What makes a great mystery?

Who doesn’t love a great mystery? And at OUABC we love putting our mystery book boxes together! 

From the hallowed halls of Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot to the famous detective Sherlock Holmes, mysteries have continued to capture generations. There is something so enticing about peeling back those layers of deception, following the twists and turns, and finally cracking the case hidden in the shadows. But what makes a mystery truly great? Buckle up as we take a wild ride through the world of suspense, intrigue, and deduction to unravel the secrets of what makes mysteries such absolute page-turners.

What makes a great mystery plot? Twists, turns, and red herrings!

Now, let's talk plot; it is the heart and soul of any great mystery. We're talking about twists and turns, red herrings, and jaw-dropping revelations. A top-notch mystery keeps us guessing until the very last page, trying to outsmart the main character all the way. And each piece of the puzzle revealed just leads to more questions! It's like a never-ending rollercoaster, and we love every thrilling moment of it.

A compelling protagonist: the detective extraordinaire

At the heart of every great mystery novel is a memorable protagonist, a sleuth whose keen intellect and unyielding determination captures us. Whether it's the brilliant mind of Sherlock Holmes or Wendy Walker’s Detective Elise Sutton, a master in cold case investigations, our detective must possess unique traits that set them apart from the ordinary.

A compelling detective is more than just a mere observer; they must be relatable, flawed, and three-dimensional. Their struggles and vulnerabilities make them human, and it is what gets us emotionally invested in their quest for truth.

What makes the perfect scene for a mystery? From backdrop to a living, breathing character!

But let's not forget where all the action goes down! It has to be more than just a scene-setter – it is more than just a backdrop; it must become a character in itself! Whether it's the eerie streets of Victorian London or a sleepy village in the countryside, we want to feel like we're right there, part of the story. The setting sets the mood, and it's what makes the mystery come alive!

Suspects, secrets, and intriguing cast: The mystery's ensemble

And what's a mystery without a bunch of quirky suspects, right? Every character's a potential suspect, and each one has their own story, secrets, and motives. The relationships between the characters, their interactions, and their conflicts all contribute to the rich tapestry of the mystery.

And there always has to be that one person whose motives you doubt, it's the person who just gives you that feeling! It's like a crazy puzzle within a puzzle, and we love every minute of putting the pieces together.

Solving the riddles: Clues and fair play

Oh, and speaking of puzzles, here's the best part! A cardinal rule of mystery writing is "fair play." The author drops all the clues, and it's up to us to play detective alongside our hero. We piece together every tidbit of information, form theories, and feel like total geniuses when we finally solve it all. It's like the ultimate brain-teaser, and we're up for the challenge!

Is it all about the whodunit? Themes that make us ponder

But a mystery isn’t just about the "whodunit" element; it is also about the emotional impact.

We're talking about those universal themes that make us ponder life and our place in it. Justice, morality, human nature—the whole shebang! The mystery becomes a vehicle for delving into the human psyche, sparking introspection and contemplation.

Words that cast a spell: Elegant writing and sharp dialogue

Now, let's talk style. The language in a mystery novel should be smooth like butter, captivating us from the get-go. We want to be whisked away into the heart of the mystery, feeling every emotion, hearing every whisper. And don't even get us started on the dialogue—it has to be sharp as a tack, showing us who's who and what's what.

The big reveal: Jaw-dropping twists that leave us gasping

And then, the moment we've all been waiting for—the big twist! A great mystery has to have one, and boy, does it leave us gasping! It must be jaw-droppingly unexpected, tying up all the loose ends and blowing our minds. The author becomes a magician, pulling off the most epic sleight of hand.

For us, the best twists are those that challenge our assumptions, subvert expectations, and demonstrate the author's mastery of misdirection. A well-executed twist is the hallmark of a great mystery novel, making it memorable long after the final pages are turned.

Conclusion: Crafting an unforgettable mystery experience

In conclusion, the key to crafting a great mystery novel lies in the delicate interplay of characters, plot, setting, and language. It's the art of weaving an intricate puzzle that challenges and engages readers, inviting them to embark on a thrilling journey of discovery. A successful mystery novel not only entertains but also enlightens, leaving an indelible mark on the minds and hearts of its audience.

Here at Once Upon a Book Club, we love bringing books to life, and there is always great excitement when it comes to our mystery book boxes! Looking for just the right novel and those unique gifts is so much fun. Our May box, “The Sleuth and the Chef,” included a custom hardcover copy of Mastering the Art of French Murder by Colleen Cambridge and three gifts that brought this incredible mystery to life! We simply loved it, and Julia Child is a character - how fun!

Explore more adult book box genres here, or learn what makes a great mystery here!  Be sure to get our guide to adult book box subscriptions over here!