Mystery GenreMystery and Detective

Stories

Elements of a MysteryElements of a MysteryCharactersCharacters

• Suspects: characters who may have Suspects: characters who may have committed the crime or caused the committed the crime or caused the problemproblem

• Detectives: characters trying to solve the Detectives: characters trying to solve the mysterymystery

• Witnesses: characters who saw the crime Witnesses: characters who saw the crime being committedbeing committed

Elements of a MysteryElements of a MysterySettingSetting

• Where the mystery takes Where the mystery takes placeplace

• Can help create mood of Can help create mood of the storythe story

Elements of a MysteryElements of a Mystery

Plot: The story of the mysteryPlot: The story of the mystery

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

Elements of a MysteryElements of a MysteryCluesClues

• hints that help the detective and the reader hints that help the detective and the reader solve the mysterysolve the mystery

• can be objects that are found or things people can be objects that are found or things people say or dosay or do

Elements of a MysteryElements of a Mystery

Most mysteries are set up the same way and look like Most mysteries are set up the same way and look like this:this:

• Middle: detectives work to solve the mystery by Middle: detectives work to solve the mystery by gathering clues and interviewing suspectsgathering clues and interviewing suspects

• End: the mystery is solvedEnd: the mystery is solved

• Beginning: meet the characters and learn about the Beginning: meet the characters and learn about the problemproblem

Mystery SeriesCam Jansen

Author David A. Adler

Mystery SeriesBoxcar Children

Author Gertrude Warner

Mystery SeriesLunch Lady

Author Jarrett Krosozka