how many words in a mystery novel

How Many Words in a Mystery Novel: Exploring the Perfect Length

If you're an aspiring writer or an avid reader who loves mystery novels, you may find yourself wondering: how many words make up the ideal length for a mystery novel? While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, I can guide you through some popular choices and share a few notable authors and resources along the way.

The word count of a mystery novel can vary significantly depending on its subgenre, target audience, and author's writing style. However, most traditional mystery novels tend to fall within the range of 70,000 to 90,000 words, with some extending further to 100,000 words. It's important to note that these figures are not set in stone, and there are successful mysteries with shorter or longer word counts.

One renowned mystery writer to explore is Agatha Christie, often referred to as the Queen of Crime. Her novels exemplify the classic mystery genre and have captivated readers for decades. Some of her most beloved works include "Murder on the Orient Express," "And Then There Were None," and "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd." These timeless novels can serve as great examples of excellently crafted mysteries within the ideal word count range.

If you prefer a slightly longer mystery novel, you might want to delve into the works of Raymond Chandler. Known for his hard-boiled detective stories, Chandler's books often exceed the average length, reaching up to 100,000 words. His iconic character, Philip Marlowe, stars in classics such as "The Big Sleep," "Farewell, My Lovely," and "The Long Goodbye."

Now, you may be wondering where to find these fantastic novels and explore other mystery options. When searching for mystery novels online, some popular websites can help you discover captivating reads. Goodreads (www.goodreads.com) provides an extensive database of books and user reviews, making it an excellent resource for finding mysteries tailored to your preferences. Additionally, Amazon's Mystery, Thriller & Suspense category enables you to browse through a vast collection of bestselling mysteries.

In conclusion, the word count of a mystery novel can vary, but most traditional mysteries fall within the range of 70,000 to 90,000 words. However, notable authors like Agatha Christie and Raymond Chandler have crafted successful mysteries both within and beyond this range. To explore more mysteries, resources like Goodreads and Amazon can be valuable sources for discovering new authors and titles that align with your interests. So, whether you enjoy a concise detective story or a more substantial and immersive experience, the world of mystery novels has something to offer for every reader.
Super Six Doors Fiction
Super Six Doors

Ye Cangqiong crossed over to a martial arts world, becoming the lowest-ranked Black Iron One Star constable of the Six Sects. Arresting feared criminals, tracking down the elusive river pirates, became Ye Cangqiong's daily routine. What made him even more helpless was that wherever there was the Jianghu, there were traces of the Six Sects! What? The hidden treasury of Shaolin Temple was stolen? The whereabouts of Wudang's sect's treasured scriptures are unknown? Oh, and what's this? Centuries-old zombies and a millennium-old Corpse King?

148.73 Million words | 2021-02-25 15:19Update

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Invaders of Technological Civilization Fiction
Invaders of Technological Civilization

Originating from a technologically advanced civilization, the interdimensional traveler unintentionally arrived in this world of highly cultivated energies. In order to establish contact with the Federal Exploration Fleet, they unexpectedly embarked on a path of enlightenment and reached the pinnacle of spiritual growth. Along this journey, assuming the role of an invader, the traveler utilized the advanced powers of the spiritual civilization to enhance and optimize the Federation's inferior technology, effectively overpowering the indigenous cultivators.

561.97 Million words | 2023-02-07 05:25Update

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Immortal Card Fiction
Immortal Card

The dantian was broken by a young man, and unexpectedly obtained a super divine card artifact! From then on, he embarked on a unique cultivation path! With each card in hand, he feared no gods or demons! Infinite divine cards, infinite possibilities! Fire-type card: Burn these monsters to death! Fireball technique. Wood-type card: Don't panic, I have the ultimate resurrection card! Full health, full moral integrity resurrection! Trap card: Hehe! Kill one and double their death! Double? Summoning card: Ancient divine beast, come forth! Oh my goodness, can't believe it! It's a qilin divine beast? Senior sister card: Ah... senior sister... you're so big!

592.74 Million words | 2020-12-06 22:07Update

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Duo E Xiaoyao Xian Fiction
Duo E Xiaoyao Xian

Duo Erzhenren, a scattered immortal from the Western Kunlun Mountains, resides in the Eight Treasure Cloud Light Cave of the Nine Peak Iron Monastery. Lingji Bodhisattva, one of the Eight Bodhisattvas of the Western Buddhist Sect, possesses great magical powers and resides on Mount Little Sumeru. Xiao Yao Immortal, uh, have you never heard of him? Oh, well! Li Xiaofeng, what? You still haven't heard of him? Of course, you haven't heard of them, I just wrote about them. But actually! They are all the main characters of this story, all the same person. Why do I say that? You will understand after reading this book. Travel through the prehistoric age and become a carefree immortal! Blizzard Book Club ID:

578.45 Million words | 2022-02-03 11:58Update

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Sword and Spirits Fiction
Sword and Spirits

The Flower Fairy and the Ghost Fox are the masters of this world, yet they are controlled by the powerful Fox Woman. Sell a wife? Abduct a little girl? Use a female ghost as a warm bed maid? Kidnapped and sold to the Land of Daughters? Rising from an abandoned child, leading the family to fight against the world; hiding countless inherited poems and articles, but the beauties love his ruthless killings even more. Just because of the cursed world of the artifact, you don't understand!

136.75 Million words | 2020-08-14 07:16Update

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The Legend of the Primordial Yellow Dragon Fiction
The Legend of the Primordial Yellow Dragon

The Struggles of the Primordial Yellow Dragon

211.27 Million words | 2021-03-24 11:32Update

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Journey to the West: The Legend of Tang Sanzang Fiction
Journey to the West: The Legend of Tang Sanzang

I am Tang Sanzang. I am the true protagonist of the journey to the West. I am not going to the West to retrieve sutras, but to seek justice. Justice is the true path. In the chaotic era and ancient times, the original way was through killing! The path of killing arises for the sake of justice! I cultivate the path of killing!

125.39 Million words | 2022-05-18 16:33Update

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Yuan Ding Immortal Venerable Fiction
Yuan Ding Immortal Venerable

Throughout the vast expanse of time, reincarnation allows us to be reborn. I search for the dusty connections of past lives, seeking immortality and enlightenment. All I desire is to break free from the cocoon and reunite once more, gallantly smiling upon the world. Penguin Group Chat ID: [Insert ID here]

361.12 Million words | 2023-02-11 10:45Update

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The Five Elements Yin Yang Pass Fiction
The Five Elements Yin Yang Pass

He, burdened with family vengeance, stepped into the realm of cultivation and fortuitously learnt the supreme technique of Yin-Yang Five Elements. The miraculous transformation began, and with his own efforts and the company of his partner, he finally avenged the great hatred.

528.49 Million words | 2023-06-13 23:02Update

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Sorcerer Roaming Across Different Worlds Fiction
Sorcerer Roaming Across Different Worlds

The wind howled, the water of the Yi River turned cold, and the author could not get up again! The author kneels before the sea of people, swearing to all readers of this book that it is absolutely amazing. It only gets more exciting as you progress further. If it's not true, please take your collections and throw them at me, but if it is, please give your recommendations and collections! This is a story about a magician who continuously grows in a different world. Readers who enjoy traditional magicians, come and have a look. There will be various battles (collisions between magical and mystical spells), all kinds of love and

176.66 Million words | 2022-03-08 03:08Update

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The Great Ape King Fiction
The Great Ape King

A student from an art academy, crossed over to a different world and became a mischievous six-year-old child. He made a living by creating lifelike erotic paintings, indulging in countless affairs with mature women. Wang Fo'er's catchphrase was, "Big sister, auntie, come take a bath with me!" With a stick in hand, he asked, are there any heroes in heaven or on earth that can match me?

223.29 Million words | 2020-07-26 12:25Update

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The Knight Errant of Two Thousand Years Later Fiction
The Knight Errant of Two Thousand Years Later

Xiao Ze, is a descendant of the Xiaoyao Sect who was hit by a car two thousand years later. He is a leader who leads humans in resisting invasion. He wears a white robe and wields a three-foot-long green sword, leading humanity towards glory. PS: Newcomer and new book, please support!

271.67 Million words | 2022-07-26 11:47Update

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Shinto Flying Immortal Fiction
Shinto Flying Immortal

[Star Creation Award

253.28 Million words | 2022-07-18 02:11Update

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Nature's Creation Fiction
Nature's Creation

What is Zao Hua? The word "Zao" means creation, and "Hua" means changes. There is a cultivation technique in the world called "Zao Hua Tian Jing" that contains the profoundness of creation and changes! ... ... Let's see how the young man Yang Tian defies destiny and ascends to the peak of the world by practicing this technique, mastering the art of creation, and delving into the mysteries of changes. The Great Dao is boundless, and I hold the power of creation!!!

261.43 Million words | 2020-07-09 05:23Update

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The Life Chronicles of a Cultivation Teacher Fiction
The Life Chronicles of a Cultivation Teacher

He is a young university professor who unintentionally obtained the secret ancient scripture of the Five Emperors and became a cultivator of the Grand Chaos Five Elements Technique. He lives a secluded life, teaching at the university and nurturing others, with a low-key demeanor. However, his extraordinary presence is revealed inadvertently... [Disclaimer: This novel is a piece of pure fiction for entertainment purposes only. It contains excessive elements of arrogance and ridiculing others. Readers who dislike such content are advised to refrain from reading it!]

164.20 Million words | 2021-08-13 19:24Update

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Cultivation is possible. Fiction
Cultivation is possible.

In the everlasting peaceful morning, rain greets the guests, The spirit of enlightenment returns after three lifetimes. Mystic mountains and sacred peaks rise from the ground, A single thought reaches a thousand miles, brushing the clothes with hands. Reincarnation of enlightenment, achieving the status of a Golden Immortal! "Ali, bring the foot-washing water over." "I'm taking a bath, come in and pour some bathing water yourself!" "That doesn't seem right... Oh, why does your bathwater smell so fragrant?" Embarking on the path of cultivation, sitting in the heavenly abode, There is a fox servant named Ali, and all the excitement can be found in "The Path of Cultivation"! Join the discussion group of this book - "The Path of Cultivation Expert Group" [Group ID: ]

388.43 Million words | 2021-08-17 00:26Update

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Journey to the West: Immortality Fiction
Journey to the West: Immortality

Xie Zhen experienced the cycle of two lives and was reborn in the world of Journey to the West as a little demon on Mount Yinwu.

10.82 Million words | 2021-10-06 07:35Update

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Thousand reincarnations for eternal life. Fiction
Thousand reincarnations for eternal life.

A boy named Li, as ordinary as it gets, persevered through countless hardships, never wavering from his original aspiration. With unwavering determination, he finally attained immortality and became the supreme deity, revered throughout the world... (New book, seeking clicks, recommendations, and collections... Hehe... Updated three times a day, continuously for a year. Thank you.)

260.86 Million words | 2022-08-07 19:53Update

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Hidden Dragon Fiction
Hidden Dragon

A story related to cultivation, it may be different from typical xianxia novels because the author made an effort to present something unique. That's about it. If readers are looking for profound meaning or philosophy in this book, they will certainly be disappointed. In my opinion, this book is simply a means of passing time for everyone. If it achieves that purpose, then the author's goal is considered accomplished.

128.61 Million words | 2022-09-24 15:51Update

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The Greatest Demon Lord in History Fiction
The Greatest Demon Lord in History

A hundred thousand years ago, the Hundred Saints ruled over the heavens and the gods retreated, as the vast and mighty winds brought forth the grandeur of humanity! A hundred thousand years later, the myriad of heavens and worlds flourish, and all races thrive, with no one able to ascend to the ranks of gods! This is the best of times and the worst of times. This is the primeval world in my heart!

68.26 Million words | 2022-03-21 18:09Update

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