories like 'A Jury of Her Peers' stay with you long after you've read them because of their unique take on mystery and human nature.

Often, they play with the reader's perception. The authors use misdirection to make the reader think one thing while the truth is something else entirely. This keeps the reader guessing until the very end, which is what makes these short mystery stories so engaging.

Well, first, they usually have a strong mystery plot. There's often a central enigma like a missing person or a strange event that needs to be solved. Second, the romance aspect adds an emotional depth. The relationship between the characters can be full of tension, from the initial attraction to the possible conflicts. For example, in 'Gone Girl', the relationship between Nick and Amy is full of mystery and the love - hate dynamic makes it really engaging. Third, they often have a unique setting that helps build the mystery and romance, like the small town in 'The Girl on the Train'.

One characteristic is a sense of intrigue. They often start with a strange event or situation, like a sudden disappearance or an unexplained death. For example, in many short mystery stories, the opening scene hooks you right away.

One characteristic is the element of suspense. For example, in 'The Cask of Amontillado', the reader doesn't know exactly what Fortunato will encounter as he follows Montresor deeper into the catacombs. Another is the use of red herrings. Writers often put in false clues to mislead the reader. Also, the mystery usually has a central enigma, like in 'The Tell - Tale Heart' where the narrator's true motivation for his actions is a mystery at first. And the stories are often concise, getting to the point quickly to keep the reader engaged.

Often, short scary mystery stories have a dark atmosphere. The settings are usually gloomy, like an abandoned asylum or a fog - covered forest. This helps to create a sense of fear. For example, in stories set in old cemeteries at midnight, the description of the tombstones, the cold wind, and the dark shadows all contribute to the overall scariness.

Mystery fiction short stories usually feature a detective or an investigator. This character uses their intelligence and observation skills to figure out the mystery. They might look for clues like fingerprints or strange behavior of the suspects. And there is often a sense of suspense throughout the story that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, like in 'The Red - Headed League' where the strange goings - on gradually build up the tension until the mystery is finally unravelled.

Often, they have an element of suspense. For example, in many of Poe's works, the reader is left in a state of anticipation, not knowing what will happen next.

Typically, they have a small - scale setting like a small town or a village. This creates a sense of community. For example, in 'The Cat Who' series, the action mainly takes place in a small town where everyone knows each other.

One characteristic is the element of the unknown. In these stories, there are often things that can't be easily explained, like strange noises or apparitions that appear suddenly. For example, in 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, the woman in the story starts to see a figure behind the wallpaper that may or may not be real.