Lately, the question of what makes a good mystery bounced around in my head.
Not just a "who done it," murder mystery, but also the
"amnesia," type where we as readers are learning about the setting as
the heroes. The line lingers around giving the reader too much information and
spoiling "the big reveal," and not enough that frustrates the reader.
Curiosity, keeps the reader turning the pages. If rewarded with either
satisfaction of figuring the "crime" before the reveal, or an
emotional link between a main characters, the author has successfully
thread the line. If the "what is going on?" question still lingers
page after page, the reader's frustration closes the book. (For me the biggest
fear of this love of story, is for my audience to close the book, unfinished.)
Reader poll time.
Where is the balance of mystery that turns you away? Or keeps you hooked?
1. I can read the entire book and never know the setting. I just like a good
story.
2. I need something to go on. The story will only be enhanced with my grasp
and relation to the characters and setting.
3. I need my hand held with new places and people. It takes a while before I
get everything straight in my head. Then I enjoy the story much more.
4. I do not like mystery.
5. What? Is there something here I am supposed to figure out? Is the new
season of Longmire up on Netflix yet, Honey?
Comments and discussion are always welcome.
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