Mystery books are incredibly alluring, like a complex puzzle that readers want to solve at the same time as the protagonist’s detective—or perhaps before. Accurately determining the “whodunit” before to the big reveal can be rather thrilling. However, as the reader, how can you begin to spot hints and figure out the twists to crack the case before the investigator does? These reading suggestions will help you become an expert mystery solver.
Pay Attention to Character Introductions
Authors frequently reveal the guilty party early on, despite their best efforts to distract you with interesting side characters. Take note of the way each character is portrayed. The guilty party is frequently downplayed while hiding in plain sight in many classic mysteries in order to avoid raising suspicions. Characters that are introduced swiftly or quietly should be noted since they can be more significant than they first seem.
In character introductions, pay attention to small things like physical attributes, behavior, and any current disputes with other characters. Do they occasionally behave strangely or exhibit nervousness? Do inquiries cause them to overreact? If you notice these traits early on, you will have a list of potential suspects from the outset.
Examine the Clues and Narration Style
Authors bury hints throughout the plot by employing particular storytelling methods. Take note of any objects or symbols that recur repeatedly, backdrop surroundings, and descriptive details. These might not seem significant at first, but writers frequently use them as a kind of “Chekhov’s gun”—a narrative device in which little elements turn into significant ones towards the conclusion.
Make a mental note, for instance, if a mystery briefly mentions a missing object, odd footprint patterns, or peculiar conduct. This information might be essential to cracking the case. When you read, envision these hints as parts of a puzzle that fit together to form the larger picture.
Take the Least Doubting Persona
Mystery writers are masters of red herrings and deception, luring readers in by making certain people seem suspect while concealing the true culprit from view. The individual with the most secrets to conceal is frequently the one who is the least suspicious. Characters who seem unduly amiable, helpful, or naive should be avoided. They can be used to allay suspicions or give the impression that everything is fine.
Think about the reasons behind a character’s seeming innocence. Exists any behavior that doesn’t quite add up, no matter how subtle? Perhaps they were noticeably absent from important events, or perhaps they know something they shouldn’t. Here, the key is to be wary of persons that appear harmless, as they may be hiding the most important information.
Consider Opportunity, Means, and Motive
Mysteries frequently rest on the traditional triad of opportunity, means, and motive. As the inquiry progresses, consider who has the most motive to commit the crime. Does anyone have anything personally, professionally, or monetarily to gain? Examine the motivations of each character; occasionally, the answers are concealed in minute details, such as a casual remark or a backstory.
Next, consider the methods. Did the character have the means or access to a weapon needed to carry out the crime? Equally important is opportunity: did the suspect have the possibility to conduct a crime within the allotted time frame? Characters who possess all three can help you swiftly narrow down your suspect list and identify potential suspects.
Take Note of the Detective’s Errors
Even though the majority of fictional detectives are very intelligent, they occasionally make mistakes and become sidetracked. Sometimes detectives follow false leads, and authors frequently leave clues that point out when a detective is going in the wrong direction. If you see the investigator brushing off a character or clue, think about why they could be doing so and whether it has greater relevance than they are realizing.
By following your instincts when the detective is too quick to rule someone out, you might notice elements of the mystery they miss, giving you a potential edge in solving it before they do. This is particularly useful in mystery stories that involve an unreliable narrator or when detectives are emotionally invested in the case, as this can lead to subjective decisions.
Trust Your Intuition and First Impressions
When reading a mystery, your initial hunch about a character or clue is often worth revisiting. Authors sometimes play with readers’ instincts, making us question our first impressions as more information is revealed. Trust your gut if something seems “off” about a character or detail, even if the story seems to move in a different direction.
Note down your initial ideas or theories as you read to help with this. When you rely exclusively on memory, you could miss contradictions or inconsistencies in the characters’ remarks or actions. These notes can serve as helpful reminders of your instincts.
Seek for Recurring or Differing Hints
Authors frequently allude to the truth in character assertions by using contradicting information or recurring elements. Pay attention if a detail is repeated or if a character’s narrative deviates significantly from the available information. For example, a character may be trying to hide a falsehood if they keep bringing up their location or alibi. Character statements that do not match up with the detective’s findings are classic signs that someone might be hiding something.
Additionally, “close reading” abilities are useful in this situation. Since mystery books are designed to reward readers who pay careful attention, keep an eye out for recurring themes, words, or descriptions that could point to a deeper clue.
Think Like the Culprit and Trust Your Instincts
Sometimes solving a riddle can be unexpectedly successful when you follow your instincts. It’s probably something if it feels strange. Consider yourself the criminal: How would you best avoid suspicion if you were the one performing this crime? This strategy typically offers avenues, chances, and strategies that a more conventional investigator would overlook.
Many mystery lovers discover that approaching the case from a different angle—as the possible culprit rather than as a detective—can provide unexpected answers. Considering situations from the standpoint of “What would I do?” allows you to consider options outside the realm of conventional investigative reasoning.
In summary
One of the best things about reading mysteries is trying to figure out the enigma before the investigator. You may keep ahead of the story twists and find the truth on your own by being meticulous, researching alibis, examining character motivations, and following your gut. Every mystery offers a fresh challenge, but with these abilities, you will be ready to solve the case before the last page! Cheers to your detective work!