What are the characteristics of the best short short mystery stories?
Characteristics include concise yet vivid descriptions. Since they are short, they need to paint a clear picture in just a few words. In 'The Speckled Band', Doyle describes the strange circumstances and the menacing presence effectively. Another characteristic is the ability to engage the reader quickly. They don't have a long build - up like some novels. 'The Cask of Amontillado' grabs you right from the start with its strange invitation. And they often leave a lasting impression. Even though they are short, stories like 'A Jury of Her Peers' stay with you long after you've read them because of their unique take on mystery and human nature.
One key characteristic is the use of misdirection. The best short short mystery stories lead the reader to think one thing and then reveal the truth to be something else entirely. In 'The Most Dangerous Game', the reader is initially misled about the true nature of the island. They also tend to have a central mystery that drives the story forward. In 'The Yellow Wallpaper', the mystery of the wallpaper and the narrator's relationship to it keeps the reader hooked. And they often use symbolism. For example, in 'The Purloined Letter', the letter itself is a symbol that holds the key to the mystery and also represents power and knowledge.
