Murder mystery short stories are popular because they offer a sense of mystery and intrigue. People enjoy trying to solve the puzzle along with the characters. The settings often play a role too. Dark and spooky settings in stories like 'The Cask of Amontillado' add to the overall atmosphere. The complex relationships between the characters also contribute. In some stories, the motives behind the murder can be very interesting, whether it's love, greed, or revenge.
One major factor is the clever plotting. Award - winning murder mystery novels usually have intricate plots that are carefully crafted. For instance, in 'The Secret History' by Donna Tartt, the plot slowly unfolds, revealing layer upon layer of secrets and lies. Another aspect is the exploration of human nature. These novels often dig deep into why people do bad things, like in 'We Have Always Lived in the Castle' by Shirley Jackson. And finally, the writing style. Good mystery writers have a way of drawing you in with their prose, making you feel like you're right there in the middle of the mystery.
True murder mystery stories often involve complex characters and motives. It's not just about the act of murder but also about the backstories of the victim, the suspect, and the circumstances that led to the crime. For example, in the Lizzie Borden case, understanding her relationship with her father and stepmother adds another layer of intrigue. Also, the fact that these are real events makes them more chilling and thought - provoking compared to fictional mysteries.
The element of mystery. We don't know who the killer is or what their motives are. It's like a puzzle we want to solve.
Another reason is the element of surprise. For example, in 'The Silent Patient' by Alex Michaelides. The ending completely flips what you thought you knew throughout the book. This ability to shock and surprise readers is what makes many of these top rated murder mystery novels so beloved by readers.
The clever plots. These short stories manage to pack in a lot of twists and turns within a relatively short space. They start with a mystery, build up the suspense and then resolve it in a satisfying yet often unexpected way. This keeps the readers on their toes and coming back for more.
A lesser - known but interesting free murder mystery short story is 'The Cask of Amontillado' by Edgar Allan Poe. It tells a dark and mysterious story of revenge that involves a form of murder. There are also some free short stories by contemporary indie authors on platforms like Smashwords. These might not be as well - known as the classics, but they can offer fresh perspectives on the murder mystery genre.
A great murder mystery short story often has a cleverly crafted plot. For example, the story should have unexpected twists and turns. Just when you think you know who the killer is, new evidence or a new character's revelation changes everything. This keeps the reader on their toes.
A compelling murder mystery short story usually has a unique setting, a diverse cast of suspects, and clues that are hidden but not impossible to find. The pacing should be just right to keep the reader engaged without feeling rushed or too slow.
The sense of danger. Since murder is involved, the readers or listeners immediately feel the characters are in real peril. For example, in a story where a person is trapped in a room with a murderer outside, the constant threat creates a thrilling atmosphere. Also, the brevity forces the writer to focus on the scariest parts, like the moment of the actual murder or the killer's menacing presence, which amps up the thrill factor.
The thrill. Short scary murder stories are appealing because they give a quick jolt of fear. In just a few lines, they can make your heart race.