This document outlines the key elements of a mystery genre story, including that mysteries do not reveal the full story and require readers to connect information and clues to solve gaps. It identifies common mystery characters like suspects, detectives, and witnesses and notes settings are used to create mood. It also discusses common mystery plots like crimes or problems to be solved and lists clues, foreshadowing, and distractions as elements used to help or hinder the reader/detective's ability to solve the mystery.

1. Mystery Genre
Mystery and Detective Stories

2. Elements of a MysteryElements of a Mystery
Mysteries do not tell the whole
story. It is up to readers to
notice the gaps in the story and
try to fill these gaps by using
and connecting the information
that is presented. The reader is
expected to enjoy the suspense,
and to read to find out what will
happen.

3. Elements of a MysteryElements of a Mystery
CharactersCharacters
Suspects: character(s) who may have committedSuspects: character(s) who may have committed
the crime or caused the problemthe crime or caused the problem
Detectives: character(s) trying to solve theDetectives: character(s) trying to solve the
mysterymystery
Witnesses: character(s) who saw the crime beingWitnesses: character(s) who saw the crime being
committedcommitted

4. Elements of a MysteryElements of a Mystery
SettingSetting
• Where the mystery takesWhere the mystery takes
placeplace
• It can help create the moodIt can help create the mood
of the story (dark,of the story (dark,
mysterious or scary)mysterious or scary)

5. Elements of a MysteryElements of a Mystery
PlotPlot
Usually, the story includes one of the following:Usually, the story includes one of the following:
• a problem that needs to be solveda problem that needs to be solved
• an event that cannot be explainedan event that cannot be explained
• a secreta secret
• a crime that has been committeda crime that has been committed
• something lost or missingsomething lost or missing

6. Elements of a MysteryElements of a Mystery
• Hints that help the detective and the reader solve theHints that help the detective and the reader solve the
mysterymystery
• Clues can be objects that are found or things people sayClues can be objects that are found or things people say
or door do
Clues

7. Elements of a MysteryElements of a Mystery
Foreshadowing & DistractionsForeshadowing & Distractions
• Foreshadowing – clues left by the author to help theForeshadowing – clues left by the author to help the
detective or reader figure out the mysterydetective or reader figure out the mystery
• Distractions - false clues that lead a detective orDistractions - false clues that lead a detective or
reader off track or make it more difficult to solve thereader off track or make it more difficult to solve the
mysterymystery

8. Author – Gordon Korman

9. Author – Jude Watson

10. Author – Andrew Clements