How are poisons used in mystery novels to drive the plot?

Poisons are often used as a means of murder in mystery novels. The killer might slip it into the victim's drink or food without being noticed. For example, arsenic could be added to a cup of tea.

Arsenic is a very common one. It was often used in older mystery novels as it could be easily disguised and was a relatively accessible poison at one time. Another is cyanide. It's a fast - acting poison, which makes it quite dramatic for mystery plots.

Arsenic is a very common one. It was often used in the past in mystery novels as it could be easily obtained in certain forms and was hard to detect at first. It can be administered in food or drink and causes symptoms that could be misdiagnosed.

Psychic abilities in fiction can be used to create mystery. For example, if a character has precognitive visions, it can lead to a search for the meaning behind those visions and how to prevent or cause the foreseen events.

Often, they're used to transport characters to different realms or times. This sudden shift can introduce new challenges and opportunities, like in 'The Chronicles of Narnia' where the portal to Narnia leads the kids to a world full of magic and danger, thus driving the plot forward.

Genealogy can be used as a plot device in mystery novels by creating a sense of mystery around a family's past. For example, a long - lost heirloom might be tied to a family's lineage and its discovery could unlock secrets about a murder or other mystery. It can also add depth to characters, as their family history shapes who they are.

I don't think so. Even the most sophisticated poisons leave some traces that experts can eventually uncover with the right tools and knowledge.

Magic spells and abilities can create obstacles or solutions. For example, a hero might use a spell to break a curse that's plaguing a kingdom, which then sets the story in motion to find the source of the curse. Or an evil wizard's powerful ability to control minds can lead to the enslavement of a village, forcing the protagonists to fight back.

In many novels, misery serves as a powerful force to initiate the plot. For example, in 'Jane Eyre', Jane's miserable childhood as an orphan, being mistreated by her aunt and cousins, sets the stage for her journey of self - discovery and search for love and acceptance. Her early experiences of misery are what make her strong - willed and determined to create a better life for herself.

The voice can be used in various ways. For example, an unreliable narrator's voice can create doubt and mystery. If the narrator seems to be hiding something or is not entirely trustworthy, it makes the reader constantly question what's really going on. Their tone might be evasive or overly defensive at times.