And Then There
Were None
What is a mystery??
The “Smoking Gun”
Beginning
 Usually starts with a scenario that grabs
readers’ attention and interest—and
holds their attention and interest
throughout the story.
Who did it?
 Each character has a motive for the
terrible thing that took place (such as a
murder), and the means to carry out the
crime.
The Candlestick in the
Billiard Room
 Clues—they build anticipation and
expectations
 “Red Herrings”—are clues about a
character that turn out to be erroneous;
false clues which lead the reader down
the wrong path
A “Cozy” Mystery
 This genre of mystery novels is Agatha Christie’s
specialty.
 A “cozy” mystery is one in which the setting takes place
at a secluded location (a small, cozy setting).
 The location is far enough, or secluded enough, from
civilization to make the characters isolated from the
rest of the world.




a secluded island
a river boat
a train
a cabin deep in the Rocky Mountains