Parts of a Mystery
Mystery Genre Vocabulary
Famous Detectives
Identify the Adjective
100

The most suspenseful and exciting part.

Climax

100
Where the story or events in the story take place. 

Setting

100

A detective that travels with his gang in the mystery machine. 

Scooby Doo

100

A horrifying ghost crept down the hallway.

Horrifying.

200

This very beginning of the story. Characters and setting are introduced here. 

Exposition.

200
The hints given to help the reader solve the mystery.

Clues.

200

Two brothers that work together to solve crimes. 

The Hardy Boys

200

The cemetery was much spookier at night. 

Spookier.

300

The problem is solved or the mystery is revealed in this part. 

Resolution.
300
The reason the suspect has given that proves they could not have committed the crime. 

Alibi.

300

An iconic American teen girl detective.

Nancy Drew

300

The old staircase creaked as Jane climbed them towards the attic.

Old.
400

These events are leading towards the resolution or conclusion. 

Falling action.

400

The character who collects clues and works to solve the mystery.

The detective or investigator.

400

Works with his sidekick, Watson to solve high profile crimes in London.

Sherlock Holmes.

400

The mysterious old lady rounded the corner and vanished from sight.

Mysterious.

500
These events lead up to the climax or most suspenseful part of the story. 

Rising action.

500
The main villain in a story. 

Antagonist.

500

A bumbling French detective known for his role in solving the mystery of the stolen Pink Panther Diamond.

Detective Jacques Clouseau

500

Jack nervously crept along the spooky hallway towards the banging sound. 

Spooky.