A mystery novel is usually a fictional novel synonymous with detective fiction. Usually, a crime has been committed and the main character in the book, usually a detective, amateur or other professional is trying to find out who did it. 'Whodunit' novels focus on the puzzle involved and solving that puzzle. Other detective stories may focus on reality and action. A mystery novel provides an entertaining read and keeps one turning the pages. They have a way of getting the reader lost in the story and intrigued. Some are single books, while others are book series'. Usually the story is full of suspense, fast paced, and the detective is likable. A good mystery novel should leave one wanting more.

Mystery novels were first written in 1841. The first known novel was 'The murders in the Rue Morgue' written by Edgar Allan Poe. Thereafter pulp magazines and dime novels increased the popularity of these mystery stories around the turn of the century. In the 1920s, the two famous series' Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys were written increasing the interest in mystery stories greatly. In the 20th century, the mystery novel gave way to mystery TV shows, which have gained much popularity today.

Some of the all time favorite mystery characters include Sherlock Holmes, who is known for solving crimes through observing and making logical conclusions. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote Sherlock Holmes in the year 1887. He wrote 4 novels and 5 short stories on Holmes. Agatha Christie is a famous mystery novelist who wrote the Miss. Marple series. These novels are a must read for all mystery novel lovers.

When writing a mystery novel, one must write about the dark side of things. One must contemplate the mind of the criminal and the detective. Mystery writing is about the fallen - murderers, rapists, thieves and the like. There is much chaos and disorder, which the detective comes in to put aright. The mystery novelist creates a puzzle and then puts it together in the end. Piecing together this puzzle is what keeps the readers engrossed and intrigued by the story. The investigator or detective in a mystery novel must himself be untarnished and unafraid to face the criminals and to dig them out of any hole or dungeon. In the recent past, the mystery has included an investigation of the detective himself. As part of piecing the puzzle together, one finds that the detective has to first look within himself and at his own character to get the needed clues.

It is important that one contemplate each character in the story from the sordid to the morally upright. How should one portray the criminal? Is he a raving lunatic, a person tormented by a bad past or a psychiatric case? What kind of background should he come from? The same must apply to the investigator. What background should he come from? Do some things in his past also torment him? What drives him or her to chase after these criminals? Additionally, what is the setting of the plot? Is it modern times, the Wild West and the like? All these will lead to the creation of an awesome mystery novel.