Another element is a sense of danger. The characters in these stories are often in peril. Whether it's being chased by an unseen force in a haunted house or being lost in a cursed place. This danger creates tension and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. In a 'dark mysteries story' about a possessed doll, the people around the doll are constantly in danger of being harmed by the doll's malevolent spirit.
Mystery settings are also common. Dark, gloomy places like old castles, abandoned asylums, or thick forests are often used. These settings add to the overall atmosphere of mystery. For instance, an old castle with secret passages and hidden rooms is a perfect backdrop for a 'dark mysteries story' where secrets are buried deep within its walls and the characters have to uncover them while facing the unknown and dangerous entities that lurk there.