10 Elements of a Great Mystical, Paranormal or Mystery Story

I am no expert at writing. But, do love to write. Even as a young girl, I have always loved strange stories.. I have found myself jumping into that flash fiction games, as of late. So, I did a little research on what makes a good story. Here are 10 elements of a great mystical, paranormal, or mystery story.

A great, mystical, paranormal, or mystery story usually combines several key elements that keep readers intrigued and immersed in the world you’re building. Here are some of the best elements to include:

1. Atmosphere and Setting

Eerie or Supernatural Environment: A strong, atmospheric setting that feels mysterious and evokes a sense of wonder or dread is essential. Think misty forests, abandoned buildings, or haunted towns that feel almost alive with secrets.
Otherworldly Locations: Whether it’s a hidden dimension, a cursed house, or a magical realm, having places that defy the ordinary world adds depth and excitement.

2. Unreliable Narrators or Characters

Questionable Reality: Introduce characters who might be unreliable, causing the reader to question what’s real. Is the protagonist seeing ghosts? Are they losing their mind, or is something truly supernatural happening? The ambiguity adds intrigue.
Mysterious Backgrounds: Characters with hidden pasts or mysterious motivations always add a layer of complexity, encouraging the reader to keep turning pages to uncover their stories.

3. Strong, Compelling Mystery

Intricate Plot with Unanswered Questions: A good mystery keeps readers asking questions that need to be answered. What happened? Who is behind the strange occurrences? Why is this happening?
Twists and Turns: Well-timed plot twists or false leads that keep the mystery fresh and unpredictable are essential. These twists should be both surprising and make sense in hindsight.

4. The Paranormal or Supernatural Element

Ghosts, Spirits, or Creatures: These could be classic elements, but the key is to make them feel original or to give them a new spin. Maybe they’re not just haunting the living but are tied to a deeper mystery or curse.
Psychic Phenomena: Clairvoyance, telekinesis, or telepathy can add layers to the story, and having characters who can sense things others cannot builds tension.
Artifacts or Cursed Objects: Items with paranormal significance—like a mysterious book, amulet, or artifact—can drive the plot forward and offer tangible mysteries.

5. Hidden Knowledge or Forbidden Lore

Ancient Secrets: There could be long-buried knowledge that only a few know, and the protagonist must uncover it to solve the mystery. This could involve hidden rituals, forbidden books, or lost civilizations.
Esoteric Symbols: Symbols and codes that need to be decoded, hinting at deeper layers to the mystery. This could involve old legends, magical languages, or ancient texts.

6. Themes of Fear, Wonder, and the Unknown

Tension Between the Known and Unknown: A great paranormal story taps into humanity’s deep fear and curiosity about the unknown. Characters may question reality, and readers should feel that same discomfort—nervous anticipation of what could happen next.
Existential Themes: What happens after death? What’s the nature of reality? These kinds of larger philosophical questions can make your story resonate more deeply and add layers of meaning.

7. A Strong Protagonist or Investigator

Relatable, Flawed Protagonist: A compelling protagonist who’s either drawn to the mystery for personal reasons or a reluctant investigator is key. Readers should connect with them on an emotional level, whether it’s through their skepticism, vulnerability, or strong drive to uncover the truth.
Detective or Expert: If you’re writing a mystery, a skilled investigator, paranormal expert, or someone with specialized knowledge can be useful in moving the plot along while also giving an air of authority to the investigation.

8. Suspense and Pacing

Building Tension: Slowly ramping up the suspense with eerie moments, cryptic messages, and unsettling events keeps the audience on edge.
Pacing and Timing: A mixture of moments of calm where characters uncover clues, balanced with sudden bursts of action or revelations. The story should feel like a series of escalating revelations, with carefully timed peaks and valleys.

9. Psychological Elements

Mind Games: Play with the characters’ mental states. Are they being haunted, or are they descending into madness? The line between reality and delusion should be blurry.
Inner Struggles: Many great paranormal stories include inner conflict. Characters wrestle with fear, grief, guilt, or trauma, and the supernatural events often mirror or amplify these struggles.

10. A Satisfying Yet Open-Ended Conclusion

Climactic Revelations: The answers to the mystery should be earned, but you can leave some elements open-ended or ambiguous to keep the mystery alive. This can also leave room for sequels or the lingering feeling that not everything has been explained.
A Twist Ending: A satisfying, yet unexpected twist can leave a lasting impact. This could either fully resolve the mystery or add a new layer to what the reader thought they knew.

Combining these elements thoughtfully will create a deeply engaging story that pulls readers into a world of mystery, the unknown, and the supernatural, leaving them with plenty to think about long after the story ends.