The Art of Suspense: How to Build Tension in Mystery Writing

Published Jul. 16th, 2024

Creating suspense in a mystery novel is an art in itself. Crafting a story that keeps readers on edge, guessing and second-guessing, requires subtlety, skill, and a deep understanding of pacing. As a writer, my goal is to lead readers down twisting paths and through dark forests—literally and figuratively—while keeping them captivated. Building tension doesn’t just involve throwing in surprises; it’s about creating a mood and planting just the right seeds of curiosity and dread. In this post, I’ll share techniques for building suspense in your writing, from revealing information at the right moment to developing settings and characters that heighten the stakes. Let’s dive into the art of making readers hold their breath as they turn the page.

Start With Unanswered Questions

Suspense thrives on unanswered questions, and the best way to build intrigue from the beginning is to leave some things unsaid. Think of it like meeting someone new: there’s excitement in the mystery of not knowing everything about them. In mystery writing, I start by presenting an unsettling or peculiar event without immediately explaining it. Maybe a character receives a cryptic note, or a strange footprint appears outside a window. This strategy lets readers’ minds run wild with possibilities, keeping them engaged as they try to piece things together.

As the story unfolds, it’s important to keep those initial questions alive while gradually introducing more. Readers are savvy—they’ll keep searching for answers, so feeding them just enough information to keep them curious is key. This is where layering suspense becomes an art form, stacking mystery upon mystery. With each new clue or bit of information, I aim to create a satisfying tension that feels natural and keeps readers invested. The trick is to offer just enough without giving too much away, making them feel as though they’re on the edge of discovery.

Develop a Setting That Contributes to the Mood

In suspenseful writing, setting isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a character in its own right. Think about how the moody, mist-covered forests of the Pacific Northwest might evoke a sense of mystery or foreboding. By choosing or creating a setting that aligns with the story’s tone, I can amplify the suspense tenfold. Whether it’s a lonely, wind-swept beach or an old, creaking house, a carefully crafted setting can make readers feel a sense of unease or anticipation. The goal is to make the setting feel alive, as though something within it is waiting to be revealed.

To bring a setting to life, I tap into sensory details. Descriptions of sounds, smells, and even temperature can make readers feel like they’re right there in the story. An abandoned cabin on a rainy night, for example, may evoke the smell of damp wood and the sound of raindrops tapping against windows—details that heighten tension and immerse readers. When the surroundings feel threatening or mysterious, they naturally raise the stakes for the characters and keep readers’ attention locked in. Setting is a powerful tool in suspense writing, helping to build a world that’s not only visual but visceral.

Pace Your Reveals for Maximum Impact

Pacing is the heartbeat of suspense. If you reveal too much too soon, you risk deflating the tension; reveal too little, and readers might lose interest. When writing mysteries, I plan out the timing of each reveal to keep readers engaged without overwhelming them. This involves giving hints, foreshadowing key moments, and strategically placing surprises. Building suspense is like winding up a spring: the tighter it’s wound, the more powerful the release.

One way to control pacing is by using short, punchy chapters to build momentum, then slowing things down for a moment of introspection or description. This ebb and flow creates a rhythm that keeps readers on their toes, unsure of what’s coming next. I like to intersperse these moments with unexpected twists, keeping readers from feeling too comfortable. By keeping a careful balance, I ensure that every reveal has maximum impact, delivering both satisfaction and surprise.

Build Characters Who Hold Secrets

Compelling characters are essential to any good story, but in mystery writing, characters with secrets can drive the suspense to new heights. Think about it: when a character seems to be hiding something, readers can’t help but speculate. A character’s mysterious behavior, hidden motives, or even minor inconsistencies create a sense of intrigue. By giving each character a bit of an unknown edge, I create an environment of distrust and suspense. Readers start to question who they can believe, and that’s exactly where I want them.

To make this work, I reveal these secrets gradually, often hinting at backstory or past events that shape their behavior. Each secret brings readers closer to the truth, but also raises new questions, drawing them deeper into the story. When done right, these revelations keep the suspense alive without ever feeling forced. A character who seems trustworthy but has a hidden agenda can create a tension that drives readers to keep turning pages, eager to understand the full picture.

Use Red Herrings to Keep Readers Guessing

Red herrings, or intentional misdirections, are essential tools for any mystery writer aiming to create suspense. These are the clues or story elements that seem significant but ultimately lead nowhere. They’re the trick that keeps readers guessing, drawing their attention to one thing while something else unfolds behind the scenes. For instance, a suspicious character might seem like the obvious culprit, only for the truth to be far more complex. Red herrings keep readers from becoming too comfortable, making them feel like detectives themselves.

To use red herrings effectively, I try to make them subtle, blending them seamlessly into the story. A well-placed red herring should feel natural and believable, not something that sticks out as an obvious trick. The goal is to keep readers engaged without making them feel tricked when the truth is finally revealed. I want them to enjoy the journey, piecing together clues and feeling that rush of realization when they finally understand the truth. By carefully planting these misdirections, I create a mystery that’s challenging, engaging, and rewarding.

Increase Tension Through Dialogue

Dialogue isn’t just a way to convey information—it can also be a powerful tool for building suspense. Conversations between characters can reveal hidden motivations, stir up conflict, and hint at unresolved issues, all without explicitly stating them. I often use dialogue to hint at secrets or raise suspicion, creating tension through what’s left unsaid or implied. A simple line of dialogue can raise eyebrows, suggesting more than the character wants to admit. By carefully crafting each exchange, I keep readers on edge, wondering what each character knows or suspects.

Well-written dialogue can also reflect a character’s personality and intentions, adding layers to the mystery. Tense conversations, subtle threats, or loaded silences speak volumes and can heighten the suspense between characters. The challenge is to write dialogue that feels natural yet purposeful, adding a sense of tension to even the most ordinary exchanges. When done right, dialogue becomes more than just words on the page; it becomes an emotional current that pulls readers into the characters’ world.

End Each Chapter With a Cliffhanger

Nothing keeps readers turning pages like a well-placed cliffhanger. Ending a chapter on an unresolved note creates a sense of urgency, urging readers to keep going to find out what happens next. It’s one of my favorite tools for maintaining momentum, especially when the story’s tension is at its peak. A cliffhanger can be as dramatic as a sudden threat or as subtle as a character’s unsettling realization. By leaving the story on a note of suspense, I can make readers feel they’re on the verge of something big.

Crafting a good cliffhanger is all about timing and impact. I want each one to feel like a natural part of the story, rather than a forced break. By carefully choosing what to reveal—or not reveal—I build anticipation that makes the next chapter even more rewarding. Cliffhangers keep readers guessing and eager, always feeling like they’re one step closer to uncovering the truth. For mystery writers, it’s a technique that never fails to create suspense and engagement.

Building suspense in mystery writing is a journey of carefully placed clues, hidden motives, and atmospheric tension. By creating unanswered questions, layering characters and settings with mystery, and strategically controlling the pace, writers can keep readers hooked from the first page to the last. It’s an art that requires patience, creativity, and a love for storytelling that draws readers into a world of intrigue and thrills. If you’re interested in diving deeper into the craft of suspenseful storytelling or have any questions about my own writing process, feel free to reach out. I’d love to hear from you at [email protected].