A mystery story can be considered the best when it has a unique premise. If it's something that hasn't been done before, it catches the reader's attention. The pacing is also crucial. It should be fast enough to keep the reader hooked but slow down at the right moments to build suspense. For instance, in 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler, the noir - style setting, the hard - boiled detective character, and the intricate web of mystery make it a top - notch mystery story. The use of red herrings to mislead the reader also adds to the allure of a great mystery story.
One great horror mystery story is 'The Turn of the Screw' by Henry James. It's a classic that keeps you guessing whether the ghosts are real or just in the governess's mind. Another is 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker. The mystery of Dracula's powers and how to stop him is truly terrifying. And 'Rebecca' by Daphne du Maurier is also a wonderful choice. The mystery surrounding the previous Mrs. de Winter haunts the new bride throughout the story.
Agatha Christie's 'Murder on the Orient Express' is also a top mystery story. The plot is full of twists and turns. A murder occurs on a train, and detective Hercule Poirot has to figure out which of the passengers is the killer among a group of suspects with their own secrets.
Kindle app can't be ignored either. If you like to read mystery stories on your device, the Kindle app has a huge collection. You can buy individual books or subscribe to Kindle Unlimited to access a large number of mystery stories at a lower cost.
'Dark Victory' is another great one. It's a sequel to 'The Long Halloween' and continues the exploration of Gotham's criminal element. There's a new mystery involving a string of murders, and Batman has to navigate through his relationships with Commissioner Gordon, Robin, and the various villains to solve it.
One of the best is 'Serial'. It delved into the case of Adnan Syed, a young man convicted of murder. The podcast presented a detailed look at the evidence, the trial process, and raised many questions about his guilt or innocence. It was so gripping that it had listeners all over the world eagerly waiting for each new episode.
Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine's website is a great place for mystery stories. It has been around for a long time and features some of the best mystery writing. Another good site is MysteryNet. It offers a variety of mystery - related content including short stories, reviews of mystery books and movies. You can also find some exclusive mystery stories there.
Mysteries set in historical periods can also be excellent. They combine the allure of a bygone era with the mystery element. For instance, a mystery set in Victorian London not only has the mystery of a crime to solve but also gives insights into the social, cultural, and technological aspects of that time. The historical backdrop adds depth and richness to the mystery story.
The use of suspense is masterful. The slow build - up as the narrator plans the murder and then the increasing paranoia afterwards create a truly nerve - wracking reading experience. The story also has a very atmospheric setting which adds to the mystery. It's set in a rather dreary and claustrophobic place which enhances the feeling of dread and unease.
Sherlock Holmes stories are among the best free mystery stories. They are classic and full of brilliant deductions. You can find them on Project Gutenberg. Another great one is 'The Murders in the Rue Morgue' by Edgar Allan Poe, which is also freely available on many literature websites.