In storytelling, a mystery is one that involves a puzzling crime, especially a murder. A mystery story, like other types of genre, reflects certain typical characteristics. Aside from the obvious plot element that a character is killed, what makes “It Had to Be Murder” a mystery?

Question

SmokeyBrown · Answer

I'd say another important part of a mystery story is, to state the obvious, the "mystery"! Meaning that it should not be obvious who the culprit is or even how they committed the crime.
Often times, the enjoyment of reading a mystery comes from the characters learning more and finding clues little by little; in this way, the reader can "play along" and try to solve the puzzle that is the crime as they go. All of that would be ruined if the "mystery" were too obvious

Eli9lizzyyy · Answer

@smokeybrown wrote:

I'd say another important part of a mystery story is, to state the obvious, the "mystery"! Meaning that it should not be obvious who the culprit is or even how they committed the crime. Often times, the enjoyment of reading a mystery comes from the characters learning more and finding clues little by little; in this way, the reader can "play along" and try to solve the puzzle that is the crime as they go. All of that would be ruined if the "mystery" were too obvious

Couldn't have said it any better thanks

SmokeyBrown · Answer

No problem; I wouldn't be much of an "Ace Detective" if I didn't enjoy a good mystery lol