THIRTEEN MYSTERY STORY TECHNIQUES
1. ATMOSPHERE - darkness, howling wind, rain, gloom, heat, cold, etc.
2. SUSPENSE - the writer waits to tell you something important until your curiosity has been aroused. ("rapping" at the chamber door).
3. SHOCK - something frightening can be reported without warning. ("Suddenly...")
4. CLUES - hints are dropped during the story to keep you interested.
5. DENOUEMENT - the ending, when everything is explained and you find out "who dunnit."
6. EYE WITNESS - the writer may tell the story as if he/she were really there, or found the evidence. ("I heard a shot and...")
7. DISTANCE - a story can be set in a far-away place or at a time far in the past or future. Puts the reader off guard.
8. HERE AND NOW- a story can be set in everyday modern America. The reader feels part of the scene.
9. ROMANCE - adds interest and sells books. The murder of a beautiful girl seems more shocking than any old murder.
10. SYMBOL - An object can be used to suggest a deeper meaning (the Raven).
11. REPETITION - a clue or word may be repeated as the story builds up or the same character may appear in many stories. (Nancy Drew; "Nevermore")
12. GIMMICK - odd titles ("Case of the rolling marbles") or clues (torn tissues) can get the reader interested.
13. WORD CHOICE - long or strange words can suggest that something unusual is going on. Language or rhythm can sound sad, lively, creepy, etc.