Red herrings are a key factor. When false clues are scattered throughout the story, it confuses the reader. Say a character's strange behavior is initially presented as a sign of guilt, but later it turns out to be something else. This keeps the reader in suspense, not knowing what to believe. Also, the slow revelation of clues makes the suspense build. The detective might find a small clue early on, but its significance isn't clear until much later in the story.
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 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.
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.
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.
They often use secrets. For example, the characters might be hiding things about their past that are related to the mystery. This makes the reader wonder what will be revealed and how it will affect the romance.
Well, the conventions of a ghost story create suspense in multiple ways. The use of a haunted location, say an old asylum, immediately sets a tense mood. The characters' growing sense of dread as they experience strange phenomena, such as hearing whispers when no one is there, keeps the suspense building. Also, the mystery surrounding the ghost's identity and motives, like whether it's seeking revenge or just lost, adds an extra layer of suspense as the story unfolds.
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.
The conventions create suspense. For example, red herrings keep readers guessing, which makes the reading exciting. The complex detective character adds depth. We follow their thought process and it's like solving the mystery with them.
The conventions of a murder mystery novel include a cast of suspicious characters. Each character has their own secrets and possible reasons for being involved in the crime. The crime scene is carefully described, with details that may or may not be relevant clues. There is also a build - up of tension as the detective gets closer to the truth. This can be achieved through the use of time pressure, like a deadline for solving the case, or the threat of more murders.
One convention is the presence of a complex and mysterious crime. Usually, a murder occurs in an unexpected or strange way. Another is the introduction of a detective or an investigator. This character is often highly intelligent and observant, like Sherlock Holmes. Also, there are often a number of suspects, each with their own motives and alibis. This creates suspense as the reader tries to figure out who the real killer is among them.