I would like to know what readers want from a good mystery

[RJohnReves]

I dislike mysteries in which I solve the case 200 pages before the main character.

[Osubuckette77]

I like a good mystery to have an evolving main character with a background. I like a descriptive story but doesn't take many chapters to get to the action. A couple of misleading clues is always exciting too!

[Krism1004]

I love to think I am figuring it out only to realize the author wanted me to think that, but then spinning it in a way I had never imagined.

[plreadernow]

As a mystery reader and always in search for new authors, I feel the book must be interesting and start pulling you in within the first 30 pages. The story can and should be full of turns and various characters without becoming to difficult to keep all clearly distinct and segragated. Including some history or local charm is a plus but should not be too distracting or in depth. I'm a reader of Grisham, Woods, Patterson and lately Mark Gimenez. Always looking for someone new and different.

[Bluefirerose]

One thing I can't stand is a romance disguised as a mystery (the Stephanie Plum series comes to mind). Half the story is about who the protagonist is going to end up with. It's not important to the plot at all! It feels like the author wasn't sure what to do next so let's throw some sexual tension in there to distract the reader. If the romance is the reason behind the mystery like a love affair gone bad, fine. Otherwise, it's not needed.

[nana4jordan]

The first and foremost is the mystery itself..........it needs to keep me wondering who dunnit!!!!!! Although, when the author does provide a hint as to the culprit, the thrill is how the culprit is caught......The suspense. I just finished reading "V is for Vengeance" by Sue Grafton. Her main character is Kinsey Millhone, and this story entailed 3 or 4 main characters who when I started to read it, I kept wondering where the connections between these varied characters are. It isn't until the very end, all the connections are made and tied up in a nice neat bow.

The mystery that I truly love is the one I have to force myself (almost to the point of tying my hands) to go the end to find out who dunnit!

[amanda484]

To me a good mystery book must contain:
1. Right from the start suspense and plenty of it through out.
2. Plenty of twist and turns
3. Lots of detail
4. Clues that make you think you know what is going on just to prove you wrong.
5. Connection
I hate to pick up a mystery book and put it down after the first few chapters because the writer did not connect
with their audience.

[csuigar]

i know this is an old post but for me I love intrigue, I enjoy being kept on my toes- twisty plots that have me constantly guessing --i hate it when I can figure out the entire plot before the first half of the book. I also believe in character depth- i want a bit of a back story on the villain in the least, and of course action

[Gary Delligatti]

I personally like twists and turns, maybe puzzles, and at the end, The "Oh Wow!" factor!

[ALynnPowers]

Something mysterious.

[Dougiezerts]

I don't like mysteries where you know who the murderer is before the detective does--Columbo! I like to guess who the murderer is while the detective is investigating.

[lauriep219]

I like to be kept guessing. There are many mysteries in which you can guess the ending before you're even halfway through. I like misdirection. I just read The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins. I didn't see the end coming. I'm not sure if that means it was written as a good mystery or if there was just a lot of distraction.

[SparklingOne]

Pay attention to the ending. It's so disappointing when an author writes a real great story that flows really well then rushes to end with a whimper. I 've read quite a few like that.

[Jesska6029]

I love a good mystery. Every good mystery needs intriguing characters, including a possible unreliable narrator. A mystery also needs a really good plot. I need to be interested in solving the puzzle, so the mystery itself has to be interesting. I hate when I can easily guess the ending, so a nice surprise ending is always good!

[moonbeam23]

I agree with Clever plot twists, but I'd just like to add danger. I like feeling that the main character(s) are in Danger and that danger grows the closer they get to the culprit. Also bits of humor to break the tension once in a while can be fun and unexpected. I'm a fan of the original James Bond Books, love the movies too, but the books are still good and I've always loved Ian Fleming's cheesy names.