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We often get lost in the thrill of a great mystery. The tingling in our stomachs when finding out what happened, the curiosity of who planned it, and the thrill when you are just so close to discovering who the killer is are all the best elements of a mystery. Let’s face it – we get hooked on mysteries. Whether we get excited reading a book following a robbery sparking an air assault or just love to read some of the most classic mystery novels, there’s just something about the thrill of it all, leading us to want more as we uncover the truth behind the story.
Why Do We Get Hooked on Mysteries?
The Unknown
One element that keeps us reading a story page after page is the element of the unknown. Compared to other books, many questions revolve around the story. Basic questions like, “Who did it?” “What was the motive?” and “How did it happen?” are the most common questions that linger in our minds, getting us hooked on mysteries and unable to put the book down.
Many people study the unknown, and our curiosity leads us to crave knowledge, whether it is perceived to be important or not. The element of the unknown is somewhat of a factor that induces you to keep reading or watching, as it has been proven that our curiosity leads us to do great lengths beyond what we are typically willing to do or go.
The Connection to the Characters
In mystery novels, we not only read about characters, but also live their lives. We become entranced by mysteries not because we are simply reading the stories but because we become the detective looking for the cause, the cadet caught in the middle of a trophy heist, the police officer hunting down the criminal, or the prosecutor in pursuit of truth and justice.
The beauty of mystery novels and why readers get hooked on mysteries lie in the reader’s desire to solve a mystery and its somewhat interactive elements, such as finding clues or new leads, which are not always common in other genres.
The Feeling of Accomplishment
After arresting a serial killer, securing the lost treasure, or finding someone’s long-lost child, we often feel a sense of accomplishment after reading mysteries. We have a feeling that we were able to do something worthwhile and discovered something new. This is related to the aforementioned that we become the characters we read about.
Breaking Free From Reality
The sense of mystery and wonder found in mystery books can sometimes give us a fresh break from our world. Sometimes mystery books remind us of the most idealistic yet striking tenets that are no longer familiar to us in the real world – the pursuit of justice, and of course the most common, how the good guy always wins.
Sometimes, as we try to break free from the harsh or sad realities of our world, reading mystery books gives us a sense of comfort: that by the end, the killer will be caught or the issue will be resolved. Contrary to common belief, mystery books can be a great source of relief from the realities of facing a corrupt government or an unfair system that treats us wrongly.
Moreover, mystery books are always a great escape from the real world as they paint a world parallel to ours – one that we can relate to and understand, yet somewhat far and detached because we know it is fiction.
What Makes A Good Mystery?
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When I was growing up, mystery books were a massive part of my life. From Nancy Drew to Hardy Boys and Sherlock Holmes, we all know some of the greats in mystery novels. However, over time, I realized the more I read mysteries crafted by the same authors, the more I noticed that they somewhat follow the same pattern. This led me to be drawn to the stories of different authors and seeing how various characters would create a new mystery.
I realized that what makes a good mystery actually depends on each person – do they want to be involved? Do they want something more logical? Do they want a protagonist who thinks outside the box? The reality is that the very thing that gets us hooked on mysteries all lies on us, the reader. Want to try reading a new mystery book? Grab a copy of The Commander in Chief’s Trophy.
