Read the following mystery/crime and thriller story and complete the activity below.
You can also research the mystery/crime/thriller genre online to help you find the answers.
The House
Barry Ionsberg (2008)
The electricity was Out.
He should know. He'd ripped out the wires the previous day. It
would be a great house, though. Eventually. Just a simple matter of new
plumbing, a complete rewire. Oh, and new floors, ceiliws and walls.
No worries. He had the time and skills to do it all by himself. And when
it Was finished — well, he'd make a lot Of money. Miles from anywhere
ten acres and endless possibilities. He'd picked the place up for to
nothing. There'd been rumours about the house, some superstitious
rubbish and he reckoned that was why it was so cheap. Not that he gave
a stuff. He Was practical and had no time for daydreams.
He woke up suddenly, heart hammering. •Ihe night was moonless
and starless. Darkness snuffed out e.erything and he couldn't see the
hands on his watch. Yet he knew. He could feel A presence, something
there in the room with him, watching. The hairs on his arms stiffened
and his face beaded with cold sweat.
He reached for the torch on the bedside table. His hands brushed
against the rough material of his blanket, found the hard edge of the
table. He reached out, fingers trembling.
And the torch was placed into his hand.
Typical settings
Characters
Common conflicts/problems
Language features
Famous examples
Typical settings: The story is set in a house that the protagonist is renovating. It is described as being in a remote location, with ten acres of land. The house itself is rumored to be haunted or cursed, which adds to the mystery and suspense of the story.
Characters: The main character is Barry Ionsberg, who has bought the house and is renovating it himself. There is also a presence or entity in the house that is watching Barry.
Common conflicts/problems: Barry experiences a sense of unease and fear when he senses the presence in the house. This conflict between Barry and the unknown entity creates tension and suspense in the story.
Language features: The language used in the story creates a sense of suspense and mystery. Phrases such as "he woke up suddenly, heart hammering" and "darkness snuffed out everything" create a sense of fear and anticipation. The use of sensory language, such as describing the rough material of the blanket and the hard edge of the table, adds detail to the story.
Famous examples: "The House" by Barry Ionsberg is not a famous example of the mystery/crime/thriller genre as it is a made-up story for the purpose of this activity. However, famous examples of the genre include "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn, "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins, and "The Da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown. These books are known for their suspenseful plots, intricate mysteries, and thrilling twists.
Typical settings in the mystery/crime/thriller genre include:
1. A haunted house or an isolated location: In this story, the house is described as being miles from anywhere and surrounded by ten acres of land.
2. Urban settings: Many mystery/crime/thriller stories are set in cities or towns, where the protagonist often encounters dangerous situations and investigates crimes.
3. Small towns or villages: These settings often provide a sense of community and disguise the secrets and conflicts that lie beneath the surface.
Common conflicts/problems in the mystery/crime/thriller genre include:
1. Murder and solving the crime: Many stories in the genre revolve around a murder or crime that needs to be solved by the protagonist, who is often a detective or amateur sleuth.
2. Uncovering secrets: Characters often find themselves digging into people's pasts, uncovering hidden motives, and revealing long-held secrets.
3. Evading danger: Protagonists frequently encounter dangerous situations and must navigate through them while trying to stay alive.
Language features commonly found in the mystery/crime/thriller genre include:
1. Suspenseful atmosphere: Authors use vivid descriptions, atmospheric settings, and tense dialogues to create a sense of suspense and anticipation.
2. Clues and foreshadowing: Authors often scatter clues throughout the story, allowing readers to piece together the puzzle and make connections.
3. Plot twists and surprises: Mystery/crime/thriller stories often include unexpected plot twists and surprises that keep readers engaged and guessing.
Famous examples of mystery/crime/thriller stories include:
1. "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn
2. "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson
3. "The Da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown
4. "The Silence of the Lambs" by Thomas Harris
5. "And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie
Typical settings in mystery/crime/thriller stories can include secluded houses, dark alleyways, crime scenes, detective offices, and abandoned buildings. These settings are often chosen to create a sense of suspense and mystery.
Characters in this genre can include detectives, criminals, victims, witnesses, and suspects. They are usually well-developed and have distinct personalities and motivations. The protagonist is often a detective or an ordinary person who becomes involved in solving a mystery.
Common conflicts/problems in mystery/crime/thriller stories include solving a crime, catching a killer, uncovering a conspiracy, and exploring a mysterious event. These conflicts drive the plot and create tension and excitement for the reader.
Language features in this genre can include descriptive language to create atmosphere and suspense, dialogue to reveal character traits and advance the plot, and foreshadowing to hint at upcoming events. It is also common to use plot twists and red herrings to keep the reader guessing.
Famous examples of mystery/crime/thriller stories include "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson, "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn, and "The Da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown. These books are widely popular and have been adapted into successful movies.
Researching the mystery/crime/thriller genre online can provide you with more examples, insights into different styles and subgenres, and tips for writing your own mystery/crime/thriller story.