Why Do We Look For In A Good Mystery?

[J.S.]

Hi everyone, I was thinking of what makes a great mystery or thriller.

[Anna]

Hi J.S.
I need to be mystified and or thrilled to find a book a great mystery or thriller. For me it doesn't matter if the story is gritty or cozy, I want to be sucked in, made to care and if it's a mystery, given enough clues to make me feel a part of solving it. If it's a thriller, I want to care and have enough peril/urgency build until I'm on the edge of my seat for a reasonable amount of time. Keep it entertaining and moving along.

One woman's opinion.

--Anna Bendewald

[˜”*°•.˜”*°• Sheri •°*”˜.•°*”˜, Moderator]

I agree with Anna about clues. I hate it when the culprit turns out to be someone who was vaguely mentioned in the first sentence of chapter 3. It's no fun to read if I can't "help" solve the crime. 😄

[Jenny]

Hi J.S! I think this is a hard question to answer.

All readers are different and want different things from the story. For example, Anna and Sheri want clues so they can solve the case and I do not.


I like mysteries and thriller that engage me with the plot and I am unable to put the book down until the last page is read. I enjoy books that I go on a rollercoaster ride with the characters and be surprised by the conclusion of the book.