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ELEMENTS OF A MYSTERY STORY:

1. A crime is planned or committed againstt a person (murder. robbery etc), a place (vandalism) or an object (theft).

2. Crime is discovered.

3. Mystery solver arrives on the scene (or make himself known to the reader if he is already on the scene)

4. He ascertains if there were witnesses, what is known, has been heard or seen that is relevant.

5. Suspects are considered; frequently there are red herrings / false trails.

6. Motives must be considered; the suspect must have a motive. Motives could stem from a person's secret past as well as present circumstances.

7. The criminal never fully succeeds in covering his tracks ( a forgotten pair of glasses, the distinct scent of aftershave, a footprint etc)

8. A chase could be involved.

9. Ends with a confession and / or conviction.