how long should a mystery novel be

When it comes to the length of a mystery novel, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The ideal length of a mystery novel can vary depending on various factors such as the complexity of the plot, number of characters, and the author's writing style. However, there are certain guidelines that can help you determine how long your mystery novel should be.

Generally, mystery novels fall within the range of 70,000 to 100,000 words, which roughly translates to 250 to 400 pages. This length allows enough space to develop the plot, introduce and develop characters, and maintain a good pace to keep readers engaged.

Shorter mystery novels, typically referred to as novellas, can be around 30,000 to 50,000 words, while longer ones might exceed the 100,000-word mark. It's important to remember that the goal is not to meet a specific word count, but rather to strike a balance between engaging storytelling and keeping readers interested throughout the book.

If you're a fan of mystery novels and looking for recommendations, here are a few renowned authors known for their masterful storytelling in the genre:

1. Agatha Christie - With classics like "Murder on the Orient Express" and "And Then There Were None," Agatha Christie is celebrated as the queen of mystery.

2. Arthur Conan Doyle - The creator of Sherlock Holmes, Arthur Conan Doyle's detective stories, including "The Hound of the Baskervilles," continue to captivate readers.

3. Gillian Flynn - Known for her thrilling and gripping narratives, Gillian Flynn's "Gone Girl" and "Sharp Objects" have gained widespread popularity.

4. Raymond Chandler - A pioneer of hard-boiled detective fiction, Raymond Chandler's works, such as "The Big Sleep" and "Farewell, My Lovely," are treasured by mystery enthusiasts.

Remember, if you're looking to explore more mystery novels, there are several reputable websites and platforms that offer recommendations, reviews, and discussions about the genre. Some popular choices include Goodreads, Mystery Writers of America, and CrimeReads.

In conclusion, the length of a mystery novel can vary, but a range of 70,000 to 100,000 words is a good starting point. However, the most important aspect is to craft a compelling and engaging story that keeps readers hooked until the very end. So grab your detective hat and pen, and start plotting your mystery masterpiece!
The Supreme Tao Fiction
The Supreme Tao

The wind and clouds gather in front of the Nine Heavens Palace, ascending straight up ninety thousand miles to the Azure Skies. Roaming freely within the three thousand worlds, controlling the boundless chaos with ease.

405.89 Million words | 2023-06-09 20:22Update

martial arts system novel urban martial arts system novel martial arts master novel

Imperial Emperor of Immortals Fiction
Imperial Emperor of Immortals

Fang Pu spent ten years reading thousands of books, cultivating a literary aura, and gaining the power of a dragon in his practice. With this, he washed his marrow and eradicated all flaws, undergoing a complete transformation. From then on, he embarked on a journey as a mere scholar, determined to become a dominant figure who overlooks the world and stands above all. Only by annihilating the immortals and saints of countless realms can he truly establish his unrivaled dominance!

173.77 Million words | 2021-09-11 06:48Update

martial arts system novel martial arts fiction martial arts master novel

Immortal Realm Cultivation Fiction
Immortal Realm Cultivation

A novice cultivator's struggle in the fairy realm! An ordinary person who has not experienced the heavenly tribulation grabs onto the leg of a pure white fairy and ascends to the fairy realm. His romantic encounters continue unabated, as he seduces the most difficult-to-seduce fairies in the fairy realm. His growth causes major forces in the fairy realm to take notice, filled with fear and unease. He tames terrifying and powerful fairy beasts as his pets. Confronted with various conspiracies and schemes, this novice raises his foot and smashes them one by one!

210.10 Million words | 2020-08-22 11:13Update

xianxia online novel top xianxia novel xianxia novel translation

Shen Luo Seven Realms Fiction
Shen Luo Seven Realms

The Ten Levels of Mortal Realm, Refining the Skin, Strengthening the Meridians, Toughening the Bones, Breath Control, Breathing In and Out, Concentration, Integration, Tremendous Strength, Breaking the Void, Returning to the Original. The Ten Levels of Cultivation, Qi Refinement, Qi Transformation, Qi Consolidation, Qi Accumulation,

176.39 Million words | 2021-08-18 06:34Update

reincarnated as a plant life novel xianxia light novel xianxia novel meaning

Invincible Cultivation System Fiction
Invincible Cultivation System

【Hot and Free】Invincible slaughter, experience explosion; collect pictorial, summon fairies; with the system in hand, I rule the world. Dare to provoke him? Then in front of him you will become a "wild monster", a "rare monster", a "boss", killing you would mean equipment, treasures, experience... ps: Invincible cultivation, exciting martial arts novel, invincible style, system style, sleazy style, it has everything~ The author's custom tags: wealthy family journey, system style, sleazy.

345.02 Million words | 2022-11-27 05:46Update

martial arts system novel complete martial arts attributes novel full attributes martial arts novel

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

novel martial arts martial arts master novel full attributes martial arts novel

Supreme Martial God Fiction
Supreme Martial God

The young prodigy, Shen, from a prestigious family, suffered grave injuries in the Youth Strongman Tournament and was abandoned by his family in a desolate mountain. At the brink of despair, he encountered the Martial Saint, Tianlang, who had achieved the Deva realm. Under his guidance, Shen underwent rigorous training in the ancient forest and obtained the ninth-grade spiritual treasure, Dragon Reishi, bestowed by the heavens and earth. Furthermore, he stumbled upon a descendant of the dragon race, the Rainbow Holy Dragon. With his newfound power, Shen made a triumphant comeback and swept across the world with unmatched dominance.

182.44 Million words | 2021-06-02 14:09Update

martial arts fiction martial arts novel global martial arts novel

Super fusion Fiction
Super fusion

Spiritual energy is the foundation for all cultivators. In modern cities, spiritual energy is scarce, and spiritual pills, treasures of heaven and earth are few and far between. However, Xu Yu unexpectedly obtained the ability to extract spiritual energy from ordinary food and seamlessly integrate it into anything... From then on, his era has arrived! Witness how he achieves the immortal path in the city. ... ... ... A new book has been uploaded, book number, in desperate need of everyone's support. Please provide all assistance.

244.00 Million words | 2021-11-11 22:24Update

novel updates xianxia xianxia online novel xianxia novel

Traveling Across Li Hu Chong Fiction
Traveling Across Li Hu Chong

Linghu Da, a homebody, transmigrated into Yu Zheng's version of "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer" and became the male lead, Linghu Chong.

18.03 Million words | 2022-04-24 05:15Update

novel martial arts martial arts master novel fictional martial arts

My Life as a Monk Fiction
My Life as a Monk

Heaven represents yang, Earth represents yin. Thunder represents zhèn, Wind represents xùn. Water represents kǎn, Fire represents lí. Mountain represents gèn, Marsh represents duì. Between Heaven and Earth there is qi, which governs the renewal and succession of all things. As I move between Heaven and Earth, between breaths, I inhale and exhale qi. The end of the world? Ha ha ha, I laugh...

111.73 Million words | 2021-12-27 10:18Update

fiction books about farm life farming life in another world light novel novel xianxia

Cultivation Cheats Fiction
Cultivation Cheats

You say you've finally mastered the Nine Transformation Pill? I can simply buy it directly from the store, and it's even discounted at 20% off! You claim to have profound cultivation? Sorry, but I cultivate sword arts, spellcasting, and alchemy. You say your magical treasures are frequently upgraded? Of course, mine are all dropped by monsters, unlike you losers who have to refine them every day. Alone, you can't defeat me. If a group of people chases after me, I can just use a teleportation scroll. How foolish of you! You ask what I'm up to? Life is just a game, why take it so seriously!

528.99 Million words | 2022-03-03 19:58Update

global martial arts novel fictional martial arts full attributes martial arts novel

Limitless True Immortal Fiction
Limitless True Immortal

Mortal cultivation, immortal cultivation, the ancestors cultivate the truth. Young Luo Zhen, born with an extraordinary pulse, breaks through the limits of the mortal body with great determination, forms a Dao embryo, steps into the path of immortality, and explores the secrets of eternal life... There is a saying: if immortals can die, it is all false; only the true immortals are eternal and boundless. ---------------- "Pure Yang

302.98 Million words | 2021-07-28 13:31Update

novel fantasy fantasy & science fiction xianxia novel meaning

Zombie in the Sealed Path Fiction
Zombie in the Sealed Path

Is the drought god, the progenitor of zombies, really a zombie? Where did the progenitor of zombies, Jiang Chen, go? Why did the progenitors Ying Gou and Hou Liao disappear for three thousand years? Chu Nan accidentally became a zombie, who says zombies are ferocious and terrifying? Not only are we not ferocious, but also very kind. If the heart is righteous, then it is righteous. Who says zombies are inherently

583.07 Million words | 2022-05-29 10:06Update

martial arts novel urban martial arts system novel fictional martial arts

Urban Cultivation Estate Lord Fiction
Urban Cultivation Estate Lord

Tang Chengxuan, an ordinary young man, worked odd jobs after graduating from college. Returning to his hometown, he accidentally obtained a celestial ring, embarking on a cultivation journey. He led a peaceful life in the city, practicing cultivation, growing vegetables, and treating illnesses. However, he was framed and forced to develop his own power. He opened a supermarket, purchased a martial arts gym, and established a manor to protect his loved ones and face various opponents. He was drawn into a mysterious world that ordinary people couldn't touch, experiencing numerous adventures and intertwining family, friendship, and love.

466.42 Million words | 2021-07-21 07:46Update

martial arts fiction novel martial arts fictional martial arts

Super Pet Cheat Fiction
Super Pet Cheat

In the chaotic world of immortal cultivation, numerous schools vie for dominance, each practicing their own profound techniques. There are the practitioners of the law, the body cultivators, the demon cultivators, the artifact cultivators, the ghost cultivators, the beast cultivators, the gu cultivators, and the magic cultivators. They are known as the Hundred Schools of Contention, on the path of the Great Dao, encompassing three thousand ways. Technological geek Wanxing, carrying his self-made super pet hack, reincarnates into this world and becomes a disciple of the Beast Taming Sect. "My pets can level up, rapidly boosting their strength." "My pets can undergo bloodline evolution. Even a mudskipper can evolve into a divine dragon."

40.17 Million words | 2020-07-14 17:50Update

martial arts system novel martial arts novel fictional martial arts

Wudang Moshi Valley Fiction
Wudang Moshi Valley

A national treasure-level Chinese medicine expert travels through time to the world of "Legend of the Condor Heroes" with the help of mysterious powers. What caused this phenomenon remains a mystery, but his first task is to shatter the void.

65.62 Million words | 2023-01-20 05:00Update

martial arts novel fictional martial arts full attributes martial arts novel

Full-time Son-in-law Fiction
Full-time Son-in-law

Transcending into a different world, carrying a marriage proposal, only to be brutally rejected. Chen Chao sighed, "Being rejected in marriage seems to happen every year, but this year, it's been especially frequent!"

520.52 Million words | 2021-06-24 20:24Update

martial arts system novel urban martial arts system novel complete martial arts attributes novel

The Rat that Devours the Heavens in the Primordial Chaos Fiction
The Rat that Devours the Heavens in the Primordial Chaos

In the beginning, chaos gave birth to Pan Gu; Tai Chi, two principles, four symbols, profound and mysterious. With the rise of the Dao, the Dragon Ancestor transformed into the Dragon Court. A great war erupted between the three tribes, powerful beings and demons emerged. Daoist Xiaoyao grasped the essence of bloodlines and seized control of Yin and Yang. In the battle with Dragon Court, thousands were slain, and the ancient divine powers and immortal techniques were displayed. The Heaven-swallowing Divine Rat entered the primordial realm, while Daoist Xiaoyao continued his transcendent path. "I am not a god, but a humble demon, yet I can rise and surpass even Hongjun! If you dare to bully me, beware the wounds you will receive when you turn around..."

171.30 Million words | 2023-05-15 01:08Update

martial arts fiction the peak of true martial arts novel full attributes martial arts novel

Wearing the Heart-throbbing Love of a Divine Brother Fiction
Wearing the Heart-throbbing Love of a Divine Brother

Su Qinwu entered a male-oriented adventure novel and became one of the harem members. She wanted to walk the path of the male protagonist and leave him with no alternatives. Cultivating the ultimate sword intent, refining rare elixirs, she aimed

595.21 Million words | 2020-07-22 13:18Update

martial arts fiction urban martial arts system novel martial arts master novel

God of War Fiction
God of War

【New fantasy novel by Lost Leaves, a masterpiece of classic legends!】 Marvelous pavilion window, traces of green ink on rice paper Hidden dragon and green unicorn, breaking through the divine magic formation Listening to the Buddhist chants in the ancient temple, transforming into a stone statue guarding the gods Evil spirits sigh for a strand of pure soul Laughing at my fleeting arrogance, relying solely on a three-foot green blade A thousand years of companionship witnessing the falling autumn rain Highly recommended by the author: the novel "God of Fight" adapted into a game of the same name, grand public beta now available!

101.94 Million words | 2020-11-22 23:41Update

fantasy fiction genre ya fantasy fiction new fantasy fiction