how many suspects should a mystery novel have

When it comes to a mystery novel, the number of suspects can vary depending on the plot and complexity of the story. There is no definitive answer to how many suspects a mystery novel should have, as it ultimately depends on the author's creative choices and the narrative they want to build. However, there are some general guidelines that authors often consider when crafting their mysteries.

In traditional mystery novels, it is common to have multiple suspects to keep readers engaged and guessing. Having several suspects adds depth and complexity to the plot, as it creates a web of potential motives and alibis. This allows the readers to engage in a guessing game, trying to figure out the true culprit before the big reveal.

However, the number of suspects should not be excessive to the point where it becomes confusing or overwhelming for readers. Too many suspects can potentially detract from the main storyline and dilute the impact of the mystery. It's important for authors to strike a balance and ensure that each suspect is well-developed and contributes meaningfully to the overall narrative.

Additionally, the number of suspects can be influenced by the subgenre of mystery. For example, a cozy mystery, which tends to have a lighter tone, may have a smaller number of suspects compared to a gritty crime novel. Cozy mysteries often focus on a small community, where the suspects are usually known to the protagonist, giving the story an intimate feel.

Ultimately, the key to a successful mystery novel is not the quantity of suspects, but rather the quality of the writing, the strength of the plot, and the intrigue created by the author. It is important for the author to craft a well-paced and captivating story that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.

If you're a fan of mystery novels and looking for recommendations, some popular authors in the genre include Agatha Christie, Arthur Conan Doyle, Raymond Chandler, and Gillian Flynn. Websites like Goodreads and Mystery Writers of America can also provide curated lists and recommendations based on your preferences. Happy reading and may your next mystery novel be full of suspense and excitement!
The Battle for Heaven's Court. Fiction
The Battle for Heaven's Court.

The Heavenly Court, which had been peaceful for a long time, was thrown into chaos as the Jade Emperor entered a secluded period of seclusion. The various sects fought over immortal honey and territory, causing a mess. The confused fairy, the master of the Sheng Palace, brought back three male disciples from the Ascension Cave this year. Faced with the troubled Jade Emperor, the meddling Immortal Hu person, the invasion of the giants and roots, the former fellow disciples, would it be a zero-sum game or a win-win situation? Would they reform the Jade Emperor through wall slamming or replace him altogether? Three women engaged in a palace struggle, three men fighting for control of the Heavenly Court... However, just when they thought they had achieved success and fame, a sentence from the Creator's Spirit made them shudder. Caution, weak-hearted beware! Tianlong excels at describing battle scenes, from large-scale battles between millions of gods and soldiers to tiny flea fights with celestial wolves. If the fights are not unique enough for you, feel free to bite me. It is my dream to turn "Conquering the Heavenly Court" into the first book of epic battles. (Please collect!)

140.57 Million words | 2022-10-18 19:46Update

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Moe Maidens Journey to the West Fiction
Moe Maidens Journey to the West

In the year of encountering demons, the super otaku girl Rulu resides in the Dayin temple, spending her days playing video games and watching anime, refusing to go out or

524.51 Million words | 2021-07-06 01:31Update

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Monkey King Sun Wukong Fiction
Monkey King Sun Wukong

"Journey to the West" merely tells the story of the westward journey. But is the situation really that simple? Now, I'll tell you, the journey to the west is just a beginning, the story is not over yet. Tang Sanzang, Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, Sha Wujing, the Little White Dragon. The paths of these five individuals will continue. When I kneel before the Buddha,

289.46 Million words | 2022-08-15 18:42Update

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Journey to the west: The Beginning - Challenging the Jade Emperor and Wreaking H Fiction
Journey to the west: The Beginning - Challenging the Jade Emperor and Wreaking H

When Sun Wukong was still a stone on the Mountain of Flowers and Fruits, and Tang Sanzang was still a golden cicada in front of the Buddha's throne. A unfamiliar soul became the land of the Mountain of Flowers and Fruits, and activated a quiz mode, pulling the four divine beings into it. "Who caused trouble in the Heavenly Palace?" "A Yang Jian, the Erlang God

7.95 Million words | 2021-05-05 21:45Update

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Master of the Form-Intention School in the Huashan Qizong Fiction
Master of the Form-Intention School in the Huashan Qizong

Zhou Qingxuan, a disciple of the Huashan sect, brought back an infant after a routine patrol. What impact will this infant have on the future of Huashan? And in this year, thirty years remain until the final showdown between the Huashan Sword Sect and the Yünv Peak.

24.25 Million words | 2022-03-02 00:17Update

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Mad Devotee修神 Fiction
Mad Devotee修神

He is a destitute young man, whose dreams were shattered by a bloody slaughter that wiped out his family. The discrimination from his clan filled his heart with fear, helplessness, sorrow, and despair. Through the slaughter, he unexpectedly gains the ancient god blood and a formidable martial art technique! The god blood contains immense power, and with the strength derived from his hatred, the young man cultivates at an astonishing speed, leaving others far behind. He is known as the reckless cultivator. Let us gaze upon how he defies the heavens in this world full of boundless greed, sin, and slaughter, and creates a legendary tale that people yearn for. [Disclaimer: This story is purely fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events or persons is purely coincidental. Please refrain from imitating.]

637.99 Million words | 2022-03-27 09:53Update

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The Evolution of the Madness God Fiction
The Evolution of the Madness God

Incurring the wrath of the Underworld's Yama, do not provoke the Mad God. An ordinary high school student, Lv Zhong, inadvertently obtains a mysterious pearl and becomes its master, assimilating the memories of the ancient Qi-cultivating scholar, Lv Yue, also known as the Plague God. Within these memories lies peculiar cultivation techniques and esoteric methods of bestowing plagues and controlling viruses. Thus, a new generation of unrivaled Mad God silently emerges in the city! All his enemies shall suffer the punishment of viruses. All his friends shall receive the best care. Before him, cancer cells are the most nourishing. In his eyes, no illness can hinder him. In his hands, viruses can unleash incomparable power. Saving lives or taking lives, all is at his whim!

576.28 Million words | 2020-11-14 14:13Update

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Eternal Flame Fiction
Eternal Flame

The vast and boundless universe, the eternal and indestructible divine fire, what secrets exist between them? Taiyang, born with a five-colored skin, is regarded as ominous; born noble in the Fire Clan of the Sun, but fallen into the mundane world, despised by others. Seeking survival in adversity, struggling in despair, by chance uncovering the mystery of oneself and gaining eerie abilities. Devouring the heavens and the earth, is this a turning point of destiny or a destruction in sinking? Pursued by millions of powerful beings, condemned by billions of living creatures, how will Taiyang make a choice? If you, my

242.37 Million words | 2020-10-18 04:27Update

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Interstellar Artist Fiction
Interstellar Artist

Others use guns to kill, but I use art! Others use medicine to save lives, but I use art to save lives! My father died, my family was broken, and I was exiled as a criminal. Reborn as a little loli, this is a brutal revenge story. What? My enemies have a mecha squadron, spiritual masters protecting them, and the backing of a third-level civilization? No problem. I can use my unique abilities on my paintings, driving you crazy until you die. [Completed novels: "Lonely Sect Master," "Immortal Wind Pharmaceuticals," "Full-time Bug," "The Chronicles of an Escape Husband in an Online Game"; Illustration: "The Talking Pen"]

575.28 Million words | 2020-10-23 12:45Update

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The Urban Nine Heavens Sword Emperor Fiction
The Urban Nine Heavens Sword Emperor

Above the nine heavens, a generation of Sword Emperor. After being reborn in the city, what kind of storm will be stirred up? Young girls, married women, police officers, flight attendants, fights, cruelty, both to others and oneself, the glory of a loser is always in harmony with the heavens and the earth. And after experiencing all of this, are the past grudges, right and wrong, truly like a dream, becoming fleeting smoke and clouds? Exciting story, please stay tuned for the new urban novel, Sword Emperor of the Nine Heavens. In conclusion, I'll say one more thing: Do not provoke me, even if I forgive you, my sword in hand will not forgive you.

549.97 Million words | 2022-05-05 12:26Update

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The Number One Sect Leader in the World Fiction
The Number One Sect Leader in the World

Xiao Tianyun couldn't believe that he had become the sect leader less than a month after transmigrating, and he never expected to discover a sect leader system in his divine consciousness after taking on the position. Unfortunately, the sect was small, with only a dozen or so people, and even as the sect leader, he was just a nobody in the cultivation world. What worried him even more was that the members of the sect were eyeing his position, and rumors were spreading outside about the powerful treasures within the sect. In the face of internal and external troubles, how could Xiao Tianyun find a way out? If you, my dear readers, think "The Number One Sect Leader in the World" is great, please remember to recommend it to your friends in your QQ groups and on Weibo!

67.50 Million words | 2022-01-29 19:24Update

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Returning from the realm of martial immortals Fiction
Returning from the realm of martial immortals

Five years ago, Xiao Fan suddenly disappeared mysteriously, with no trace of life or death. No one knew that he had actually gone to a vast and boundless world of immortals, where gods and demons coexisted. Five thousand long years have passed, and now Xiao Fan returns, possessing enigmatic and awe-inspiring abilities. If you, dear readers, find "Return from the Immortal World" to be enjoyable, please don't forget to recommend it to your friends in your QQ groups and on Weibo! Read the latest chapters of "Return from the Immortal World" without any pop-ups, enjoy the full text of "Return from the Immortal World." ...

249.96 Million words | 2021-05-31 16:50Update

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Fairy Flame. Fiction
Fairy Flame.

He has been exceptionally intelligent since childhood, yet his brilliance remains restrained. With unwavering determination in cultivating immortality, he will compete for that elusive opportunity. Witness how he establishes himself in the ruthless world of cultivating immortality, where the strong prey on the weak and strength reigns supreme. Follow his journey as he traverses through mountains and rivers, facing countless tribulations, constantly ascending, and ultimately attaining immortality. This book will present a grand spectacle of the cultivation world. The author aims to depict the joys and sorrows of cultivation, where there are no overnight breakthroughs, only steady progress towards immortality. Using plain, unadorned language, the author offers readers a classical and immersive cultivation novel. Yanzi's Four Gates VIP Group: (Recruiting for the new group) Yanzi's Three Gates Group: (Regular group, currently recruiting) Yanzi's Gates Group: (Regular group, full) Yanzi's Second Gate Group: (High-level group, full) Check out Yanzi's new novel "Extraordinary Chronicles," which has begun serialization on Chuangshi Chinese Website. Your support is greatly appreciated!

394.81 Million words | 2022-02-03 22:04Update

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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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The Five Elements System of All-Powerful Fiction
The Five Elements System of All-Powerful

This world is far from being as simple as imagined! "What you see may not be real, what you feel may just be superficial..." "So the world has long ceased to exist for humanity? Then why am I still able to... Am I forgotten by the world? Or have I forgotten the world, or perhaps..." With

298.27 Million words | 2021-07-21 18:24Update

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The Supreme Soul Path Fiction
The Supreme Soul Path

Hanli Three Books: In the Beginning of Hongmeng, Embodiment and Respect, Supreme Soul Path. Seeking simplified Chinese edition for publication. If interested, please add me on QQ: [QQ number]. Hanli's new book "Forging the Body with Bones" has been uploaded, book number: [book number]. Can bones be used as the embryo to forge the strongest divine weapon? There is a direct link below ↓↓↓↓↓↓

297.27 Million words | 2023-06-29 01:19Update

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Record of Taming Demons Fiction
Record of Taming Demons

Historical backdrop, immortal world, slight humor, subtle critique. Claiming territory, raising monsters, repairing heaven and earth, ultimately becoming carefree.

488.08 Million words | 2020-12-12 03:52Update

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Task: Wuxia Fiction
Task: Wuxia

Traveling through various worlds, meeting different people, and experiencing a series of unique events.

120.66 Million words | 2022-03-16 19:58Update

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The Calamity of the Heavenly Dragon Wreaks Havoc in Martial World. Fiction
The Calamity of the Heavenly Dragon Wreaks Havoc in Martial World.

In the past life, he was a serial killer who mercilessly slaughtered. In this life, his entire family was massacred. With a tumultuous fate, Zhang Feng embarked on the path of darkness. "I shall become the number one hypocrite in the martial world and deceive and kill everyone!" Standing before his parents' graves, Zhang Feng solemnly declared. ... At the peak of the snowy mountain, a black-clad figure wearing a golden mask held a gleaming cold blade against the neck of a stunning beauty. "Young Master Duan, Hero Xiao, the person beside me is not the leader of the Demon Sect. The true leader of the Demon Sect is your fourth brother, Zhang Feng. His intention is to bring calamity upon the people!" The beautiful woman said sorrowfully. "Nonsense! Since my debut, I have never killed an innocent person. When did I become the leader of the Demon Sect?" Zhang Feng said firmly. ...

576.92 Million words | 2022-05-23 06:28Update

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Fengcun Mountain of the Spiritual Platform Fiction
Fengcun Mountain of the Spiritual Platform

Human potential is limitless, character can change, talents can be cultivated, courage and ambition can be developed. A ordinary young boy happened to obtain a piece of jade tiger, which can transform his mind into seven kingdoms and countless armies. Squad leader, two marshal, pl

550.60 Million words | 2021-04-14 15:27Update

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