What are the characteristics of the '100 top mystery novels'?

One characteristic is the presence of suspense. In most of these top 30 mystery novels, the authors keep the readers on the edge of their seats by withholding key information until the right moment. For example, in 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler, the plot twists and turns constantly, and you never really know who is behind all the shady business until the very end.

Well, the top 5 mystery novels usually feature a mystery that needs to be solved. In 'In Cold Blood', it's the mystery behind the senseless murder of a family. They often have a central detective or investigator figure. In 'The Silence of the Lambs', Clarice Starling is that figure. The settings in these novels can be very atmospheric. In 'Rebecca', the spooky old mansion adds to the sense of mystery. These novels also play with the reader's mind. 'The Maltese Falcon' has so many double - crosses and false leads that it keeps the reader guessing. And in 'The Name of the Rose', the medieval monastery setting is full of secrets and hidden meanings.

One characteristic is a complex plot. Top rated mystery novels usually have multiple layers of stories, like in 'Gone Girl'. There are many unexpected twists that keep readers guessing. Another is strong characters. For example, Sherlock Holmes is a very well - developed character. Suspense is also key, such as in 'And Then There Were None' where the sense of danger builds throughout the story.

Top murder mystery novels often have a complex plot. For example, in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson, there are multiple layers of mystery involving family secrets and serial murders. This makes the reader constantly try to piece together the clues.

Well, one characteristic of top new mystery novels is that they play with the reader's mind. They make you question what you think you know. They might use red herrings, which are false clues, to mislead the reader. In terms of writing style, they are often descriptive, creating vivid scenes that add to the mystery. The characters in these novels are often multi - dimensional. They are not just good or bad, but have a mix of qualities that make them seem real. And the resolution of the mystery is usually satisfying, tying up all the loose ends in a way that makes sense.

Typically, they have a complex plot. For example, in 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote, the plot unfolds slowly, revealing different layers of the crime and the characters involved. Another characteristic is the element of surprise. 'The Sixth Sense' in book form (if there was one) would be a good example. Just when you think you know what's going on, there's a huge twist.

The element of surprise is crucial. These novels often have unexpected twists. Take 'Gone Girl' again. Just when you think you have it all figured out, a new revelation turns the whole story on its head. And in terms of writing style, many of the top ones are very engaging, making it hard to put the book down as you're eager to solve the mystery.

Well, for one, they often have strong character development. In a top - selling mystery romance like 'Gone Girl', the characters are complex and their motives are not always clear at first. This adds to both the mystery and the romantic tension as you try to figure out who they really are and what they'll do next.

Typically, they have a strong sense of suspense. For example, in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo', the mystery surrounding Harriet Vanger's disappearance keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The top 10 murder mystery stories often have complex plots. For example, they might involve multiple suspects, each with their own motives and alibis. They also usually have a detective or an investigator figure, like Sherlock Holmes, who uses logic and observation to piece together the mystery. Another characteristic is the element of suspense. The stories keep you on the edge of your seat, wondering who the killer is. For instance, in 'And Then There Were None', the constant threat of another death creates a great deal of suspense.