How do 'ghost mystery novels' create suspense?

Slasher mystery novels often create suspense through the unknown identity of the killer. For example, in 'The Silence of the Lambs', the reader is constantly trying to figure out who 'Buffalo Bill' is. They also use settings that are isolated or spooky, like the old mansion in many slasher mysteries. This makes the reader feel that danger could be lurking anywhere.

Horror mystery novels create suspense in several ways. One way is through the use of the unknown. For example, in 'The Shining', we don't know exactly what the forces in the Overlook Hotel are capable of. Another way is by slowly revealing information. In 'Dracula', Stoker drip - feeds details about Dracula's abilities and weaknesses. Also, the setting can add to the suspense. In 'The Haunting of Hill House', the old, creaky house with its hidden rooms and strange noises keeps the readers in suspense.

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.

In first person mystery novels, the suspense is often created by the limited perspective of the narrator. Since we only see the story through their eyes, there could be a lot of things they don't know or are hiding, which makes us wonder.

Haunted house mystery novels create suspense in several ways. For one, they often use the setting of the haunted house itself. The creaking floors, dark corners, and strange noises make the reader feel uneasy. For example, in 'The Haunting of Hill House', the description of the old, large house with its odd architecture builds suspense. Another way is through the unknown. When characters start experiencing strange things but don't know what's causing them, like in 'House of Leaves', it keeps the reader on edge. Also, withholding information from the reader, such as the true nature of the haunting in 'Hell House', makes the reader eager to find out more.

Mystery and horror stories create suspense in multiple ways. Firstly, the pacing is crucial. A slow build - up with small, mysterious events gradually leading to a big revelation or a terrifying climax can keep readers hooked. Secondly, the use of unreliable narrators can be very effective. In a mystery, if the narrator may be lying or misinterpreting things, it adds to the mystery. In horror, an unreliable narrator can make the reader doubt what is real and what is not, thus creating suspense. Also, the sense of the unknown, whether it's an unexplained phenomenon in a mystery or an otherworldly being in a horror story, is a powerful tool for creating suspense.

Mystery novels often have a lot of unanswered questions. The fact that the reader doesn't know who the culprit is or how the crime was committed keeps them in suspense. Also, the red herrings, those false leads, make the reader second - guess their assumptions. And the characters' motives being unclear adds to the mystery and suspense. For instance, a character who seems innocent at first but has a hidden past related to the mystery.

They often use the unknown. For example, in many horror mystery stories, there are shadowy figures or strange noises that the characters can't immediately explain. This makes the reader wonder what's going on and creates suspense. Another way is through unreliable narrators. If you can't trust the person telling the story, you're constantly on edge trying to figure out what's real and what's not.

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.