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70 Mystery Writing Prompts That’ll Keep Your Readers Hooked

From whodunits to unsolved crimes, here are over 70 mystery writing prompts that will keep your readers hooked from beginning to end. 

The mystery genre is all about gathering clues and evidence to solve a crime or mystery of some sort. Common mysteries to solve may include murder, kidnappings, theft and any other unsolved crimes. The thing that makes a mystery story so appealing is that no one knows who the true culprit is until the very end of the story. And the big reveal at the end is always shocking to the reader. The secret to a good mystery lies in the plot twist . You have to be two steps ahead of your readers – Get inside the head of your readers and think, “Who would your readers think the main culprit is?” Then switch it around, and pick someone who is highly unlikely to be the real baddie.

You can pick a random prompt from our mystery writing prompts generator below to practice your plot twist skills on:

In a mystery novel, characters are a huge part of the mystery. Common characters may include:

• Street smart detective – They ask all the right questions, but are the answers to be trusted?
• Bent cop – Known for planting fake evidence at crime scenes.
• Mysterious guy – No one knows anything about them, and therefore they could be an easy suspect in the case.
• The scapegoat – The one everyone is blaming.
• The obvious suspect – All clues point to this person.
• The unobvious suspect – No real evidence against this person, but somehow they link to the crime in question.

When writing your mystery story think about the characters you would include carefully before diving in. We even recommend creating character profiles for each character, and maybe even a mind map to show their connection to the crime in question.

Take a look at this collection of the best mystery books for teens for some more ideas!

70 Mystery Writing Prompts

List of over 70 mystery writing prompts, from unsolved murder cases to items that vanished into thin air:

• The richest man on Earth has a hidden vault filled with millions of dollars, expensive jewellery and gems. One night he goes to add to his collection of gems and notices a sentimental piece of jewellery missing.
• One-by-one random things keep on going missing in your house. First your watch, then a teapot. Who is taking them and why?
• One of your classmates mysteriously stops coming to school. It’s been nearly 2 weeks since you last saw them. What could have happened to them?
• A police officer finds a dead body at a barber’s shop in town. The cause of death was drowning. No one knows how the body got there and who did it.
• A person takes a game of snakes and ladders too literally. In random locations around the city, snakes and ladders have been placed. Where do those ladders go? Why are snakes placed in these random places? Can you solve this strange mystery?
• You wake up in a warehouse with no memory of how you got there. The warehouse office is filled with newspaper clippings of missing people from the past 20 years. Who is the kidnapper and why are you in this warehouse?
• Last night a series of supermarkets and warehouses across the city were robbed. The thief or thieves only steal toilet paper. Can you solve this case?
• Meet Benji, the cat detective. Benji is a feisty feline who is on a mission to capture the great tuna can thief. 
• At exactly 7.08 pm last night a scream was heard from 59 Pebble Lane. The neighbours knocked but no one was home. Later that night, the police arrived at approximately 2.13 am to find a cold dead body on the floor in a pool of spilt tea.
• You are a reporter for the Imagine Forest Times newspaper, you are writing an article on the missing bird eggs in the local forest.
• Imagine you are a security guard. It’s your first night shift at the local art Museum. The next morning a priceless painting goes missing, and you are blamed. You need to prove your innocence before you are sent to prison, but how?
• Write a time travel mystery story where the main character keeps going back in time to find out who really murdered their parents.
• You and your friends go to the fairground. You decide to ride the carousel. Round and round you go, and then the ride stops. When it stops you notice one of your friends is suddenly missing. Where did they go? (See our list of writing prompts about friendship for more ideas.)
• The main character in your story is caught red-handed with the missing jewel in their hand. But did they really steal this jewel?
• Write a diary from the perspective of a paranoid person who thinks their neighbour is stealing from them.
• Write down an action scene where the main character trails the secondary character to an abandoned warehouse. What do you think will happen next?
• Someone has been stealing mobile phones at your school. You think you know who it is, so you set up a try to catch the thief.
• A bent police officer has been planting false evidence at crime scenes for years. Who are they protecting and why?
• Write a script between two characters who are meeting in secret to discuss some new evidence in a murder trial.
• Imagine you are a detective interviewing a suspect in the crime of jewellery theft. Write down some questions that you might ask the suspect. If you have time, you can also write the possible answers from the suspect’s point of view.
• You discover a note in your bag. It says, “I know what YOU have done!” – Who can have left this note, and what are they talking about?
• Write a story about a young police officer who is solving the murder case of his best friend from high school. The twist is that this police officer turns out to be the murderer.
• For over 10 years, your twin sister was missing. But there she is – Suddenly walking in the middle of the street. Where has she been? What happened to her?
• Imagine you are an investigator examining the scene of a murder crime. What types of clues would you look out for? Can you make a list of at least 10 possible clues you might find?
• A police car is chasing a potential suspect in a murder trial. Halfway through the chase, the police car disappears. The suspect slows down their car, and wonders, “What happened? Why did they stop coming after me?”
• You come home from school one day and notice that your mother’s things are gone. Your first thought is that she left you and your father. But the truth is that she was kidnapped by someone.
• A mysterious person has stolen all your teddy bears and is holding them for ransom somewhere. Each day you get a cryptic riddle. If you can solve each riddle you will receive one teddy bear back each time. 
• It’s the year 3,000. Your main character is a lawyer for a robot. They must prove this robot’s innocence in a human murder trial. (See this list of sci-fi writing prompts for more inspiration.)
• Someone keeps stealing textbooks from your school. One day you go to school and see a huge statement art piece outside the school made from the stolen textbooks. Can you find out who did this?
• Cinderella has turned into a detective. She needs to solve the case of the stolen glass slippers. After all those glass slippers are super rare.
• The main character in your story must prove their innocence in a murder trial. How would they do this? What evidence would they need?
• The main character in your story discovers that their brother is the real killer. They then try to destroy all evidence linked to their brother to protect them.
• “Poppy! Poppy! Where are you, buddy?” Mindy searched for her pet Labrador everywhere. But she was nowhere to be seen. It turns out all the dogs in town have been missing since last night. What could have possibly happened to them?
• Someone has been leaving embarrassing photographs of various people all over town. Can you track down this person? Why are they posting these photos? 
• Write a mystery story titled, ‘Piece-by-Piece’ about a jigsaw puzzle thief who is stealing random puzzles pieces.
• You notice some muddy footprints leading into a thick forest at your local park. You follow this trail of footprints to a secret hatch in the woods. The door of the hatch has been left open. When you go inside you discover something shocking.
• Your dog digs up an old lunchbox in your backyard. Inside the lunchbox, you find a key, an address and some old newspaper clipping of missing people. You think you can solve this case of the missing people by just visiting that address. But things get a little more complicated…
• This is a mystery story about a boy named Billy who’s home alone and is playing with a toy truck when he finds a strange box. His mother, a lady with a past, is suspicious of this mysterious box, so she calls the police. Billy’s mother is a detective, and they find that the box is really a trap, and Billy is kidnapped.
• Write a crime mystery story about how a little girl’s dream of becoming a scientist led to her death. Why would anyone murder a young girl who wants to be a scientist? How did this happen?
• A small-town sheriff gets caught up in the biggest robbery in history. When over a million dollars just vanish into thin air, people are quick to blame the shifty-eyed sheriff from out of town. But is he really the culprit in this crime?
• When Sara was a young girl she was kidnapped by a strange man and woman who took care of her. But now Sara wants to know what happened to her real parents. Are they still alive? Are they still looking for her?
• The clock is ticking. Somewhere in the city, a group of hostages are locked up. With every hour that goes by, one hostage will be killed. The main character, a street-smart detective must solve the clues to find the location of these hostages in time.
• A police officer finds himself in a very unusual situation. It is just before 6 pm on a Friday night when police were called to a disturbance in the street. The call came from a man who was allegedly threatening a woman with a knife. The man was arrested at 6.05 pm and taken to the police station. However, it was later revealed that the woman left at home has been murdered by someone else, but who?
• A murder mystery party takes a dark turn when one of the guests is murdered for real.
• Write a mystery story titled, ‘Who Stole My Homework?’ The main character’s A* worthy English essay is stolen by someone, but who?
• Use this sentence as inspiration: Inspector Robins pulls out his notebook and writes down two words: Green fingers.
• “10 car windows broken in 10 days! What does it all mean? What does it mean?” Exclaimed Detective Riley.
• During a stop and search, a police officer finds a dead body in the boot of a car. But is the car driver really to blame?
• A lost bracelet ends up in your best friend’s locker at school, along with other precious items. Your best friend is wrongly accused of stealing these items.
• One girl must find her stolen prom dress before the prom. In the days leading up to the prom, more and more of her accessories for prom night are being stolen. Who is this thief?
• Write a mystery thriller titled, “Come and Get It”. It’s about an arrogant criminal who is stealing sentimental items from each police officer in the state, He leaves these items in random locations in the city, along with a note that says: Come and get it!
• Every night the car alarms for every car on your street turn on at exactly 2.03 am. why is this happening, and who is responsible?
• A mysterious hacker has hacked into the city’s power grid. They have the power to on and off electricity whenever they want. Can you catch them before they do any more damage?
• A secret admirer is leaving expensive gifts for your main character. At first, these gifts seem great, but then they soon take a dark twist (see our Valentine’s Day Prompts for more inspiration).
• Your main character is at their senior prom. Dancing the night away. Suddenly the lights go off. Pitch darkness for a minute. When the lights come on, your best friend is gone. And there’s a message in red paint on the wall: You’re next!
• Your teacher gives back your English assignment, and you got an F! Looking closer, you realise that this is not your assignment at all! The same starts happening in your other classes. Someone has been swapping your assignments – But who?
• For the past few days, you have been receiving anonymous emails from someone. The emails are telling you not to be friends with him. You don’t take any of these emails seriously until the police come knocking on your door.
• A family picnic at the park becomes unbearable when you open up the basket to discover every family members untold secrets.
• You are at a Chinese restaurant with your family. It’s time to open up the fortune cookies. When your mother opens up her fortune cookie, it says: “One of your children has been very naughty!”. Then your father opens his cookie up, it says: “Who’s been sneaking around behind mommy’s and daddy’s back?” All eyes at the table are on you. But what did you do?
• Your main character is a bent cop. Trying to manipulate the course of justice, and helping real criminals get away with murder. One day, someone plants evidence that gets this bent cop arrested for a murder they did not commit.
• Write down a scene between two characters. In this scene, the ‘real’ criminal is trying to convince a detective that someone else is guilty of the crime of stealing from a church.
• There are three potential suspects in the murder case of Phillip Green. You are the lead detective on this case. What questions would you ask these suspects to find the real murderer? Make a list of at least 10 questions you may ask.
• A health inspector arrives at a vegan restaurant to discover rotten vegetables, and raw, old meat. The owners know nothing about this and believe someone planted this as sabotage. Who can have sabotaged the vegan restaurant?
• Write a short mystery story for kids titled, ‘Why is the sky blue?’ One child’s curiosity about the sky leads them to discover a secret playground in the park.
• Your main character is a news reporter who is convinced that the killer of Rosie Moore is still out there. They know that the police have convicted the wrong person for this heinous crime. Can your main character find the real killer before the wrong person is sentenced to life in prison?
• Someone has been replacing all shampoos around town with a hair removal solution. When half the town’s hair starts falling out, it is up to you, a top detective to solve this crime.
• Write a mystery story set in the future where a secret cyber group called the ‘Merry Man’ are hacking the bank accounts of rich people and giving this money to the poor. Your main character is a police detective trying to hunt the members of this cyber group down.
• A mysterious person is playing a nasty game of hide and seek with you. They have kidnapped your friends and family members and hid them in various locations within the city. You have exactly 1 hour to find each person before something bad happens to them.
• Someone has left a note in your locker at school. The note reads: Help me, please! You ignore this note, but more notes start appearing in your notebooks, bag and even at home. Until eventually you get a package through the mail. You open this package and scream…
• Write an animal mystery tale about a dog who wants to find the original owner of a doll he found in the park.
• Can you solve this bonus mystery prompt: Someone has been stealing socks from the locals at night. Who could this be and why would they be doing this? (See video prompt below for more ideas.)

Did you find these mystery writing prompts useful when writing your own story? Let us know in the comments below!

Marty the wizard is the master of Imagine Forest. When he's not reading a ton of books or writing some of his own tales, he loves to be surrounded by the magical creatures that live in Imagine Forest. While living in his tree house he has devoted his time to helping children around the world with their writing skills and creativity.

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73 Essay Hook Examples

An essay hook is the first one or two sentences of your essay that are used to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into your discussion.

It is called a hook because it “grabs” the reader and doesn’t let them go! It should have something in there that makes the reader feel curious and intrigued, compelling them to continue reading.

Techniques for Good Essay Hooks

Here are a few techniques that you can use to write a good essay hook:

• Use a Quotation : Sometimes, a relevant quotation from a well-known author or expert can help establish the context or theme of your essay. Next time you’re conducting research for an essay, keep an eye out for a really compelling quote that you could use as your hook for that essay.
• Start with a Statement that is Surprising or Unusual: A surprising or unusually statement will draw a reader in, making them want to know more about that topic. It’s good if the statement contradicts common knowledge or reveals an insight about your topic that isn’t immediately obvious. These can be particularly good for argumentative essays where you’re putting forward a controversial or compelling argument as your thesis statement .
• Tell a Brief Anecdote : A short, interesting story related to your topic can personaize the story, making it more than just a dry essay, and turning it into a compelling narrative that’s worth reading.
• Use Statistics or Facts: Interesting, surprising, or shocking facts or statistics work similarly to surprising statements: they make us want to know more about a topic. Statistics and facts in your introductions are particularly useful for analytical, expository , and argumentative essays.
• Start with a Question: Questions that make the reader think deeply about an issue, or pose a question that the reader themselves has considered, can be really effecitve. But remember, questions tend to be better for informal and personal essays, and are generally not allowed in formal argumentative essays. If you’re not sure if you’re allowed to use questions in your essays, check with your teacher first.

Below, I’ll present some examples of hooks that you could use as inspiration when writing your own essay hook.

Essay Hook Examples

These examples might help stimulate your thinking. However, keep in mind that your essay hook needs to be unique to your essay, so use these as inspiration but write your own essay hook that’s perfect for your own essay.

1. For an Essay About Yourself

An essay about yourself can be personal, use “I” statements, and include memories or thoughts that are deeply personal to you.

• Question: “Have you ever met someone who could turn even the most mundane events into a thrilling adventure? Let me introduce myself.”
• Anecdote: “The smell of freshly baked cookies always takes me back to the day when I accidentally started a baking business at the age of nine.”
• Intriguing Statement: “I’ve always believed that you haven’t truly lived until you’ve read a book upside down, danced in the rain, or taught a parrot to say ‘I love pizza.'”
• Quotation: “As Mark Twain once said, ‘The secret of getting ahead is getting started.’ That’s a philosophy I’ve embraced in every aspect of my life.”
• Humorous Statement: “I’m a self-proclaimed ‘professional chocolate tester’ – a title that’s not only delicious but also requires extreme dedication.”
• Start with your Mission Statement : “My life motto is simple but powerful: be the person who decided to go for it.
• Fact or Statistic: “According to a study, people who speak more than one language tend to be better at multitasking . As a polyglot, I certainly live up to that statistic.”
• Comparison or Metaphor: “If my life were a book, it would be a blend of an adventurous novel, a suspense thriller, and a pinch of romantic comedy.”
• Personal Revelation: “Ever since I was a child, I’ve had an uncanny ability to communicate with animals. It’s an unusual skill, but one that has shaped my life in many ways.”
• Narrative: “The day everything changed for me was an ordinary Tuesday. Little did I know, a single conversation would lead me to discover my true passion.”

2. For a Reflective Essay

A reflective essay often explores personal experiences, feelings, and thoughts. So, your hooks for reflective essays can usually be more personal, intriguing, and engaging than other types of essays. Here are some examples for inspiration:

• Question: “Have you ever felt as though a single moment could change your entire life? This essay is going to explore that moment for me.”
• Anecdote: “I was standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon, looking at the vast emptiness, and for the first time, I truly understood the word ‘perspective’.”
• Bold Statement: “There is a part of me that is still trapped in that room, on that rainy afternoon, holding the letter that would change everything.”
• Personal Revelation: “The first time I truly felt a sense of belonging wasn’t in a crowded room full of friends, but in the quiet solitude of a forest.”
• Intriguing Statement: “In my life, silence has been a teacher more profound than any words could ever be.”
• Quotation: “Einstein once said, ‘The only source of knowledge is experience.’ Now, looking back, I realize how profound that statement truly is.”
• Comparison or Metaphor: “If my life is a tapestry, then that summer was the vibrant thread that changed the entire pattern.”
• Narrative: “As the train pulled out of the station, I realized I wasn’t just leaving my hometown, I was leaving my old self behind.”
• Philosophical Statement: “In the theater of life, we are both the actor and the audience, playing our part and watching ourselves simultaneously.”
• Emotive Statement: “There is a sort of sweet sorrow in remembering, a joy tinged with a hint of sadness, like the last notes of a beautiful song.”

For an Argumentative Essay

Essay hooks for argumentative essays are often the hardest. This type of essay tends to require the most formal type of academic writing, meaning your hook shouldn’t use first person, and should be more based on fact and objectivity, often at the expense of creativity. Here are some examples.

• Quotation: “Thomas Jefferson once said, ‘Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government.’ If Jefferson were alive today, he would likely feel that this meed for a well-informed citizenry is falling well short of where he would aspire.”
• Provocative Statement: “Despite what romantic films may portray, love at first sight is merely a myth perpetuated by society. This essay will prosecute the argument that love at first sight is a myth.”
• Statistical Fact: “According to the World Health Organization, depression is the leading psychological disability worldwide. Yet, mental health is still stigmatized and often overlooked. This essay will argue that depression should be seen as a health issue, and stigmatization of depression causes serious harm to society.”
• Comparison: “Much like an unchecked infection, climate change, if left ignored, can spread far beyond what it is today, causing long-term economic and social problems that may even threaten the longevity of humanity itself.”
• Contradiction : “While we live in an era of unprecedented technological advancements, millions around the world are still denied basic internet access.”
• Bold Declaration: “Animal testing is not only ethically unacceptable, but it also undermines the progress of medical research.”
• Challenging Belief: “Despite popular belief, the automation of jobs is not a threat but an opportunity for society to evolve.”
• Quotation: “George Orwell wrote in ‘1984’, ‘Big Brother is Watching You.’ In our modern society, with the advancement of technology, this is becoming more of a reality than fiction.”
• Intriguing Statement: “Despite countless diet fads and fitness trends, obesity rates continue to rise. This argumentative essay will argue that this is because medical practitioners’ approaches to health and weight loss are fundamentally flawed.”
• Statistical Fact: “Research reveals that over 90% of the world’s plastic waste is not recycled. This alarming figure calls for a drastic change in social attitudes towards consumption and waste management.”
• Challenging Assumption: “Society often assumes that progress and growth are intrinsically good, but this is not always the case in the realm of economic development.”
• Contradiction: “Western society upholds the value of freedom, yet every day, members of society cede personal liberties in the name of convenience and security.”
• Analogy: “Like an overplayed song, when a news story is repeated too often, it loses its impact. In the era of digital media, society is becoming desensitized to critical issues.”
• Relevant Anecdote: “In a village in India, the arrival of a single computer transformed the lives of the residents. This small anecdote underscores the importance of digital inclusion in today’s world.”
• Call to Rethink: “In a world where success is often equated with financial wealth, it is time for society to reconsidered what truly constitutes a successful life.”

For a Compare and Contrast Essay

A compare and contrast essay examines two issues, looking at both the similarities and differences between them. A good hook for a compare and contrast essay will immediately signal to the reader the subjects that are being compared and why they’re being compared. Here are sine ideas for hooks for a compare and contrast essay:

• Quotation: “As Charles Dickens wrote in his novel ‘A Tale of Two Cities’, ‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times’. This could equally apply to the contrasting dynamics of urban and rural living.”
• Provocative Statement: “Despite popular belief, cats and dogs have more in common than society tends to think.”
• Comparison: “Comparing being an only child to growing up with siblings is like contrasting a solo performance with an orchestral symphony.”
• Contradiction: “While many view classic literature and contemporary fiction as worlds apart, they are more akin to two sides of the same coin.”
• Bold Declaration: “Android and iPhone may compete in the same market, but their philosophies could not be more different.”
• Statistical Fact: “Statistics show that children who grow up reading books tend to perform better academically than those who do not. But, the jury is out on how reading traditional books compares to reading e-books on screens.”
• Quotation: “As Robert Louis Stevenson once wrote, ‘Sooner or later, we all sit down to a banquet of consequences.’ This statement can be used to frame a comparison between short-term and long-term thinking.”
• Provocative Statement: “Democracy and dictatorship are often seen as polar opposites, but are they are not as different as they seem.”
• Comparison: “Climate change and plastic pollution are two major environmental issues, yet they demand different approaches and solutions.”
• Contradiction: “While traditional classrooms and online learning are seen as separate modes of education, they can often blend into a cohesive learning experience.”
• Bold Declaration: “Though both based on merit, the structures of capitalism and socialism lead to vastly different societal outcomes.”
• Imagery: “The painting styles of Van Gogh and Monet can be contrasted as a stormy sea versus a tranquil pond.”
• Historical Reference: “The philosophies of the Cold War-era – capitalism and communism – provide a lens to contrast economic systems.”
• Literary Comparison: “The dystopian societies portrayed in George Orwell’s ‘1984’ and Aldous Huxley’s ‘Brave New World’ serve as contrasting visions of the future.”
• Philosophical Question: “Individualism and collectivism shape societies in distinct ways, but neither one can truly exist without the other.”

See Here for my Guide on Writing a Compare and Contrast Essay

For a Psychology Essay

Writing an engaging hook for a psychology essay involves sparking the reader’s interest in the human mind, behavior, or the specific psychology topic you’re discussing. Here are some stimulating hooks for a psychology essay:

• Rhetorical Question: “How much control do we truly have over our own actions?”
• Quotation: “Sigmund Freud once said, ‘Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways.’ This essay will explore whether this is universally true.”
• Provocative Statement: “Contrary to popular belief, ‘venting out’ anger might actually be fueling the fire of fury.”
• Comparison: “Just as an iceberg reveals only a fraction of its bulk above water, conscious minds may only be a small piece of who humans truly are.”
• Contradiction: “While it may seem counterintuitive, studies show that individuals who are more intelligent are also more likely to suffer from mental health issues.”
• Bold Declaration: “Despite advances in technology, understanding the human brain remains one of the final frontiers in science.”
• Statistical Fact: “According to a study by the American Psychological Association, nearly one in five adults in the U.S. lives with a mental illness. Yet, mental health continues to be a topic shrouded in stigma.”

For a Sociology Essay

Writing an engaging hook for a sociology essay involves sparking the reader’s interest in social behaviors, cultural phenomena, or the specific sociology topic you’re discussing. Here are ideas for hooks for a sociology essay:

• Quotation: “As Karl Marx once noted, ‘Social progress can be measured exactly by the social position of the fair sex.’ Sadly, society has not made much progress in gender equality.”
• Provocative Statement: “Social media, initially created to connect people, is ironically leading society into an era of unprecedented isolation.”
• Comparison: “Comparing society to a theater, where each individual plays a role, it is possible to start to see patterns and scripts embedded in daily interactions.”
• Contradiction: “While people often believe that technology is bringing society closer together, evidence suggests that it’s actually driving a wedge between people, creating ‘digital divides’.”
• Bold Declaration: “Human societies are constructed on deeply ingrained systems of inequality, often invisible to those benefiting from them.”
• Statistical Fact: “A recent study found that women still earn only 81 cents for every dollar earned by men. This stark wage gap raises questions about equality in the workforce.”

For a College Application Essay

A college essay is a personal statement where you can showcase who you are beyond your grades and resume. It’s your chance to tell your unique story. Here are ten potential hooks for a college essay:

• Anecdote: “At the age of seven, with a wooden spoon as my baton, I confidently conducted an orchestra of pots and pans in my grandmother’s kitchen.”
• Provocative Statement: “I believe that life is like a game of chess. The king might be the most important piece, but it’s the pawns that can change the entire course of the game.”
• Personal Revelation: “It wasn’t until I was lost in a foreign city, armed with nothing but a map in a language I didn’t understand, that I truly discovered my love for adventure.”
• Intriguing Question: “Have you ever wondered how it feels to be part of two completely different cultures, yet wholly belong to neither?”
• Bold Declaration: “Breaking a bone can be a painful experience. Breaking stereotypes, however, is an entirely different kind of challenge.”
• Unusual Fact: “I can recite the periodic table backwards while juggling three tennis balls. It’s a strange talent, but it’s a perfect metaphor for how I tackle challenges.”
• Quotation: “As Albert Einstein once said, ‘Imagination is more important than knowledge.’ This quote has defined my approach to learning.”
• Narrative: “It was a cold winter’s day when I first discovered the magic of turning a blank page into a world full of characters, stories, and ideas.”
• Metaphor: “Like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly, my high school years have been a period of profound metamorphosis.”
• Humorous Statement: “Being the youngest of five siblings, I quickly learned that the best way to be heard was to become the family’s unofficial lawyer.”

Conclusion: The Qualities of a Good Essay Hook

As I wrap up this article, I want to share a few last tips on qualities that a good essay hook should have. Keep these tips in mind when writing your essay hook and using the above essay hook examples:

First, relevance . A good hook should be directly relevant to the topic or theme of your essay. The hook should provide a preview of what’s to come without giving too much away.

Second, Intrigue. A great hook should make the reader want to continue reading. It should create a question in the reader’s mind or present a fascinating idea that they want to know more about.

Third, uniqueness. An effective hook should be original and unique. It should stand out from the many other essays that the reader might be going through.

Fourth, clarity. Even though a hook should be captivating and original, it should also be clear and easy to understand. Avoid complex sentences and jargon that might confuse the reader.

Fifth, genre conventions. Too often, my students try to be so creative in their essay hooks that they forget genre conventions . The more formal an essay, the harder it is to write the hook. My general approach is to focus on statistics and facts, and avoid rhetorical questions , with more formal essay hooks.

Keep in mind that you should run your essay hook by your teacher by showing them your first draft before you submit your essay for grading. This will help you to make sure it follows genre conventions and is well-written.

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 15 Self-Actualization Examples (Maslow's Hierarchy)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ Forest Schools Philosophy & Curriculum, Explained!
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ Montessori's 4 Planes of Development, Explained!
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ Montessori vs Reggio Emilia vs Steiner-Waldorf vs Froebel

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How To Write A Great Essay Hook (With Examples)

• Smodin Editorial Team
• Published: November 24, 2023

Learning the secrets behind an effective essay starts with understanding the power of a hook. Your hook is the opening statement of your introduction and ultimately acts as an invitation to your readers. It invites them to explore the ideas you’re presenting, while also engaging their attention for a long enough time to read your work.

With a great hook, you can improve your writing skills and set the stage for a masterfully written essay. But what else is a good hook able to do? And what kind of hook can you use to write an incredible essay?

This guide (complete with hook sentence examples) will help walk you through the steps of writing a hook and how to use it to boost your grades and make your work more compelling than ever!

What Is An Essay Hook?

An essay hook is the opening sentence or paragraphs of your essay and is designed to pique the curiosity of your reader while also holding their attention long enough to read the rest of your work. Think about it – would you want to read an essay if the first sentence is long-winded and boring?

Generally, writers use an effective hook to set the tone for the rest of the work and give you a quick look ‘behind the curtain’. The hook tells you exactly what the essay is about in a thoughtful and thought-provoking way that leaves you hungry for more.

For example: “ Did you know that the average person eats around five pounds of shark meat every year? In a shocking study by the Shark Lovers World Organization, it was revealed that around 4% of all fish-based products contain shark meat. ”

Of course, this isn’t true (at least, we hope not!). But it did capture your interest and make you want to find out more. That’s exactly what a hook does.

A good essay hook can keep your readers interested and helps to engage them in what you’re saying. It also leaves a lasting impression on them, which means you’ve accomplished your goal of starting a conversation about your essay topic.

Types Of Essay Hooks

With the many types of essays and writing structures you can use for your work, there are just as many hooks to suit your topic. But which ones are relevant? And which one should you use to effectively introduce your writing?

Below, we’ve listed some of the most common types of essay hooks to help you narrow down your search.

Question hook

If you start your essay with a thought-provoking question, you have a great chance of engaging your readers from the get-go. This is because a question can encourage them to actively think about what you’re saying and spark curiosity about what the real answer to the question is.

It’s important to ensure that your question is relevant and intriguing, but it’s even more important that it aligns with the theme of your essay. Usually, your readers will want to keep reading to find the answers in the body of your essay.

Quotation hook

When you open your essay with a quote from a notable person or reputable organization, you add credibility to your work. This can be particularly important when you’re discussing a topic that needs expertise to build trust.

After you use a relevant quote, you’ll also need to explain why it’s relevant to set the stage for the discussion or argument that you’re presenting.

Statistic hook

Introducing your topic with a compelling statistic or data is another great way to add credibility to your paper. It shows your reader that you’ve done your research, and you have proof to back up the claims that you may be making in the body of your essay.

It’s essential to use statistics that are accurate, though, and they should come from credible sources. Otherwise, you may be undermining your work, which could lead to losing the trust of your reader.

Anecdote hook

The last time I started an essay with an anecdote, my professor gave my work a stellar review and I got the best grades in my class .

Did we grab your attention? Good. That’s how an anecdote hook works. An anecdote is a short personal story that establishes trust with your reader and creates an emotional connection. It can also add a layer of interest to narrative or descriptive essays.

In some essays, you can write an anecdotal hook from the perspective of a fictional character. As long as it sounds like a personal experience, it should reel your readers in.

Surprising statement hook

If you can, try to capture your reader’s attention with a bold or unexpected statement. When you catch them off guard, you can stimulate their curiosity. They’re going to want to keep reading to see how you address or support your surprising statement.

You can use this type of hook in several different ways. Whether you’re challenging a common misconception, giving counterintuitive insights, or presenting intriguing facts that will wow or shock your reader, you can start your essay off on the right note.

Description hook

A description hook helps to engage readers by painting an image or setting a scene using descriptive language. Typically, it appeals to the senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell) and describes something in enough detail that it makes the reader feel as if they’re actually experiencing it for themselves!

This type of hook is suited for narrative or descriptive essays because it allows you to set the tone, establish a certain atmosphere, and even evoke an emotional response in your reader. In turn, the reader becomes fully immersed in the scene that you’re setting.

How To Write A Great Essay Hook

Now that you understand the basics, it’s time to put your pen to paper (or fingers to the keyboard) and write a hook that will draw readers in and keep them reading. If you follow the steps we’ve outlined below, you’re sure to craft a hook that will reel in your audience – hook, line, and sinker .

1. Know your audience

Knowing your audience is perhaps one of the most important things to consider when you’re writing an essay hook. Are you writing for your teachers, peers, or a broader audience? Once you know that, you can move on to understanding their motives, and values, and how their emotions will affect how impactful your hook is.

Creating a connection with your audience grabs the reader’s attention and encourages them to keep reading your essay. And, by fostering this connection, you can make them more receptive to the message you’re trying to convey.

2. Understand the purpose of your essay

Before you can write your hook, you’ll need to know what the purpose of your essay is. Generally, your essay will try to inform, persuade, or narrate your subject. Either way, narrowing down the motivation behind writing the essay will help you on your quest to write a hook that suits your writing.

Your hook should always align with the concept of your essay since it’s used to introduce the main theme or argument. You can think of it as a preview of what you’re going to talk about – it gives your readers a glimpse into the direction of your written work and sets expectations for what your essay will cover.

3. Choose the right type of hook

The type of essay hook you choose significantly impacts your essay’s style and whether it will keep your reader’s interest. You can pick from a question, quotation, anecdotal hook, or any of the others we’ve listed.

By carefully selecting what types of hook sentences will captivate your reader and establish the right tone for your essay, you’re guaranteed to have a compelling introduction. You just need to make sure that your hook suits the essay you’re writing.

For example, if you’re writing a personal story hook as an introduction to a historical essay that relies on a chronological structure, it wouldn’t be very impactful. Instead, a quotation or statistic hook may be better suited to an academic essay like this.

4. Make sure your hook is relevant

Relevance is the key to creating a compelling essay hook. The hook should always connect to the topic of your essay, and the link between the two needs to be clear from the get-go.

This does mean, however, that you need to avoid unrelated information in your hook. Keeping with the example of writing a historical essay, we can illustrate this point perfectly.

Say you’re writing an essay on World War II, and you’ve chosen a statistical hook to open your writing. Adding statistics about coffee sales during the same time period is completely irrelevant and won’t have much of an impact.

Unrelated hooks can confuse your audience and completely lose the reader’s interest. On the other hand, a focused and relevant hook can grab the reader’s attention and make your essay more exciting.

5. Spark curiosity

The way that you phrase your essay hook is just as important as the type of hook you use. Ideally, your hook should excite the reader and spark curiosity that makes them want to keep reading.

A poorly worded hook can be confusing or – let’s face it – boring! And you don’t want to bore your audience before they even get past your introduction. Whether you’re asking a question or introducing the topic for your ideas, your hook should set the stage for the rest of your essay.

You may need to use some creativity for this step. But putting yourself in the shoes of your reader can help. Ask yourself ‘What would make me want to keep reading?’. Your answer is usually a good place to start!

6. Keep it short

Although an attention-grabbing hook is ideal, it’s essential to keep it short. You should focus on using impactful language that can effectively convey your message. This is mainly because a shorter hook can keep your reader’s attention without overwhelming them with too much information.

Remember, it’s all about balance. When it comes to essay hooks, you want to strike a balance between capturing your audience’s attention and giving them a concise overview of what your essay is about.

7. Tweak the tone

The tone of your hook sets up the tone for the rest of your essay – so it’s pretty important that you align your tone with the topic. To do this, you first have to ask yourself what the tone is . Is it serious? Or perhaps you want to come across as humorous? Either way, you’ll want to maintain a consistent tone throughout.

A good example of this would be when writing a personal essay. In this case, an anecdote hook would be a great way to kick off your writing. However, if your personal story is serious, a funny anecdote isn’t necessarily the best choice. Instead, you’ll want to pick an anecdote that matches the seriousness of what you’re discussing in the body of your work.

8. Revise your hook with Smodin

After you’ve written your hook, it might still need a little nip and tuck to go from almost perfect to perfectly polished. To do this, you can use several different techniques to rewrite it.

But the easiest way to ensure that your hook is bulletproof is to use Smodin’s AI Paraphrasing tool . It can spin your words to sound like it was crafted by an expert – in a matter of seconds. It’s also a good way to avoid plagiarism and check your text to see how well it performs (the flow, tone, and relevance).

You can also use our free AI Writer to generate a unique, plagiarism-free, and professional essay in just a few prompts. This can help you draft a rough copy of your work before making any adjustments or modifications to your final product.

Catchy Hook Examples For Your Essay

With a better understanding of the types of essay hooks, and how to use them, you are well on your way to crafting an effective and attention-grabbing introduction to your writing. But, if you still need a little help with tailoring hook types to suit your writing structure, take a look at some of these examples of hooks for different types of essays:

Argumentative essay hook examples

Statistical hook: “ According to a recent study conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Americans generate around 4.48 pounds of trash every day. This highlights the urgent need for recyclable products and packaging to address this pressing issue. ”

Question hook: “ Have you ever wondered how our experiences as children impact our daily lives and our resulting choices as adults? This critical question has prompted us to explore the topic of childhood trauma and the profound implications that it could have on our futures. ”

Persuasive essay hook examples

Statistic hook: “ Did you know that over 1.3 million tons of plastic waste are dumped into our oceans every year? This alarming statistic demands our attention and immediate action to address the pressing issue of plastic pollution. ”

Surprising statement: “ In a world that’s run by technology, it’s shocking to realize that the average person spends more time in their day scrolling through social media than sleeping. The digital age has not only revolutionized communication but has also left us questioning the true value of our time and relationships. ”

Narrative essay hook examples

Anecdotal hook: “ Raindrops tapped lightly on the window pane, and the slight rustling of the leaves seemed to whisper secrets in the wind. Little did I know that this ordinary evening would soon become an extraordinary chapter in the story of my life. It all began with a letter—an old, weathered envelope that held the key to a long-buried family mystery .”

Question hook: “ Have you ever wondered what it feels like to stand at the edge of a cliff, staring into the vast unknown below? The adrenaline coursing through your veins, the wind tousling your hair—each moment pregnant with the possibility of adventure. What if I told you that such a moment would change the course of my life forever? ”

Compare and contrast essay hook examples

Quotation hook: “ In the words of Aristotle, ‘Excellence is an art won by training and habituation’. As we delve into the realms of two seemingly disparate subjects, we must consider how their unique qualities and shared traits contribute to the pursuit of excellence in their own distinct ways. ”

Anecdote hook: “ As the sun went down, the city lit up with its busy streets, and I stood there, feeling stuck between two different places—the lively city and the peaceful countryside. In that moment, I noticed how city life and rural living are alike in some ways but also have their unique features. ”

Can I use the same type of hook for different essays?

While some hooks are versatile, it’s best to tailor your hook to the specific essay you’re writing and the topic you’re covering. You’ll need to consider the audience, purpose, and nature of your writing before choosing a hook.

Can I use a combination of different types of hooks in one essay?

Yes, you can experiment with combining different types of essay hooks in your writing, especially if your topic allows for different approaches. However, you should always make sure to include a smooth transition between the hooks and keep them simple. Otherwise, you risk confusing your reader.

Writing catchy hooks is more than just finding something clever to say at the opening of your essay. It’s about leaving an impression on your reader that will carry through the body of your work and leave them hanging on every word you say. Ultimately, your hook can make or break your essay.

With Smodin, coming up with, writing, and revising your hook is as simple as one, two, three. So why not try out our tools to streamline your writing process? There’s nothing to lose – and everything to gain!

How to Write a Hook: 10 Ways to Capture Your Readers’ Attention

by Yen Cabag | 4 comments

The first line of anything you write needs to grabs your reader’s attention. If you are reading a news article or a magazine feature, the first few lines typically determine whether you will keep reading or not. 

Whether you’re writing a novel, a short story, or an essay, mastering the skill of writing a strong hook is essential. This is one of the first things that differentiates an amateur writer from one with outstanding communication skills. 

What Is a Hook?

In rhetoric, a “hook” refers to the catchy first line of any written or orally delivered piece. Because it’s not strictly limited to writing, this includes spoken pieces like speeches, movies, plays, and even songs. 

When it comes to songs or movies, the hook is not dependent only on your words. For songwriting, an effective hook usually depends more on the melody line that you use to open your song. 

For movies, the visuals play an important role; screenwriters pay careful attention to the visual cues at the start of their screenplays. 

You can think of it as a fisherman’s hook, used to catch fish. Just as a fisherman uses a shiny hook with the right bait to lure and catch fish, you must have an effective first line to grab your reader’s attention. 

How to Write a Hook: The 10 Types

Writing a compelling hook takes skill. But you can use any of the following ways of writing a hook to get you started: 

1. The Surprising Statistic Hook 

Presenting a surprising fact or statistic is a great way to grab the attention of your audience. For example, an essay on the orphan crisis may begin with: 

Did you know that worldwide, there are roughly 153 million orphans? And every single day, about 5,700 more children become orphans. 

2. The Interesting Question Hook

A question at the very start of your piece challenges your readers to start thinking about the topic. It can be a simple yes or no question, but it can also be a more complicated question that will require them to think deeper. 

For example, when writing an essay about the need for good nutrition, you might ask: 

Why is it that we all say we believe in good nutrition, but very few of us actually consume enough fruits and vegetables or exercise regularly? 

This kind of question helps readers to start analyzing the cause of something: it may trigger them to look into their own reasons for not eating healthy or exercising regularly. When you do that, it increases the chances of them sticking around for whatever else you have to say. 

3. The Famous Quote Hook

An essay on good citizenship may begin with the famous John F. Kennedy quote: 

“Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” 

4. The Strong Statement Hook 

The Strong Statement Hook makes an assertive claim right on the get-go. For example: 

Sugar is the absolute anti-nutrient: every healthy thing that your body consumes, sugar would automatically negate. 

5. The Why Hook 

The Why Hook is when you start off your essay explaining why your topic is important. For example: 

Global warming is causing problems in every country around the world today. That’s why we need to look seriously into the issue by finding ways to be more ecologically responsible. 

6. The Joke Hook

A joke or an anecdote is a great way to break the ice, particularly in spoken pieces. For an essay, it may still work if the anecdote or joke helps to introduce the subject. However, we recommend you use this sparingly, as an appropriate joke weakens your essay. 

For example, if you’re writing an essay about the importance of punctuation, you may want to start with this condensed version of a joke: 

A panda walks into a bar and asks the bartender for a glass of brandy. After downing it in one go, he takes out his gun, shoots the bartender, and walks out the door.  Why did he do that?  Because a panda eats, shoots, and leaves. 

7. The Story Hook 

Sharing a story can effectively lure in your audience. You may use a personal story, or a story about someone else. 

Take note, though, that for a formal academic paper, it may not be appropriate to use personal pronouns. Make sure you check with your teacher before you opt for this technique. But for less formal writing assignments or for writing opinion pieces, this is a great option. 

Here’s an example for an essay on the importance of mothers reading to their children: 

When I was a child, my mother would read to me every night. We would cuddle up in bed, and I would wait excitedly for her to open the book in her hand. But she didn’t read me stories or fairy tales. Instead, she would read from a joke book, or the jokes section of Reader’s Digest, or from a religious daily devotional book. I find it odd that even so, I grew up loving to read. 

8. The Description Hook 

Giving your readers an idea of a desirable future is a great way of catching their attention. Use strong words to create a scene in your readers’ minds. For example, when writing about the things you love to do in the summer, you may start by painting a picture: 

Standing in the warm sand, watching the cool waves lap around my feet, and feeling the breeze ripple through my hair is an experience that I always associate with the summertime. 

9. The Misconception Hook 

A misconception or commonly-believed myth is another good way to hook your readers. You might choose an old wives’ tale, or something commonly held in your culture that does not have any scientific bearing. 

Were you always told to stretch before you exercise to prevent injuries? In truth, stretching a muscle that has not been warmed up yet can actually cause injuries .

10. The Metaphor/Simile Hook 

Using literary devices such as similes or metaphors is another way to start your essay with a bang. You can make a direct comparison to your topic to make it more understandable. 

For example, when writing about the importance of children reading excellent literature, you might start with: 

Children’s minds are like their bodies: just as children’s bodies need healthy food to thrive and grow, their minds also need nutritious food, in the form of rich ideas in books, to grow strong and healthy. 

What Is a Hook for an Essay?

In an essay, the hook falls in the introduction paragraph. To review, the parts of an essay include: 

• Introduction Paragraph(s): This includes your hook, the background information, and your thesis statement .
• Body Paragraphs: Each body paragraph starts with your topic sentence. Then you elaborate using detail sentences, and wrap up the paragraph with your conclusion sentence. 
• Concluding Paragraph(s): In the conclusion paragraph, you first review the thesis statement. Then you review the topic sentences, and tie it all up with your final line. 

One important thing to remember is that the hook does not replace your introduction. You still need to build on your hook to form an introduction that effectively lays the foundation for your piece. 

Marketing Hooks

Hooks aren’t just for essays: they’re also important to marketing, and can make or break your campaign.

When it comes to marketing, you might use creative hooks in your blog post headlines, ad copy, company slogan, or even in your book’s subtitle. These hooks are usually short, as modern consumers have short attention spans, and most advertisers have limited time or space to capture that attention.

To come up with a clever hook for your business, product, or service, think about the message you want to convey to consumers. What do you want to inspire them to do? What’s your big picture? What makes you and your business unique?

Here are a few examples of different types of hooks that have worked for different platforms:

• FedEx : “When it absolutely, positively has to be there overnight.” This hook associates something that is important and relatable to many consumers (the urgency of a delivery that needs to be made ASAP) with the FedEx name, so when people need to make an urgent shipment, they’ll think of FedEx.
• The 90-Second Fitness Solution : The Most Time-Efficient Workout Ever for a Healthier, Stronger, Younger You . The main title of this book catches a reader’s eye with its promise of something everyone dreams of ( a 90-second workout?! ) while its subtitle goes on to elaborate on the benefits of this solution. So after the initial grab, we’re drawn in by even more enticing promises.
• 15 Great Jobs for English Majors: How to Turn Your “Useless” Degree Into a Successful Career : This blog headline was designed to catch the attention of job-seeking English students, while its sub-headline uses words that many English majors have probably heard for a relatable, ironic spin.

Hook Your Readers

Try these different types of hooks and see which one works best for your essay.

To develop your writing skills further, challenge yourself to use different types each time you sit down and write, instead of always reaching for your favorite type. 

Which type of hook is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments below. 

If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:

• How to Write a Speech: 6 Tips for a Powerful Address
• How to Write a Thesis Statement
• How to Write a Research Paper: The Complete Guide for Students
• 31 Best Online Research Tools

Yen Cabag is the Blog Writer of TCK Publishing. She is also a homeschooling mom, family coach, and speaker for the Charlotte Mason method, an educational philosophy that places great emphasis on classic literature and the masterpieces in art and music. She has also written several books, both fiction and nonfiction. Her passion is to see the next generation of children become lovers of reading and learning in the midst of short attention spans.

It was very helpful and I become much more understanding

We’re so glad the post was helpful to you! :)

Thank you for your helping me to become a better writer and enjoy writing.

You’re very welcome, Abbas! We’re glad you found the post helpful! :)

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How to Write the Ultimate Essay Hook

4-minute read

• 6th May 2023

Never underestimate the power of an essay hook . This opening statement is meant to grab the reader’s attention and convince them to keep reading. But how do you write one that’ll pack a punch? In this article, we’ll break this down.

What Is an Essay Hook?

An essay hook is the first thing your audience will read. If it doesn’t hook them right off the bat, they might decide not to keep reading. It’s important that your opening statement is impactful while not being too wordy or presumptuous.

It’s also crucial that it clearly relates to your topic. You don’t want to mislead your readers into thinking your essay is about something it’s not. So, what kind of essay hook should you write? Here are seven ideas to choose from:

1.   Story

Everyone likes a good story. If an interesting story or anecdote relates to your essay topic, the hook is a great place to include it. For example:

The key to a good story hook is keeping it short and sweet. You’re not writing a novel in addition to an essay!

2.   Fact

Another great essay hook idea is to lay out a compelling fact or statistic. For example:

There are a few things to keep in mind when doing this. Make sure it’s relevant to your topic, accurate, and something your audience will care about. And, of course, be sure to cite your sources properly.

3.   Metaphor or Simile

If you want to get a little more creative with your essay hook, try using a metaphor or simile . A metaphor states that something is something else in a figurative sense, while a simile states that something is like something else.

Metaphors and similes are effective because they provide a visual for your readers, making them think about a concept in a different way. However, be careful not to make them too far-fetched or overly exaggerated.

4.   Question

Asking your audience a question is a great way to hook them. Not only does it make them think, but they’ll also want to keep reading because you will have sparked their curiosity. For example:

Find this useful?

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Try to avoid using questions that start with something along the lines of “Have you ever wondered…?” Instead, try to think of a question they may never have wondered about. And be sure not to answer it right away, at least not fully. Use your essay to do that!

5.   Declaration

Making a bold statement or declaring a strong opinion can immediately catch people’s attention. For example:

Regardless of whether your reader agrees with you, they’ll probably want to keep reading to find out how you will back up your claim. Just make sure your declaration isn’t too controversial, or you might scare readers away!

6.   Common Misconception

Laying out a common misconception is another useful way to hook your reader. For example:

If your readers don’t know that a common belief is actually a misconception, they’ll likely be interested in learning more. And if they are already aware, it’s probably a topic they’re interested in, so they’ll want to read more.

7.   Description

You can put your descriptive powers into action with your essay hook. Creating interesting or compelling imagery places your reader into a scene, making the words come alive.

A description can be something beautiful and appealing or emotionally charged and provoking. Either way, descriptive writing is a powerful way to immerse your audience and keep them reading.

When writing an essay, don’t skimp on the essay hook! The opening statement has the potential to convince your audience to hear what you have to say or to let them walk away. We hope our ideas have given you some inspiration.

And once you finish writing your essay, make sure to send it to our editors. We’ll check it for grammar, spelling, word choice, references, and more. Try it out for free today with a 500-word sample !

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How to write a hook: 8 tips to lure in readers

Knowing how to write a hook is one of the key skills separating published from unpublished authors. Publishers want to know (among other things) that your book will appeal to an audience within the relevant market. How do you write a hook that makes readers lose track of time in book stores and library aisles?

• Post author By Jordan
• 3 Comments on How to write a hook: 8 tips to lure in readers

1. Create unanswered, emotive questions

2. front-load character actions and choices, 3. keep secondary details minimal, 4. make your reader care, 5. try simple thrills or chills, 6. exploit non-linear time for drama, 7. use pace, mystery and suspense, 8. read great authors’ hooks for insights.

Let’s unpack each of these suggestions a little:

In all forms of storytelling – fiction, journalism, essay-writing – the ‘5 W’s’ form the core of the hook. A great hook leaves us asking one or more of the following:

This may be stating the obvious: These questions are most ‘hooky’ when they are emotive. ‘Who ate all the ice cream in the middle of the night?’ is not a particularly compelling opening question.

If we combine two of these questions, with an emotive, character-based element, it gets more interesting. ‘Who is the teen sitting in the garden late at night eating ice cream from a tub and wiping tears from their eyes?’ That’s immediately more compelling. We wonder about the character, why they are doing this, the significance of their emotional state.

In a murder mystery or thriller, the opening emotive action will typically involve emotions such as fear and anxiety. ‘Who is the stealthy person hiding a lumpy, duffel bag in the creepy town outskirts?’

In a romance novel, the unanswered questions may be more of the ‘who’ variety (‘Who is the stranger near the pool at the resort who gives the protagonist a smoldering glance?’)

Whatever your genre and preference, make sure that your opening lines already begin to create questions in the above categories.

2. Front-load actions and choices

The danger of beginning with slowly-evolving backstory is that by the time you get to characters’ actions, predicaments and conflicts the reader’s lost interest. This isn’t to say that stories that unfold slowly can’t be successful. Yet if we’re looking at hooks, often the most compelling opening is the most dynamic and character-based.

Take, for example, the third paragraph from Italo Calvino’s first novel, The Path to the Spiders’ Nests  (1947):

Pin, standing on the doorstep of the cobbler’s shop, with his nose in the air, just has to give a cry from his throat – a cry to start off a song, or a yell just before the hand of Pietromagro the cobbler lands on the back of his neck to strike him – and a chorus of shouts and insults pours from every window.

This action, the character standing and making a noise outside the cobbler’s shop, is curious. We wonder what his motivation is for disturbing the owner. What is it about his voice or presence that irritates the shop’s inhabitants so much? It’s a strange but effective hook, suggesting a world brimming with character and incident.

Knowing how to write a hook means understanding what to leave in and what to leave out.

Don’t describe characters putting off their alarms and eating breakfast, unless these in themselves are humorous or interesting situations that reveal, in their course, surprising or intriguing character details.

A good hook crystallizes meaning and anticipation, compressing it like carbon to become clear, diamond-like.

Take the opening to Donna Tartt’s novel The Goldfinch  (2013):

While I was still in Amsterdam, I dreamed about my mother for the first time in years. I’d been shut up in my hotel for more than a week, afraid to telephone anybody or go out; and my heart scrambled and floundered at even the most innocent noises…

This immediately gives us character, setting and scenario/incident. The word ‘still’ in ‘still in Amsterdam’ makes us ask ‘Where?’ (Where is the narrator now?)

The detail about the mother is important as the character’s mother plays a crucial role in the early unfolding chapters of the novel. We also ask ‘Why?’ Why is the character so unsettled by ‘even the most innocent noises’?

Through this opening we see a character’s curious, mysterious emotional state. Tartt gives us just enough of a sense of their environment (they’re travelling in Europe) and starts to fill in a primary relationship.

The danger of starting with a catalog of secondary details is that your hook will feel less as though it is leading to an important, interesting reveal.

Writing a good hook also means making your reader care about your opening scenario or even just the voice and persona evident in your narrator’s voice. Reading fiction is a chance to empathize with others, to listen to others’ stories and understand. Great hooks entertain us by making the ‘5 W’s’ intriguing, sure. Yet they also lure us in affectively (with feeling), often.

Take, for example, the opening to Arundhati Roy’s novel, The Ministry of Utmost Happiness (2017). The first chapter, titled ‘Where Do Old Birds Go to Die?’, begins:

‘She lived in the graveyard like a tree. At dawn she saw the crows off and welcomed the bats home.’

Immediately, there is a sense of a solitary figure, connected to the natural world around her. Roy adds a humanizing, empathy-eliciting in the next paragraph:

‘When she first moved in, she endured months of casual cruelty like a tree would – without flinching. She didn’t turn to see which small boy had thrown a stone at her, didn’t crane her neck to read the insults scratched into her bark.’

We often think of hooks in writing in terms of drama: Car chases, gun shots. Yet this gradual filling in of a human life is also an effective hook. By showing us this not-yet-named character’s mistreatment, Roy makes us care, as readers, about her situation even as we wonder why she lives this way.

Your hook doesn’t necessarily have to make your reader care about a specific character’s situation. At the start of a historical war novel, for example, you might describe the tension between approaching, opposite armies. Yet think of how you will give your reader a reason to care how this situation evolves.

The above example is a subtler type of hook, relying on quick characterization and the reader’s growing empathy.

It’s equally effective, to capture readers’ interest, to resort to thrills or chills. Think of the types of stories tabloids print. Tales of power, crime, scandal, and people’s baser actions. These do (whether we like to admit it or not) sell.

One of the reasons hooks involving incidents such as discoveries of bodies or breaking scandals are effective is they open floodgates of questions. In a murder mystery these could be any of the following:

• Who was the victim?
• Who was the killer?
• What was their motive?
• Was foul play involved or were there natural causes?
• How will the community act/react?

One could continue asking greater and smaller questions. Thus although some will say interest in stories of this nature is prurient or crass, the truth is hooks that thrill us or chill us are effective. They allow us to inhabit a state of radical uncertainty. We can then enjoy the process of finding our way to a place of greater certainty, as the author answers urgent questions.

One effective way to create a compelling hook for your story is to reveal it ‘out of order’ , for dramatic effect. Even, for example, if a murder only occurs midway through your story, you could begin with a narrator revealing events that unfolded shortly it.

Donna Tartt does exactly this in her novel The Secret History  (1992). It’s an example we return to often when discussing hooks, because it’s so effective:

The snow in the mountains was melting and Bunny had been dead for several weeks before we came to understand the gravity of our situation.

The story proceeds from when Bunny Corcoran was still alive, showing the events before and after his death. This way we are hooked by a dramatic scenario but have to wait to find out exactly why Bunny is dead and who this implicitly responsible ‘our’ refers to in ‘our situation’.

Learning how to write a hook is a matter of practicing writing sentences that are filled with mystery and suspense. It means mastering pace, too. A rapidly unfolding, breathless opening would naturally suit a high-stakes thriller where the protagonist is thrown into conflict situations from the first chapter.

Take, for example, this opening line from Elmore Leonard’s 1988 novel Freaky Deaky :

Chris Mankowski’s last day on the job, two in the afternoon, two hours to go, he got a call to dispose of a bomb.

Leonard smartly uses sentence fragments suggesting finality, endings, to build to the revelation of the bomb dispoal. It’s a well-paced, well structured opening line that immediately creates suspense and plunges the protagonist, Chris Mankowski, into a new, dangerous situation.

One of the best ways to write hooks that lure readers and make them keep reading is to learn from authors who do the same, time after time. Take the acclaimed spy novel author John Le Carre. Here’s how he opens his novel Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (1974):

The truth is, if old Major Dover hadn’t dropped dead at Taunton races, Jim would never have come to Thursgood’s at all.

Again, we have an emotive situation (a character’s death) and a watershed, question-raising moment. We wonder how Jim’s coming to Thursgood is connected, why the Major dropped dead, and how the situation will play out.

As an exercise, take some of your favourite novels and read their opening lines. Jot down the questions the author makes you ask: Are they ‘who’, ‘what’, ‘why’, ‘where’ or ‘when’ questions?

Intrigue and entertain your reader, stick to essential information and make them care, and you’ll have a strong hook.

Get feedback on your story’s hook now on Now Novel. Or sign up for a course and improve your writing craft .

Cover source image by Liana Mikah

Related Posts:

• 10 dialogue tips to hook readers
• How to start a novel: Hook readers from page one
• How to write a murder mystery: 7 tips to captivate readers
• Tags how to write a hook

Jordan is a writer, editor, community manager and product developer. He received his BA Honours in English Literature and his undergraduate in English Literature and Music from the University of Cape Town.

3 replies on “How to write a hook: 8 tips to lure in readers”

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Definition of Hook

Have you ever read a book that could not grab your attention after reading a couple of sentences? On the contrary, you would have definitely read a book that has immediately captured your attention, after which you were unable to put it down. Some books are magnetic, while others are really boring. One of the reasons could be the narrative hook.

Knowing this, authors share an important literary technique to keep their readers engaged in their stories, which is hook , or Narrative hook , which keep readers’ interest alive in the book. It appears at the beginning of the story , and may contain several pages of a novel , several paragraphs of a short story , or it might be only an opening sentence , or a single line.

Types of Hook

There are several types of hook:

• dramatic action,
• mysterious setting ,
• engaging characters ; and
• thematic statements.

Examples of Hook in Literature

Example #1: ragweed (by avi).

We come to know, from the very first line of Avi’s novel Ragweed , that this story will be a comical reading experience, as it reads:

“ Ma, a mouse has to do what a mouse has to do. “

A young countryside mouse named Ragweed leaves his big family behind and sets out to live an adventurous life in the big city. There he encounters some cool dudes and dudettes from the mouse family. Ragweed also faces extreme danger from cats, especially the founding member of F.E.A.R., Willy Silversides.

Willy, along with the vice president, decides to go to any length in order to defeat their arch-nemeses to the point of devastating the Cheese Squeeze Club. Now it is the time for Ragweed to come up with a cunning strategy and muster the courage to defeat the Felines First Brigade. However, this hook has played an important role in making the story attractive.

Example #2: Pride and Prejudice (By Jane Austen)

The first sentence of Jane Austen ’s novel Pride and Prejudice , is one of the most famous first lines in literature, saying:

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.”

This line sets the plot ’s mood , and captures the attention of readers due to its contrariness and notoriety. It also tells about the marriage theme of this novel, and introduces ironic tone , which Austen uses structurally and verbally throughout the novel. The Author presents a thematic statement about the value of love and marriage in a society where women have difficulty finding husbands amid class prejudice and financial snobbery.

Example #3: A Tale of Two Cities (By Charles Dickens)

One of the most famous and brilliant opening lines in all of literature occurs in Charles Dickens ’ novel, A Tale of Two Cities :

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness …”

This line hints at the central tension that occurs between family and love, and between oppression and hatred. These opposing ideals show prominent structural figures, like Paris and London , Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton, and Madame Defarge and Miss Pross. The tone of the entire novel is set by this famous sentence.

Example #4: Feed (By M. T. Anderson)

Readers cannot resist an alarmingly satirical line of M. T. Anderson’s novel Feed, which reads:

“We went to the moon to have fun, but the moon turned out to completely suck.”

This line helps to set the stage for the novel’s plot about a futuristic world, which is overrun by uncontrolled consumerism, and where humans implant computer chips in most of the infants at birth. Children do not need to go to schools, since they can Google to get information that they might need, and people need not converse with anyone, as they can IM instantly. Hence, the first catchy line gives an indication about the theme of this narrative, and hooks the readers’ attention.

Function of Hook

Authors use hook as a critical component of their writing, as it allows them to demonstrate to readers how their literary works are worth reading within the first minute. This literary technique hooks the attention of readers and appeals to their minds. Readers also get a great sense of entertainment through strong and meaningful opening lines that might stick in their heads forever. We frequently find the use of narrative hook in mystery fiction and suspense thrillers . Besides, authors use it in a number of ways, such as by employing thematic statements and mysterious settings, or using characters.

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Writing Engaging Cozy Mystery Series Hooks: Tips and Tricks

September 30, 2019 / Mystery Writing Tips , Uncategorized / 28  COMMENTS

by Ellen Jacobson, @Ellen_Jacobson

One of the quintessential hallmarks of a cozy mystery series is a hook such as the amateur sleuth’s hobby (knitting, quilting, gardening), profession (real estate agent, florist, archaeologist), place of business (library, bakery, antique shop), or setting (cruise ship, English village, campground). These recurring themes are an essential part of the series brand and keep readers coming back for more. They enjoy getting a peek into a world with which they may not be familiar or read about an activity that they already enjoy.

The hook for my Mollie McGhie cozy mysteries is sailing. The series is set at a marina in a small fictional town in Florida, my amateur sleuth and her hubby own a sailboat, and the characters in the books are involved in the local boating scene.

One of the challenges I face in writing this series is how to explain about sailing in a way that is, hopefully, fun and engaging to the reader who may not know anything about the subject without boring those folks who are experienced boaters.

I thought I’d share some of the things I’ve learned along the way. I’d also love to hear your thoughts on series hooks as a writer and/or reader in the comments below.

1 – Do your research

This goes without saying, but you should make sure that you know what you’re writing about. This doesn’t mean that you personally have to have knitted an afghan, sold a house, lived in an RV, owned a bookstore etc. After all, part of the fun of being a writer is putting your characters in situations you’ve never experienced yourself.

But it does mean that you need to do your research, whether that’s interviewing people, reading books, watching movies and TV shows, attending events related to the hook etc.

Even if you are familiar with your hook, you may still need to do some research. For example, even though I live aboard a sailboat, I’ve needed to ask my boating friends for their input on certain things such as the height of a catamaran and how long it takes epoxy to cure.

2 – Have one of your characters be a “newbie”

Now that you’ve done all your research, how do you weave it into your story without doing a mundane info-dump? In my first book, Murder at the Marina , I found it helpful to position my main character, Mollie, as a “newbie” to sailing. When her husband surprised her with a sailboat for their tenth wedding anniversary, she wasn’t impressed for two reasons: (1) she was hoping for diamonds and (2) she knew nothing about boats.

Because she was clueless about sailing, I could have her ask all the “dumb” questions about sailboats and have her express her confusion about boating terminology, equipment, operation etc. This enabled me to “explain” sailing to her (and the reader) through entertaining dialogue with various characters.

One of the things I’m finding more challenging as I progress through my series (I’m currently working on book #4) is the fact that Mollie isn’t a newbie anymore. She’s lived and worked on their boat for a while, she’s become part of the local community at the marina, and she’s taken part in local boating events. One of the tricks I’m trying out now is to have Mollie explain sailing to new “newbies.” It’s kind of amusing seeing how smug she can be at times and the fact that she surprises herself with how much she now knows.

3 – Use beta readers with a mix of knowledge about the hook

If you use beta readers, consider having some who have extensive experience with the hook and others who know nothing about it. My betas have really helped me with presenting accurate information about sailing in an interesting way that doesn’t go over non-sailors’ heads (or bore them to death).

4 – Keep it interesting

Cozy mysteries are supposed to be fun, lighthearted reads. They’re not meant to be technical guides or textbooks on your particular hook. One of the challenges as a writer is to select those tidbits which will be of interest to your reader, not cram in everything you know about the subject.

For example, I’ve done minor repairs on our marine toilet. I can imagine writing a funny scene where Mollie does something similar, but I certainly wouldn’t go into detail about what types of  tools she would need, the step-by-step procedure for connecting the hoses to the holding tank, or what the stock numbers are for the replacement parts. First of all that would be really boring. Second of all, too much detail about toilets is pretty gross.

Instead, I try to write about things that non-boaters might find fascinating in order to provide them with a peek into a different kind of lifestyle. Things like communicating with your partner through hand signals when you’re dropping the anchor, participating in a sailing race, or what it’s like to climb up and down a ladder multiple times of day when you’re in the boatyard.

What about you—what kinds of series hooks do you like reading and/or writing about? What makes them interesting?

Want to know more about cozy mystery hooks? Check out what Elizabeth has to say:

Developing a Cozy Series: Hook

Cozy Mystery Hooks

Get a FREE copy of her latest release—Robbery at the Roller Derby, a prequel novella—by signing up to her newsletter . Alternatively, you can get the ebook for 99c/99p at your favorite retailer or pick up the paperback edition .

Photo credit: Matts__Pics on Visualhunt.com / CC BY-NC-ND

Thanks so much for the great tips here, Ellen! Hooks are such important elements to cozies. Sailing is a fantastic one!

Thanks so much for hosting me on your blog, Elizabeth :)

Ellen! Yes, too much detail about toilets is disgusting. I like the idea of throwing in a newbie. That would keep the details simple.

The newbie approach has really worked well for me. :)

Thanks for these tips. I actually think some of them can really apply to other sub-genres of crime/mystery fiction, too, so they’re even that much more useful. Doing research, for instance, is key to any well-written book, I think.

Good to hear that these tips will work for other sub-genres. :)

The research is so easy to do now with the Internet. We can become experts on anything with a little research.

What did we do before the internet? It makes things so much easier.

I enjoy cozy mysteries. The hooks are fun – and I’ve learned a bit about sailing right along with Mollie!

Thanks, Jemi!

Excellent tips! I think you do an excellent job of making the sailboat information seamless and enjoyable. I was actually watching House Hunters and the people were looking at a houseboat and they wondered at the oven that turned. I knew why that was because of your books! So thank you for keeping me entertained and a bit better educated.

I love that House Hunters featured a houseboat! I’d like to see that episode.

Lovely tips and so timely! I am doing final revisions on my cozy mystery and the amateur sleuth is an amateur archaeologist with enthusiasm enough, as her flatmate tells her, “to relate everything in the world to archaeology or the movies.” This reminds me to make sure I’m not doing the same thing in the story, since both subjects are life-long passions and I have a tendency to think everyone wants to know (in considerable depth) why a dig site is laid out in a grid, how to clean artifacts, why the sides of a particular trench have to be twelve inches and not a millimeter more, or the incredible (and listed) virtues of sci-fi movies from the 50s, etc. :-) Thanks a lot for sharing this.

I’d love to hear more about your cozy mystery series. My undergrad and grad degrees are in anthropology and I spent my summers in grad school working on archaeological sites. I bet your books would be really interesting to me.

Hi Ellen–

What a lovely reply. Thank you. I have just finished the first book “Hidden In Stone” and launching it on the 15th, and at the end of it I am adding an excerpt from the second book in the series (to be done by Christmas) called “Messenger Out of Time.” I think my fascination with stones began in the 8th grade when I would explore quarries on my own… :-) But my journeys to sites in England and Ireland sealed the deal…when I got the idea for Book 1 it was like getting a download–plot, characters, setting (quirky town et al.), even red herrings all at once. I had always written straight mystery or sci-fi/fantasy before, but in truth, I added some archaeology to them, long before this cozy mystery series took form. Plus, of course, reading cozy mysteries has been a life-long love–as is true for us all ! I was born in England but grew up in the northeast here, and always thought megalithic sites and artifacts were not part of this U.S. region. I would go explore Wiltshire on holidays, or Northumberland, or Orkney, or Newgrange, not New York! Then I moved to the Hudson River Valley and discovered they very much are here, dolmens and more. In my book “Winter’s Edge,” a straight mystery, I refer to Neolithic rock shelters found in the nearby Shawangunk Mountains. Who knew?? And in this 1st cozy mystery I explore more evidence of stone artifacts. In Book 2 more are found under an abandoned 19th-century state hospital/insane asylum (about twenty miles from where I live). I’d better stop my spiel–I love this subject… :-)) You know, I studied English Lit but always wished I’d chosen anthropology and archaeology in addition. It is such an enthralling area to study. What sites did you explore? What discoveries were made? I’d love to know. Did you pursue it later as well in some way? Regina

I’ll definitely keep an eye out for “Hidden Stone”!

My areas of specialization were linguistic anthropology and African studies, although I had to take quite a few archaeological classes. Working in archaeology in the summers just paid the bills :) I ended up not using my PhD, instead taking a corporate HR job in organizational development.

My hubby was a commercial archaeologist and had his own business when we lived in Scotland. So you can imagine all of the sites we visited during our time there. Loved visiting Newgrange and Orkney! Feel free to shoot me an email at [email protected] if you want to touch base more.

I sure will–and my address is [email protected] . Thanks, Ellen.

That is fascinating–that you have been to Orkney, especially. Three years ago I followed a live link at Maeshowe that showed the Winter Solstice and the link lasted a month before and after. Every day I’d watch the sun rise or set there along the corridor up to the back wall. Wondrous place. So you also saw the graffiti left by those marauding Vikings!

I spent 23 years in corporate in IT–I’m beginning to think it is a penance for creative people for some unknown but undoubtedly valuable reason we only discover once we have left that world… :-)

LOL I love this comment :)

Ellen, these tips are great. Making the newbie a child can give a reason for your explanations to be simple and entertaining. Best of sales!

A child is a great idea for a newbie!

I love your cozy mystery tips. Sailing and the marina world was so fun to read about too. I will have to keep the newbie idea in mind for future use.

Thanks so much, Gwen!

I may not write cozies – or read many other than yours – but these tips and tricks can apply to my police procedural series. Many thanks, Ellen. My detective is a wild swimmer but I’ve got her into sailing dinghies & boats more often than intended. Her choice?

Glad to hear they can be applied more broadly. Sailing dinghies are a lot of fun. So much opportunity for capsizing :)

You’ve done a fantastic job developing your series and writing career by making smart decisions all the way around. (And of course, working your little patootie off…) Using a newbie as a character is a brilliant way to explain things about sailing without utilizing the dreaded info dump. I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again: you have a bright career ahead of you.

Aww…thanks, Susan! You’re such a sweetie. Totally made my day to read your comment.

Ellen, you’ve done well teaching some interesting tidbits about sailing while keeping the story moving, so I’d say you’ve struck a nice balance! Great post. Good to cyber meet you, Elizabeth.

Thanks so much, Jennifer!

Comments are closed.

How to Write A Hook for A Novel

As writers, we understand the importance of capturing our readers’ attention from the beginning. A captivating hook can make the difference in whether a reader continues to turn the pages or puts the book down. In this article, we will dive into the art of hooking readers and explore various techniques to write a magnetic hook in your novel.

What is a Hook in a Story?

A hook is the opening line or paragraph of a story that grabs the reader’s attention and compels them to continue reading. It sets the tone, introduces the central conflict, and entices the reader to find out more. A strong hook not only captures the reader’s interest but also establishes the unique voice and style of the author.

There are different types of hooks that writers can employ to engage readers right from the start. Let’s explore some of them in the next section.

Different Types of Hooks Used in Novels

• Action hook : This type of hook plunges the reader into the midst of an exciting or dramatic event. It creates a sense of urgency and makes the reader curious about what will happen next. For example, “Gunshots echoed through the night, and I knew my life would never be the same.”
• Mystery hook : A mystery hook presents a puzzling situation or poses a question that intrigues the reader. It entices them to keep reading to uncover the answers. For instance, “The old diary contained a secret that could change everything I thought I knew about my family.”
• Character hook : Character hooks focus on introducing a compelling protagonist or antagonist. They give readers a glimpse into a fascinating personality or a morally complex individual. A character hook could be something like, “She was a thief with a heart of gold, stealing from the rich to help the poor.” Learn more about character development here.

Experimenting with these different types of hooks can help you find the one that best suits your story and captivates your readers. Now, let’s take a look at some examples of successful hooks in literature.

Examples of Successful Hooks in Literature

These famous opening lines immediately draw the reader in, piquing their curiosity and setting the stage for the story that follows. Notice how each hook creates intrigue, introduces a unique voice, or establishes a compelling premise. Now, let’s move on to some tips for writing a hook for your own novel.

• “It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.” – George Orwell, 1984
• “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” – Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
• “Call me Ishmael.” – Herman Melville, Moby-Dick

5 Tips for Writing a Hook for A Novel

Want to write a powerful hook that will grab your readers’ attention and keep them engaged throughout your novel? Here are our five tips for better hook writing.

• Know your readers : Understand who your target readers are and what kind of hooks would appeal to them. A hook that works for a thriller might will not be effective for a romance novel.
• Keep it concise : A hook should be short and impactful. Aim for a single sentence or a paragraph that captures the essence of your story.
• Create intrigue : Make your readers curious by presenting a question, a mystery, or a conflict that needs resolution. This will entice them to keep reading to find the answers.
• Establish the tone : Use your hook to set the tone of your story. Is it dark and suspenseful, light and humorous, or something in between? The tone should be reflected in your opening lines.
• Show, don’t tell : Instead of providing exposition or backstory, show the reader a vivid scene or introduce a compelling character. Engage their senses and make them feel like they are in the story.

Looking for more novel-writing tips? Read our resources on how to outline a novel and how long it takes to write a novel .

Common mistakes to avoid when writing a hook

Starting with a cliché.

Avoid overused phrases or ideas that readers have seen too many times. Be original and find a fresh approach to hook your audience.

Providing too much information

A hook should create curiosity, not overwhelm the reader with details. Avoid giving away too much of the plot or backstory in your opening lines.

Lack of clarity

Make sure your hook is clear and easy to understand. Confusing or convoluted hooks can turn readers away.

Remember, the purpose of a hook is to draw readers in, not to confuse or bore them. Keep it concise, intriguing, and reflective of your story’s tone. With practice, you will find the perfect hook that sets the stage for your novel.

Experiment With Hooks to Find The Right Fit 

Writing a hook is not a one-size-fits-all process. It requires experimentation and revision to find the hook that best captures the essence of your story. Try out different hooks and seek feedback from your writing peers or beta readers.

Mastering the Art of Hooking Readers

In conclusion, writing a captivating hook is essential to engage readers and keep them invested in your story. By understanding the different types of hooks, studying examples from literature, and following the tips provided, you can craft a hook that grabs your readers’ attention from the very first line.

Remember to experiment and revise your hooks until they resonate with your target audience. Writing a compelling hook is a skill that can be honed with practice. So, keep writing, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep hooking your readers from the very beginning.

Now, it’s your turn to put these techniques into practice. Start crafting your hook today and captivate your readers from the opening lines to the very last page. Happy writing!

Share your favorite hooks from literature or your own writing in the comments below! 

Have you written a hook you love? Consider submitting to our magazine.

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Essay Writing Guide

Hook Examples

Last updated on: Nov 20, 2023

Hook Examples: How to Start Your Essay Effectively

By: Nova A.

15 min read

Reviewed By: Jacklyn H.

Published on: Feb 19, 2019

Tired of getting poor grades on your high school or college essays? Feeling lost when it comes to captivating your professor's attention?

Whether you're a high school or college student, the constant stream of essays, assignments, and projects can be overwhelming. But fear not!

There's a secret weapon at your disposal: hooks. 

These attention-grabbing phrases are the key to keeping your reader hooked and eager for more. In this blog, we'll explore powerful essay hook examples that will solve all your essay writing concerns.

So let’s get started!

On this Page

What is an Essay Hook?

An essay hook is the opening sentence or a few sentences in an essay that grab the reader's attention and engage them from the very beginning. It is called a " hook " because it is designed to reel in the reader and make them interested in reading the rest of the essay.

The purpose of an essay hook is to:

• Grab the reader's attention from the very beginning
• Create curiosity and intrigue
• Engage the reader emotionally
• Establish the tone and direction of the essay
• Make the reader want to continue reading
• Provide a seamless transition into the rest of the essay
• Set the stage for the main argument or narrative
• Make the essay memorable and stand out
• Demonstrate the writer's skill in captivating an audience

Check out our complete guide on how to start an essay here!

How to Write a Hook?

The opening lines of your essay serve as the hook, capturing your reader's attention right from the start. Remember, the hook is a part of your essay introduction and shouldn't replace it.

A well-crafted introduction consists of a hook followed by a thesis statement . While the hook attracts the reader, the thesis statement explains the main points of your essay.

To write an effective hook, consider the following aspects:

• Understand the nature of the literary work you're addressing.
• Familiarize yourself with your audience's preferences and interests.
• Clearly define the purpose behind your essay writing.

Keep in mind that the hook should be directly related to the main topic or idea of your writing piece. When it comes to essays or other academic papers, you can employ various types of hooks that align with your specific requirements. 

Learn more about Hook Statements in this informative Video!

Hook Sentence Examples

To give you a better understanding of the different types of essay hooks, we will be discussing essay hook examples.

Question Hook

Starting your essay by asking a thought-provoking question can be a good way to engage the reader. Ask your reader a question that they can visualize. However, make sure to keep your questions relevant to the reader's interest. Avoid generalized, and yes or no questions.

Rhetorical questions make up good hooks.

• “How are successful college students different from unsuccessful college students?”
• “What is the purpose of our existence?”
• “Have you ever wondered whether Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters would have been still together if he didn’t die of cancer?”
• "Ever wondered what lies beneath the ocean's depths? Dive into an underwater adventure and uncover the wonders of the deep sea."
• "Have you ever pondered the true meaning of happiness? Join us on a quest to unravel the secrets of lasting joy."
• Ready to challenge your limits? How far would you go to achieve your dreams and become the best version of yourself?"
• "Curious about the future of technology? Can you envision a world where robots and humans coexist harmoniously?"
• "Are you tired of the same old recipes? Spice up your culinary repertoire with exotic flavors and innovative cooking techniques."
• "Are you ready to take control of your finances? Imagine a life of financial freedom and the possibilities it brings."
• "Ever wondered what it takes to create a masterpiece? Discover the untold stories behind the world's most celebrated works of art."

Quotation Hook

A quotation from a famous person is used to open an essay to attract the reader's attention. However, the quote needs to be relevant to your topic and must come from a credible source. To remove any confusion that the reader might have it is best to explain the meaning of the quote later.

Here are the quotes you can use to start your essay:

• “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.”
• If your topic is related to hard work and making your own destiny, you can start by quoting Michael Jordan.
• “Some people want it to happen; some wish it would happen; others make it happen.”
• The only way to do great work is to love what you do." - Steve Jobs
• "In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity." - Albert Einstein
• "Don't watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going." - Sam Levenson
• "Believe you can and you're halfway there." - Theodore Roosevelt
• "The best way to predict the future is to create it." - Peter Drucker
• "The harder I work, the luckier I get." - Samuel Goldwyn
• "Don't let yesterday take up too much of today." - Will Rogers

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Statistic Hook

Here you use statistical data such as numbers and figures, percentages, etc. to hook the reader. This is mostly used in informative writing to provide the reader with new and interesting facts. It is important to mention the source.

• “Reports have shown that almost two-thirds of adults in the United States of America have lived in a place with at least one gun, at some point of their life.”
• Another persuasive essay hook example about people’s psychology and lying is mentioned below:
• “It is noted by Allison Komet from the Psychology Today magazine that people lie in every one out of five conversations that last for at least 10 minutes.”
• "Did you know that 8 out of 10 entrepreneurs fail within their first year? Discover the secrets of the successful 20% and defy the odds."
• "According to recent studies, people spend an average of 2 hours and 22 minutes on social media every day. Is it time to reevaluate our digital habits?"
• "Did you know that over 75% of communication is non-verbal? Explore the power of body language and unlock the secrets of effective communication."
• "Research shows that 1 in 4 adults suffer from mental health issues. It's time to break the stigma and prioritize our well-being."
• "Did you know that nearly 70% of consumers rely on online reviews before making a purchase? Build trust and boost your business with positive feedback."
• "According to recent data, the global e-commerce industry is projected to reach $6.38 trillion by 2024. Don't miss out on the digital revolution."
• "Did you know that 80% of car accidents are caused by distracted driving? Let's put an end to this dangerous epidemic."

Anecdotal Hook

An anecdote is a short story relevant to the essay topic, illustrated to gain the reader’s attention. This story can be derived from a personal experience or your imagination. Mostly, an anecdote is humorous; it makes the reader laugh and leaves them wanting to read more.

It is mostly used when writing narrative or descriptive essays.

If you are a non-English speaker and call the support department or the helpline and hear:

• “If you want instructions in English, press 1. If you don't understand English, press 2.”
• “ An elderly person came to buy a TV, asked the shopkeeper if they had colored TVs. When told that they are available, he asked to purchase a purple one.” 

Here are some more anecdotal hook examples:

• "Picture this: It was a cold winter's night, the snowflakes gently falling from the sky, as I embarked on a journey that would change my life forever..."
• "I still remember the day vividly, sitting in my grandmother's kitchen, the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling the air. Little did I know, that day would teach me a valuable lesson about the power of kindness..."
• "It was a crowded subway ride during rush hour, everyone lost in their own world. But then, a stranger's act of generosity restored my faith in humanity..."
• "As I stepped onto the stage, the spotlight shining down, my heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nerves. It was in that moment, I realized the transformative power of facing your fears..."
• "In the heart of the bustling city, amidst the noise and chaos, I stumbled upon a hidden park, an oasis of serenity that reminded me of the importance of finding peace within ourselves..."
• "The dusty attic held countless treasures, but it was the tattered journal that caught my eye. As I flipped through its pages, I discovered the untold story of my ancestors, and a connection to my roots I never knew I had..."
• "Lost in the maze of a foreign city, unable to speak the language, I relied on the kindness of strangers who became my unexpected guides and lifelong friends..."
• "As the final notes of the symphony resonated through the concert hall, the audience erupted in a thunderous applause. It was in that moment, I witnessed the pure magic that music can evoke..."

Personal Story

Starting with a personal story is the right way to go when writing a personal narrative or admissions essay for College.

There is no such rule that the story has to be yours. You can share your friends' story or someone you know of.

Remember that such hooks aren't suitable when writing a more formal or argumentative piece of writing.

• “My father was in the Navy; I basically grew up on a cruise. As a young boy, I saw things beyond anyone's imagination. On April 15, 2001…”
• "Growing up, I was the shyest kid in the classroom. But one day, a simple act of courage changed the course of my life forever..."
• "I'll never forget the exhilarating rush I felt as I crossed the finish line of my first marathon, defying all odds and proving to myself that anything is possible..."
• "At the age of 18, I packed my bags, bid farewell to familiarity, and embarked on a solo adventure across the globe. Little did I know, it would become the journey of self-discovery I had always longed for..."
• "As a single parent, juggling multiple jobs and responsibilities, I faced countless obstacles. But my unwavering determination and the support of my loved ones propelled me towards success..."
• "It was a rainy day when I stumbled upon an old, forgotten journal in my grandmother's attic. Its pages held untold stories and secrets that would unearth the hidden truths of our family history..."
• "The sound of applause echoed through the auditorium as I stepped onto the stage, my heart pounding with a mix of nerves and excitement. Little did I know, that performance would be a turning point in my artistic journey..."
• "After years of battling self-doubt, I finally found the courage to pursue my passion for writing. The moment I held my published book in my hands, I knew I had conquered my fears and embraced my true calling..."
• "As a volunteer in a remote village, I witnessed the resilience and strength of the human spirit. The people I met and the stories they shared forever changed my perspective on life..."
• "In the midst of a turbulent relationship, I made the difficult decision to walk away and embark on a journey of self-love and rediscovery. It was through that process that I found my own worth and reclaimed my happiness..."

In the next section we will be discussing hook examples for different kinds of essays.

Surprising Statement Hook

A surprising statement hook is a bold and unexpected statement that grabs the reader's attention and piques their curiosity. It challenges their assumptions and compels them to delve deeper into the topic. Example:

• "Contrary to popular belief, spiders are our unsung heroes, silently protecting our homes from pesky insects and maintaining delicate ecological balance."
• "Forget what you know about time management. The key to productivity lies in working less, not more."
• "In a world where technology dominates, studies show that the old-fashioned pen and paper can boost memory and learning."
• "You'll be shocked to discover that the average person spends more time scrolling through social media than sleeping."
• "Contrary to popular belief, introverts possess hidden powers that can make them exceptional leaders."
• "Prepare to be amazed: chocolate can actually be beneficial for your health when consumed in moderation."
• "Buckle up, because recent research reveals that multitasking can actually make you less productive, not more."
• "Did you know that learning a new language can slow down the aging process and keep your brain sharp?"
• "Hold onto your hats: studies suggest that taking regular naps can enhance your overall productivity and creativity."
• "You won't believe it, but playing video games in moderation can enhance problem-solving skills and boost cognitive function."

Argumentative Essay Hook Examples

The opening paragraph of an argumentative essay should be similar to the opening statement of a trial. Just as a lawyer presents his point with a logical system, you must do the same in your essay.

For example, you are writing about the adverse effects of smoking, and arguing that all public places should be turned into no smoking zones. For such essays, good hook examples will be statistical such as:

“According to the World Health Organization consumption of tobacco kills about five million people every year, which makes it more than the death rate from HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria altogether.”

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Persuasive Essay Hook Examples

The main idea or aim for writing a persuasive essay is to convince and persuade the reader to do something. It is also written to change their beliefs and agree with your point of view.

Hook sentences for such essays are a shocking revelation that the reader is curious to learn more about.

“On average each year, humans release 38.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide approximately. Due to this, the level of carbon dioxide has increased significantly, more than it has been in centuries. If you think climate change is nothing to worry about then you are highly mistaken.”

Narrative Essay Hook Examples

Simply put, a narrative essay is just like a story. In other types of essays you need to pick a side, argue and prove your point with the help of evidence. A narrative essay gives you a freehand to tell your story however you may please.

It can be a story inspired by your life, something you may have experienced. If you feel like it isn’t exciting enough you can always transform it using your imagination.

Examples of a hook sentence for a narrative essay can be something like:

“I was riding the bus to school; the other kids were making fun of me thinking I couldn’t understand them. “Why are his eyes like that?” “His face is funny.” A Chinese kid in America is probably like a zoo animal.”

Subject-wise Hook Examples

Here are 20+ interesting hook examples across various subjects:

• Technology: "Imagine a world where machines can read our thoughts. Welcome to the future of mind-reading technology."
• Health and Wellness: "Did you know that a simple 10-minute meditation can change your entire day? Unlock the transformative power of mindfulness."
• Environment: "The clock is ticking. Discover the urgent and astonishing truth behind the disappearing rainforests."
• Travel: "Pack your bags and leave your comfort zone behind. Uncover the hidden gems of off-the-beaten-path destinations."
• History: "Step into the shoes of a time traveler as we unravel the untold secrets of ancient civilizations."
• Science: "Prepare to be amazed as we dive into the mind-bending world of quantum physics and its implications for our understanding of reality."
• Education: "Traditional classrooms are a thing of the past. Explore the innovative and disruptive trends shaping the future of education."
• Food and Cooking: "Savor the tantalizing flavors of a culinary revolution, where unexpected ingredient pairings redefine the boundaries of taste."
• Psychology: "Unmask the hidden forces that drive our decision-making and explore the fascinating world of subconscious influences."
• Art and Creativity: "Witness the collision of colors and ideas in a mesmerizing display of artistic expression. Unlock your inner creativity."
• Finance: "Escape the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle and discover the path to financial freedom. It's time to take control of your wealth."
• Sports: "Feel the adrenaline surge as we uncover the captivating stories behind the world's most legendary sports moments."
• Relationships: "Love in the digital age: How technology has transformed the way we connect, flirt, and navigate modern relationships."
• Self-Improvement: "Embark on a journey of self-discovery and learn the life-changing habits that lead to personal growth and fulfillment."
• Business and Entrepreneurship: "From startup to success story: Explore the rollercoaster ride of building and scaling a thriving business."
• Fashion: "Step into the fashion revolution as we decode the latest trends and unveil the stories behind iconic designer collections."
• Music: "Unleash the power of music: How melodies, rhythms, and lyrics can touch our souls and evoke powerful emotions."
• Politics: "Behind closed doors: Delve into the intriguing world of political maneuvering and the impact on global affairs."
• Nature and Wildlife: "Journey to the untouched corners of our planet, where awe-inspiring creatures and breathtaking landscapes await."
• Literature: "Enter the realm of literary magic as we explore the profound symbolism and hidden meanings within beloved classics."

In conclusion, these were some catchy hook examples just to give you an idea. You can make use of any one of these types according to your paper and its requirements. Generate free essays through our AI essay writer , to see how it's done!

The key to making your essay stand out from the rest is to have a strong introduction. While it is the major part, there’s more that goes into writing a good essay.

If you are still unable to come up with an exciting hook, and searching “ who can write my essay ?”. The expert essay writers at 5StarEssays.com are just a click away.  Reach out to our essay writer today and have an engaging opening for your essay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a visual hook.

The visual hook is a scene that captures the audience's interest by encapsulating something about the movie. It usually occurs around 15 minutes into it, and can be found in marketing or reviews of movies.

As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.

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How To Write A Killer Hook

We all know how important a great Hook (<- capped for clarity) is, regardless of genre. This becomes especially important with thrillers. Without a killer Hook a reader could close your book before the story takes off, your chance of finding an agent or editor goes right out the window, because most will only give you a few pages to pique their interest, your book could be destined to collect dust on a shelf, virtual or otherwise.

So now that we know why we need a killer hook, let’s talk about how to create one that grabs the reader by the throat and won’t let go.

If anyone knows how to create a killer hook it’s Larry, author of Story Engineering as well as many other craft books — link to his e-bookstore is in my Crime Writer’s Resource . During our conversation, I discovered I was doing myself a disservice by not starting my books in the best place for maximum impact. Sure, I started in the middle of the action after I’d made sure to invest the reader in my protagonist. Blah, blah, blah. The internet is chock full of that advice.

But how about starting further along in the story?

This is certainly not new advice. Screenwriters are taught this early on. Watch any crime show and you’ll probably see a murder or an intense scene involving the main character in terrible trouble. For some reason, though, novelists don’t always do this. Maybe it’s because no one comes right out and tells us this is a kickass way to write a Hook. For me, I’ve read many bestsellers that use this technique in the Prologue, but because agents/editors frown upon using Prologues, I didn’t feel it wasn’t something I could do till I got published. UPDATE: Once I got my publishing deal for MARRED , I rewrote my hook and used a Prologue.

For those going traditional, call the Hook Chapter One instead of Prologue. Then, in Chapter Two, write your chapter headline as “Five Days Earlier,” or whatever. This is perfectly acceptable, will meet the standards of what agents/editors are looking for, and you’ll have a Killer Hook that will increase your chances of getting full requests and possibly lead to representation.

Let me show you exactly what I’m talking about.

In the book I’m reading now — one of Larry’s fast-paced thrillers,  Pressure Points —  OMG, what a hook! It nearly knocked me off my couch.

Before I tell you about it, I’ll show you what first attracted me to the story. Book description is as follows:

The game is a weeklong retreat. It’s located in a remote region of northern California. It’s designed to build teamwork, establish trust, and increase awareness.

The players are three ambitious executives — one woman and two men, each prepared to put his physical, mental, and moral limits to the test. They never dreamed how far they could go.

The rules are simple. First you run. Then you hide. Don’t appear weak, don’t admit to the fear, and don’t react to the pain.

The prize is staying alive. Let the game begin.

You can see why it piqued my interest, right?

All three characters have their inner demons ranging from self-doubt to total control-freak. The goal for each is to be made CEO of this gazillion dollar company. The present CEO told them if they completed the seminar (retreat) he’d sell them the business for way less than market value and appoint one of them CEO in his place, depending on how they did at the seminar. The farther I read the more I realized none of the three executives particularly liked one another, so just deciding whether to go to the retreat was a tense meeting of the minds.

The Hook Larry used was one of the best I’ve ever read. It starts out with a man running for his life through dark woods. He’s cold, terrified, barely dressed. When he finally reaches the road he hears his name whispered in the dark, but the reader has no idea who he is. And then, the man collapses, dies right there on a deserted stretch of asphalt.

Bam! I’m in 100%. There’s no getting away from this story even if I wanted to.

And that, writer peeps, is what a great Hook does. It forces the reader to keep flipping pages to answer questions raised in the Hook. Now, do you have to use this technique? No. There are plenty of great stories out there that start at a certain point in time and continue forward. This is just another way of doing it. And one that works remarkably well.

To use this technique correctly, you can’t simply take your climax and stick it at the beginning. That will get you nowhere fast. You’ll also ruin a crucial part of your story. The Hook also doesn’t have to be a moment that occurs in the climax. It can set up the First Plot Point, the Midpoint, the Second Plot Point, the Climax, anywhere really. Doesn’t matter. The choice is yours.

For instance, in my WIP the Hook sets up the Midpoint, because at the Midpoint the story does a 180 to the point of no return. It’s the part of the story that raises the most questions and, therefore, the perfect spot to pay off my Hook. And that’s the point you need to find in your story, where the most questions are raised, a tease, a tantalizing peek at what’s to come. But I’ll tell you, when using this technique it’s easy to forget to invest the reader in your protagonist. Which brings me to…

How To Get Readers To Root For Your Hero

Contrary to what many believe, readers do not have to like your main character. I hear boos and the shaking of disapproving heads. Stay with me. They don’t have to “like” your hero but they do need to “empathize” with him/her. That’s the key word: empathy.

How do we do that?

Let’s hear from the man himself, Larry Brooks. This quote is from Storyfix…

“… we readers need to recognize something of ourselves.  We need to empathize. Most of all, we need to get a sense of what the hero’s inner demons are.  What is their backstory, what are the worldviews and attitudes and prejudices and fears that define them and hold them back?  What are their untapped strengths, their unwitting secrets?  These are the things the hero must later, when squaring off with the antagonistic force, be forced to acknowledge in order to step up as the primary catalyst in the story’s conclusion.”

I’m not suggesting you dump a whole lot of information about the protagonist in the opening pages. Kill me now if you think that’s what I’m proposing. Just sprinkle enough inner demons, wants, needs, desires, etc. to create empathy . The rest of their backstory you can pepper throughout the novel, but only if it’s germane to the story. Please don’t give a full rundown of their lives. Nothing bores a reader quicker than musing about nothing. Especially the first quartile — the first 20%-25% — the set up phase before the First Plot Point — the most important moment in your story, because that’s when your main character begins their quest. I’ve briefly written about this before (and I’m sure I’ll write about it again) in How To Create A One-Page Synopsis Using Story Beats , which you can check out here .

So, what do you think of starting your novel much later in the story? Have you read any good books that use this technique, or are you using it in your novel? Tell me about it in the comments.

If you enjoyed this post, please share. Thank you!

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Sue Coletta

Member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, Sue Coletta is the bestselling, award-winning author of psychological thrillers and mysteries. Pretty Evil New England, her exciting new venture into true crime, is anticipated to hit stores in Fall 2020. For three years running, Feedspot awarded her Murder Blog as one of the Top 50 Crime Blogs on the Net (Murder Blog sits at #5). Sue's also the communications manager for Forensic Science and the Serial Killer Project and a proud member of the Kill Zone, where she blogs every other Monday.

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43 comments.

Janice Wald

HI Sue, 1. Thank you so much for following my blog. I so respect you. Thank you. I am honored. 2. You and Lucy were right. I did it! I followed your great instructions and put the SU sharing button back! I just wanted the icon, not the text. When they hover over it, it says the text. It was easy! I found a square icon on Google Images. 3. I believe I stumbled this page today which is why I am commenting here. 4. I’ve gone back into some of my lists and tried to more specifically tag them. How do I go back into the specific articles? Thank you for everything. Wednesday was an amazing day because of our new connection. Janice

You are so sweet! I saw your icon — love it! — can you share the link? I’d rather have just icon too, but can’t find a good one that fits. Honestly, I’ve never tried to go back into specific articles. You could always resubmit them. SU does allow that, and it might be easier. I’m glad we connected too.

Working on the link

http://icons.iconarchive.com/icons/uiconstock/socialmedia/512/StumbleUpon-icon.png I think that is it. Janice

Sent. Thank you again for everything today. Janice

You bet. I’m always available if you need anything. Might take me a while to first see the comment, then I’m off and running.

Thanks for the link! As soon as I get home from my errands I’m changing mine. Have a great day, Janice!

Off to sleep. 3:45 am here!

Whoa. Nite-nite, sleep tight.

wendyannedarling

I discovered Larry Brooks a few weeks ago, Sue and was instantly smitten. I soaked up his story structure articles like a parched sponge and made myself a Word template with all of his points slotted into the right positions. Now I’m working on my second book and, oh… it’s going to be SO much better than my first, thanks to Larry! I’m truly sold on the idea that novels should mirror movies, as far as structure goes, to keep readers’ eyes riveted to the page. The more I read now, the more I notice the underlying skeleton of a good story that keeps me reading so, darn it, I’m trying it! Hook, line and sinker. 😀

I’m drinking the same Cool Aid, Wendy! I can’t watch a show or a movie without seeing structure now. I’ve pressed pause to see if I’m right so many times my husband now guesses… “Midpoint!” he calls out. “2nd Pinch!” It’s very cute. If you get a chance, work with him, Wendy. Larry is an incredible coach! He believes in not holding back but it’s only because he truly wants others to succeed.

I;m pretty broke right now but I will most certainly do it when I can get the means, Sue! I think it’s odd that some won’t give using structure as a tool but think of it as cheating. To me, this feels more like going to college to learn what you need to know to succeed in the career you have chosen and, as writing is all I really desire, I will follow what Larry says and see where it takes me! I am so excited because it all makes perfect sense. 🙂

I hear you. To me, it feels like I’m writing on a more professional level. Those who refuse structure just need time to figure it out. They’ll get there eventually, if they want to be published. It’s inevitable. Happy writing, Wendy!

jazzfeathers

I remember reading this technique in books back in the 1980s. I’m not a fan of that… but it’s just me 😉

I think, if you find the right place where the story truly starts, you don’t need to play with the timeline… unless that’s something you’re going to do all through the book, in which case it’s a different matter.

I think the best way to start a story it’s starting… at the beginning. That’s not as easy and intuitive as people may think, but if you find that magic point, I think you don’t need any other trick to hook a reader.

We’ll just have to agree to disagree on this one. All my favorite authors use this technique, and since they’re on the NY Times Bestselling List I have to believe they’re doing something right. But– like I said, there’s nothing wrong with starting at the beginning. Many fantastic books do that, too. Basically it all comes down to preference. That is why they call it art, right?

Right. Imagin how boring it would be if we all did it the same way 😉

Thanks, Sue for this great advice! Makes a lot of sense, now to implement it. More thinking, oh my poor brain-LOL

Oh, I hear you! So much to remember. It seems like every time I think I have a handle on this writing thing someone else mentions another technique. It’s enough to keep your head spinning. But that’s also what makes this gig so special. There’s always more to learn. Happy writing, Gina!

Shel Harrington

Sue Nichols sent me over. She’s right – LOTS of good stuff here! Can’t wait to come back and delve further!

She did? That was so nice of her. I’m glad you found the posts useful. Happy to have you here, Shel.

Sharon Marie Himsl

I’ve toyed with where to start my novel times over and will soon find out if I nailed it (about to submit). I think this is excellent advice to consider the prologue as a hook in ch1. As a reader, have never minded prologues but heard they are best avoided. Thanks (and for other great advice here).

Thank you. And good luck! Be sure to let me know how you make out. I’d love to celebrate a win with you!

Lynne Spreen

The mention of Larry Brooks “piqued” my interest. He is at the “peak” of success. Thanks for a fine article.

Caught that typo, eh? I had just found out about my 2nd granddaughter’s birth and lost my concentration. Thanks for reminding me!

Nicholas C. Rossis

A great post, and some excellent advice!

But the big news has to be the 2nd grandchild. Congratulations!!! 😀

Yes! We are so excited!!! I just wish they’d name her already. Our vote is for Maddy (Maddelyn), but they’re wavering between that, one other, and a really horrible name that will only get her teased in school. Can’t say what it is in case that’s the one they pick. God, please, don’t let them choose that one!

Lol – I’ll keep my fingers crossed for Maddy, then 😀

Ha! You and me both. 🙂

coldhandboyack

Wow! You’ve made the big time. I don’t know how I missed this post, but it was pushed to me on Zite magazine. Great tips, and hope you have a great weekend too

I have? It was? Can you tell me about Zite magazine?

WordPress has been dropping the ball lately. Some posts aren’t getting to my reader, and I’m not getting all my comments either. Zite is one of those I blogged about that sends me topics I’m interested in. It’s were many of my Idea Mill posts come from. Your post arrived as writing advice. Maybe it has to do with your popularity on Stumbleupon or something.

Huh. Well, that’s awesome. I had no idea.

I’ve noticed WordPress has been a bit wonky lately too.

Happy, happy, joy, joy!!! Congratulations. Babies are being born everywhere. I know of so many pregnant people right now! And babies, lots of babies. 🙂

Back to the post. Right on. I can’t see how I could do my current WIP that way though. The protagonist has clairvoyant nightmares. In the opening scene, the first is a nightmare she had as a child and it recurs. It was about a serial killer who was later captured. She sees through the eyes of the victim. It is the beginning of an entire series of clairvoyant nightmares. But not the serial killer killer of her childhood, a new killer.

It’s brief and she wakes up to get on with her activities of daily living. Her dog is missing. She connects with an old friend from childhood via FB who is in town. She goes to feed her dog and sees the shadowy figure of a man slip through a gap in her privacy fence.

I don’t think a Chapter Two, “Five days earlier” would work, but I could certainly see how it worked in his story. The trudge through the wilderness in fear…and then you learn how it all started. That’s great!

I love the sound of your WIP, Susan! My novel, A Strangled Rose, is very similar to your WIP. Is this a paranormal thriller? Your hook sounds incredible. It would certainly grab my attention.

Thank you for the congratulations. They still haven’t settled on a name yet. It’s driving us crazy! Hope your new grand-baby is doing well.

It is a paranormal thriller. It doesn’t have a title like your grandchild doesn’t have a name…and it’s killing me.

Ha! I know the feeling.

Margot Kinberg

I meant of course, ‘reason that hook can’t…’ Sorry!

Ha! I knew what you meant. My fingers get away from me too.

This is really interesting advice, Sue! And it doesn’t only work for thriller writers. The hook is important in any novel, as you say. And there’s no reason that book can’t be an event that happens chronologically later. So long as the reader knows when,the different events happen, and can keep them in order, that’s what matters.

Good point! Sorry, little distracted. I just got the news that our 2nd granddaughter was just born. Yay!

Oh, congratulations!!!!!! That is so exciting!!! All my best to you all.

Thank you! Ten little fingers, ten little toes, she’s perfect.

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How to Write Great Essay Hooks (Tips + Examples)

Table of contents

Yona Schnitzer

Blank screen. Cursor blinks. Clock ticks. Brain freezes.

You stressfully wonder, “How will I ever finish this essay?”

I’ve been there. 

Every time you write an essay, you want to catch your readers’ undivided attention from the very first word. The opening hook has to be *perfect* — no compromises. 

But, instead of reeling under pressure to come up with this elusively perfect essay hook at the eleventh hour, I’ve found a better way to write great essay hooks. 

In this guide, I’ll tell you what it takes to write the most compelling and attention-grabbing hooks. I’ll also break down six awesome types of essay hooks you can experiment with and share examples to inspire your next opening statement.

What is an Essay Hook?

An essay hook is the opening statement of an essay, written to capture readers' attention and nudge them to learn more about the topic. Also known as a lede or lead, this hook introduces readers to the topic/theme of the essay and piques their curiosity to continue reading. 

The hook creates the entire narrative for your essay. It tells readers what to expect from the rest of the essay and creates context around your main argument or thesis statement. 

6 Types of Essay Hooks You Can Experiment With

I’ve created this handy list of six different types of essay hooks. You can choose the one that best fits your essay’s context and create a stellar opening statement within minutes. 

1. Compelling fact or statistic

Lead with evidence and use a powerful fact or statistic as your essay hook. It’s one of the best ways to capture readers’ attention from the start and keep them intrigued throughout your essay. 

For example, if you’re writing about the importance of time management for freelancers, you have two options to create your opening sentence:

Generic : “Managing time as a freelancer is no easy feat.”

Impactful : “Nearly 70% of freelancers struggle to effectively divide and manage their time between multiple clients.” 

This data point, linked to the original research, sets a strong tone for your essay and draws people in to read more. It communicates  

Find a shocking statistic with AI

Finding relevant statistics for any topic is one of the hardest parts of the job. 

But you don't have to spend hours looking for these data points anymore. Wordtune can do this heavy lifting for you in three easy steps.

• Open the Wordtune editor and add your essay title. 
• Type in any content you've written, click on 'Add spice,' and select the 'Expand on' option.
• Write 'statistics,' and Wordtune will add relevant data points to your content.

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2. Bold claim hook

When working on an argumentative essay , I always write with the mindset that nobody has the time to read my thoughts from start to finish. So, I have to get to the point quickly and make a solid argument worth people’s time. 

That's when opening with a bold claim works best. Condense all your views on the topic into a few thought-provoking lines that would make readers go, hmmm…

But remember, you can't open with a claim that people already know and accept as fact. It has to be something original and unique to make your readers tick, nudging them to dive deeper into your essay. 

For example, if you’re writing about water crisis, you have two options to open your essay: 

‍ "In some regions, there is not enough clean water for people to use."

‍ "Imagine a world where every drop of water is a battle, a precious commodity fought over by scores of people and animals alike. This can become a reality as early as 2050."

This bold claim presents a convincing argument about the global water crisis. It also emphasizes the urgency of this argument with a research-backed statistic.

Create a bold claim suggestion using AI

Can’t think of a strong opening sentence for your essay? Wordtune can translate your thoughts into a bold claim and create a compelling essay hook. 

Open your Wordtune editor and write a few lines related to your topic. These sentences should have a consensus among your audience. Then, choose the 'Counterargument' option from the list of suggestions. 

And you’ll have a bold claim for your essay with no effort at all!

3. Story/Anecdote hook

In all my years of writing, I’ve noticed how stories have a unique effect on people. A good story can resonate with a bigger audience, pique their curiosity, and deliver a more personal message. 

That's why you can cite a personal anecdote or talk about a publicly known story as a good hook for your essay. This hook allows you to play with words and work in more storytelling . 

One of my favorite writing tips applies here: enter the scene as late as possible and leave as early as possible. You have to keep it crisp instead of rambling on and on. 

Consider these two examples:

Either of these hooks could work fine if we were just writing a personal essay about a move to a new place. But if we’re specifically writing about the sky, the second example is better. It sticks to the point — the sky and the color of the sky — and doesn’t stray into irrelevant details. 

Create a compelling story with AI

I get it—not all of us are natural storytellers. But you can use AI to your advantage to create a concise and exciting story for your essay.  

Wordtune can help you write a short story from scratch or trim down your writing into a quick anecdote. Click on the expand or shorten button to edit your story any way you like. 

4. Question Hook

Humans have a tendency to immediately look for answers every time they come across fascinating questions. Using questions as essay hooks can reel people into your essay and feed their curiosity.

But questions are also fairly overused in essays. You don't want to use a generic question that makes people say, " Not another question ." 

Instead, think of questions that approach your topic from a fresh angle. This means honing in on what was especially interesting or surprising from your research—and maybe even brainstorming different questions to find the most fascinating one.

For example, if you’re writing about the psychology behind why we buy, you have two options to open your essay:

‍ “Do you know what factors compel us to buy certain things?”

Plugged in :

“Before buying anything, have you ever taken a moment to pause and think about possible reasons driving you to this purchase?”

The latter is more descriptive and creates a realistic scenario for readers to truly think about the topic of the essay.

5. Description hook

A descriptive hook works best when writing an explanatory or opinion-led essay. Descriptive hooks, as the name suggests, illustrate a topic in detail to create context for the essay. It's a good way to build awareness for and educate readers on lesser-known themes.

But a descriptive hook can easily become too plain or unexciting to read. To make it work, you have to write an engaging description using imagery, analogies, and other figures of speech. 

Remember to make your hook reader-friendly by avoiding passive voice, mainstream cliches, and lengthy sentences.

Consider this example:

Describing a sunset is too cliche, so cross that one off the list. Describing the sky as it is on a normal day wouldn't be shocking or unexpected, so scratch that one, too.

This example creates something unique by using analogies to describe the color of the sky and painting a beautiful picture. 

Write a gripping description with AI

Writing an exciting hook for a boring topic is more challenging than it looks. But Wordtune makes it a breeze with just two steps:

• Open the Wordtune editor and write your essay topic.
• Click on Explain or Emphasize and let it work its magic.

You can also change the tone of voice to make the text more in tune with your theme. 

6. Metaphor hook

One of my favorite essay hooks is to open with a persuasive metaphor to contextualize the topic. Metaphors can help you approach the topic from a completely different lens and wow your readers with interesting insight. 

Metaphors are also super versatile to make your writing more impactful. You can write a one-line metaphor or create a scenario comparing one thing to another and linking it to your topic. 

For example, if you’re writing about the experience of working at a startup, you can open your essay with these two options:

Short & sweet: "Joining a startup is like strapping into a rollercoaster: be ready to witness thrilling highs and sinking drops."

Long & descriptive : “Picture a small sailboat navigating the unpredictable winds and tides in a vast ocean. That’s a startup operating in a massive market. And with the right vision, this journey is filled with risks and rewards.” 

Create a convincing metaphor with AI

Writing good metaphors takes up a lot of creative brain power. You can always use Wordtune to find some extra inspiration if you're out of creative ideas. 

Type your opening line in the Wordtune editor and click on the 'Give an analogy' option. You can ask for as many suggestions as you want till you find the best one! 

What to Know About Your Essay (and Topic) Before You Write the Hook

Whether you’re writing a research paper on economics, an argumentative essay for your college composition class, or a personal essay sharing your thoughts on a topic, you need to nail down a few things before you settle on the first line for your essay.

‍ Let me break them down for you. 

1. Gain in-depth knowledge of your topic

Before you start writing your essay, you need to know your topic — not just in name, but in-depth. You don't have to become a subject matter expert overnight. But you do need to research the topic inside out 

Your research will help you:

• Narrow your focus
• Build an argument
• Shape the narrative

Your research insights determine your essay’s structure and guide your choice of hook. 

After organizing your research in a neat outline, think to yourself: ‍Did you uncover a shocking fact? A compelling anecdote? An interesting quote? Any of those things could be your hook.

⚡ ‍ Take action: After finishing your research, review your notes and think through your essay. Mark or make a list of anything compelling enough to be a good lead.

2. Type of essay

In academic settings, there are generally three kinds of essays:

• Argumentative: Making the case for a certain stance or route of action.
• Expository: Explaining the who, what, when, where, why, and how of some phenomenon.
• Narrative: Telling a true story as a way to explore different ideas.

‍ The type of essay you’re writing is key to choosing the best hook for your piece. 

A serious argumentative essay can start with a shocking statistic or a bold claim. And an expository essay can open with a descriptive hook while a metaphor hook would work best for a narrative essay.

⚡ ‍ Take action: Go through your list of potential hooks and cross out anything that doesn't fit the type of essay you're writing, whether it's persuasive , argumentative, or any other type.

3. Audience and tone

A best practice I often share with writers is to think of one reader and keep yourself in their shoes . This exercise can tell you so much about your audience — what kind of tone they like, what matters the most to them, what topics interest them, and so on. 

You can use these insights to create a compelling essay hook. Here’s how:

• For an argumentative essay, you’re trying to convince someone who doesn’t agree with you that what you’re claiming is right or, at least, reasonable. You don’t want to turn them off with snarky or offensive language — but you do want to be authoritative. Your hook should match that tone and support your effort.
• A narrative essay is likely to welcome more lyrical language, so starting with a colorful description or an anecdote might make more sense than, say, a bold claim or surprising fact. Whatever tone you choose for your narrative essay — comical or gentle or bold — should be used for your hook.
• ‍ Expository essays can use all sorts of tones and be written to a variety of audiences, so think carefully about the tone that best fits your subject matter. An essay explaining how the human body shuts down when overdosed will likely require a different tone than one on the lives of circus masters in the late 1800s. 

⚡ ‍ Take action: Look at your list. Can you write these potential hooks in a tone that suits your subject and audience?

4. Length of essay

Are you writing a 10-page paper or a three-page reflection? Or is this your senior thesis, pushing over 100 pages?

‍ If you’re writing a shorter paper, you’ll want to keep your hook quick and snappy.  

Readers are expecting a quick read, and they don’t want to spend five minutes only going through the introduction. 

In contrast, you can approach a longer essay — like a senior thesis or a term paper — with a longer hook. Just make sure your hook relates to and supports the core point of your essay. You don’t want to waste space describing a scene that ultimately has nothing to do with the rest of your piece.

⚡ ‍ Take action: If you write out the items on your list, how long will they be? A sentence or paragraph? Perfect. Two to five paragraphs? Unless your essay is on the longer side, you may want to save that information for later in the piece.

‍ Now that you know the basic facts about what you’re writing, let’s look at some approaches you could use to catch those readers — and reel them in.

3 Approaches to Avoid When Writing Hooks 

I’ve read hundreds of essays — enough to recognize lazy writing from the first few words. It’s equally easy for readers to discard your essays as ‘poorly written’ just by reading the first line. 

So, I made a list of three types of essay hooks you want to avoid at all costs because these hooks can only disappoint your readers. 

1. Quotations

Quotes are probably the most overused type of hook in any form of writing. What's even worse is rinsing and repeating the same old quotes from Abraham Lincoln or Nelson Mandela in your essays. 

No matter how powerful a quote sounds, you shouldn’t slap it at the opening of your essay. It doesn’t give readers the excitement of reading something original and looks lazy.

For example, if you’re writing an essay on productivity, here’s what a good and bad lede looks like:

“Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work” – Stephen King

Did you know that consuming 100 gms of sugar can slash your productivity levels by over 50% in a day?  

2. Definitions

The New Oxford American Dictionary defines a hook as "a thing designed to catch people's attention." 

If I opened my article with this dictionary definition of a hook, you’d have either dozed off or left this page long back to find something more interesting. 

Here's the thing: definitions put people to sleep. Readers don't want to see a formal, jargon-heavy definition of a topic as the very first line of an essay. Your opening statement should have some personality in it to show readers they're in for an exciting read. 

For example, if you’re writing about happy hormones, here’s what a good and bad lede looks like:

Happy hormones are known to boost the happiness levels in your body by creating positive feelings.

Ever wondered why cat videos make you instantly happy, and ice creams give you an extra dose of energy? It's all about how happy hormones control our brain chemistry.

3. “Imagine this”

Opening your essay with "Imagine this" used to be an interesting way to put your readers in a scenario and set the context for your essay. But now, it's far too cliched and just another lazy attempt to write an essay hook. 

You can create a relatable scenario for users without asking them to imagine or picture it. Use the descriptive hook format with an interesting choice of words to convey the same ideas more creatively.

For example, if you’re writing an essay on preparing for higher studies abroad, here’s what a good and bad lede looks like:

Imagine this: You’ve been applying to multiple universities, writing SOPs, and preparing for exams without guidance. Everything can go south any minute. 

College application season is officially here. But with each passing day, you’re under more and more stress to apply to your chosen colleges and tick all the items off your list.

‍Our Go-To Trick for Writing Catchy Hooks

This opening statement can make or break your entire essay. While I’ve broken down my best tips to create the best essay hooks, here’s a surefire way to write compelling openings :

Go through your notes and either outline your essay or write the whole thing. This way, you’ll know the central thread (or throughline) that runs throughout your piece. 

Once your essay or outline is complete, go back through and identify a particularly compelling fact, claim, or example that relates to that central thread.

‍Write up that fact, claim, or example as the hook for your essay using any of the methods we’ve covered. Then revise or write your essay so the hook leads smoothly into the rest of the piece and you don’t repeat that information elsewhere.

Does your hook spark curiosity in you? 

Did that fact surprise you in the research stage? 

Chances are, your readers will have the same reaction.

And that’s exactly what you want.

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69+ Mystery Story Ideas To Keep Your Audience Guessing Until the End

Are you looking for inspiration and writing prompts for your next mystery story? Look no further! I've compiled a list of mystery prompts and story ideas in this blog to help you get your creative juices flowing.

From classic whodunits to supernatural thrillers, these mystery story ideas will provide many options to explore. Whether you're a seasoned mystery writer or just starting out, these options will help you craft a compelling and engaging story that keeps your audience hooked until the end.

So, grab a notebook and pen, and let's dive in!

murder mystery story ideas

1. The best friend of a murder victim is the prime suspect, but evidence starts to disappear into thin air as the murder investigation progresses.

2. A renowned magician is found dead after a performance, and it's up to the detective to determine whether it was an accident or murder.

3. A young girl discovers a cryptic note at the murder scene, leading investigators on a wild goose chase for the true killer.

4. A detective investigates a murder in a seemingly perfect suburban neighborhood, only to uncover a web of lies and deceit.

5. An investigative journalist and the local police chief team up to solve a string of murders linked to the local police department.

6. A woman is murdered in a high-security prison, and the detective must determine how the killer got in and out undetected.

7. A young couple on a cruise ship becomes embroiled in a deadly game of whodunit when a passenger is found murdered.

8. A detective investigates a murder that appears to be a case of mistaken identity but soon discovers that the victim had a secret life and identity of their own.

9. A group of employees at a tech company becomes suspects in a murder that appears to have been committed using cutting-edge technology.

10. A man is found dead in a subway station, and the only clue is a map of the city with a mysterious location circled.

mystery story ideas with a twist

11. A woman receives a mysterious phone call that leads her on a thrilling and dangerous adventure to solve a long-forgotten mystery.

12. A group of friends gathers for a séance, but when one is killed in a seemingly supernatural way, they must determine whether the killer is human.

13. A detective is called to investigate a murder that seems to be the work of a notorious killer who was executed years ago.

14. A young woman is haunted by a recurring nightmare that seems to warn her of something sinister.

15. A wealthy businessman is blackmailed by an unknown assailant and must race to uncover their identity before they ruin his life.

16. A detective investigates a murder connected to a secret society with mysterious and deadly rituals.

17. A man wakes up without memory of the previous night and is accused of murder.

18. When the dead body of a woman in a seemingly perfect marriage is found, the detective must uncover the hidden tensions and secrets that led to her murder.

19. A group of college students participates in a psychological experiment that quickly spirals out of control.

20. A woman is accused of a murder she doesn't remember committing and must unravel the mystery of her identity to clear her name.

Christmas mystery story ideas

21. A woman discovers her Christmas tree is talking to her and guiding her to solve a long-forgotten mystery.

22. A group of friends goes on a Christmas-themed scavenger hunt to uncover a deadly conspiracy.

23. A detective investigates a Christmas-themed kidnapping that seems to be connected to a string of murders that happened years ago.

24. A man receives a mysterious gift that leads him on a dangerous and thrilling adventure to uncover a Christmas mystery.

25. A woman is visited by the ghost of her deceased husband, who asks for her help in solving a mystery that may change the course of their family's future.

26. A group of carolers stumbles upon a secret society planning to disrupt Christmas and must find a way to stop them before it's too late.

27. A group of friends is invited to spend Christmas at a remote mansion, only to find themselves trapped and at the mercy of a mysterious host.

28. A man receives a mysterious gift from his deceased grandfather, leading him on a dangerous adventure to uncover a Christmas mystery.

29. A detective investigates a Christmas-themed robbery at a high-end jewelry store, only to discover that the theft was just a distraction from a sinister plan.

30. A group of children stumbles upon a clue to a Christmas mystery, leading them on a thrilling adventure to uncover a long-forgotten secret.

horror mystery story ideas

31. A group of friends go on a camping trip and stumble upon an abandoned mine in the woods with a deadly secret.

32. A family vacation to a small town becomes a nightmare when a serial killer targets tourists.

33. A group of friends must solve the mystery of a cursed clock before time runs out and they become trapped in the past forever.

34. A group of survivors in a post-apocalyptic world discovers a dark secret about the origins of the zombie outbreak.

35. A young woman becomes involved in a romantic relationship with the real killer while trying to solve a murder mystery.

36. A group of teenagers becomes the target of a serial killer who seems to copy the murders from a horror movie.

37. A young woman moves into a new home only to discover that her neighbor has dark and dangerous powers.

38. A woman is haunted by the ghost of her sister, who died under mysterious circumstances, and seeks her help in solving the mystery of her death.

39. A family moves into an old villa where time seems to be moving backward, and they must figure out how to reverse the curse before they become trapped in the past.

40. A group of scientists discovers a way to travel back in time, but when they return to the present, they find that they have brought a deadly virus that threatens to wipe out humanity.

scary mystery story ideas

41. A young couple on a road trip becomes stranded in a small town with a deadly secret.

42. A woman is trapped in a collapsed building after an earthquake and must find a way out before the building collapses.

43. A man wakes up in a strange laboratory with no memory of how he got there, and he must find a way to escape before he is experimented on.

44. On a ghost tour, two friends accidentally awaken an ancient evil that threatens to destroy them all.

45. A woman wakes up in a morgue, realizing she's been buried alive and must escape before running out of oxygen.

46. A family on vacation discovers that their rented home is cursed, and they have until midnight to perform a ritual or be trapped there forever.

47. A man wakes up in a room with no windows or doors, and the walls are slowly closing in on him.

48. A woman wakes up on a train with no memory of how she got there and discovers she only has until the next stop to figure out what's happened.

49. After hours, a man is trapped in a notorious library and must find a way out before the building's security system kills him.

50. A woman wakes up in a locked hospital room and discovers she has been infected with a deadly virus, with only a few hours left to live.

Halloween mystery story ideas

51. A group of friends on a Halloween scavenger hunt stumble upon a deadly conspiracy.

52. A detective investigates a murder that appears to be connected to a series of haunted objects sold on an online auction site.

53. A young girl discovers a murder scene while playing a Halloween murder mystery game with friends but realizes the murder is real.

54. A woman receives a mysterious message on her Halloween candy that leads her on a thrilling and dangerous adventure to solve a long-forgotten mystery.

55. A group of strangers board a haunted train on Halloween night and must solve a murder that occurs every hour before they reach their destination.

56. A group of friends goes on a Halloween holiday trip, but when they wake up, they find that time has skipped several days, and they must figure out what happened before losing more time.

57. On a dark and stormy night, guests at a Halloween party find themselves trapped in a mansion, with only three hours to solve a series of puzzles before the doors lock forever.

58. A young couple renting a house for Halloween night must discover the dark secrets of their home before they are consumed by the malevolent spirits within.

59. A group of friends is trapped in a Halloween-themed haunted escape room, where the clock is ticking, and the stakes are high.

60. The small-town sheriff faces a complicated case when the dead body of a young woman is found in a practice witch's home.

fantasy mystery story ideas

61. A young wizard must solve the mystery of a magical spell that has gone awry and threatens to destroy her entire village.

62. A detective in a world of elves must solve the mystery of a missing elven princess and uncover the dark secrets that lie beneath the surface.

63. A young princess must discover the truth behind her father's disappearance before she becomes trapped in the same fate.

64. A detective in a world of fairies must investigate a murder that seems to be connected to a long-standing feud between two powerful fairy families.

65. A detective in a world of goblins must investigate a string of robberies that seem to be connected to a powerful goblin crime lord.

66. A young magician must solve the mystery of a curse that is slowly causing a small village's inhabitants to turn into stone.

67. A strange symbol at the murder scene points to a practicing witch in the small town.

68. A young alchemist must solve the mystery of a strange and deadly substance spreading throughout her city.

69. An old wizard must solve a mystery surrounding a cursed necklace before the spell that binds it to its victim becomes permanent.

70. A young prince must solve the mystery of his father's death before his evil uncle takes over the kingdom and destroys everything he loves.

romance mystery story ideas

71. A woman is drawn into a web of secrets and danger when she falls in love with a man with a dark past.

72. Two strangers meet in a ski lodge, but when a blizzard hits and the power goes out, they must solve a mystery to survive the cold.

73. A woman's heart transplant is stolen, and she must work with the handsome detective assigned to the case to recover it before time runs out.

74. Two coworkers on a business trip are stranded in a small town hotel, but when a murder occurs, and they become prime suspects, they must solve the mystery to clear their names.

75. A young girl becomes romantically involved with a small-town police officer while helping him solve a murder mystery.

76. A detective must solve the mystery of a murder that seems to be connected to the love triangle between the victim and two suspects.

77. A group of coworkers on a company team-building weekend becomes embroiled in a dangerous affair that threatens to tear apart their professional and personal lives.

78. A woman's fiancé disappears the night before their wedding, and she must solve the mystery of his disappearance before time runs out.

79. A couple on a river rafting trip must navigate dangerous rapids while solving a mystery threatening their lives.

80. Two strangers meet on a plane, but when the plane crashes in a remote location, they must solve a mystery to survive.

In conclusion, the mystery genre offers endless possibilities for storytelling, allowing writers to explore the darkest corners of the human psyche and create compelling puzzles that keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

Whether you're writing a screenplay , short story or mystery novel inspired by true crime, historical events, or your imagination, the key to a successful mystery story is to create a world that is both believable and surprising, with engaging and complex characters .

With these mystery writing prompts in mind, you're well on your way to crafting a story idea that will keep readers guessing until the very end.

So, pick a few mystery ideas from the list above, start brainstorming, and let your imagination run wild - you never know where it might take you.

Happy writing!

Frequently Asked Questions About Mystery Story Ideas (FAQs)

What is a mystery story.

A mystery story is a type of fiction in which the plot revolves around investigating a crime, often a murder, by a detective or amateur sleuth.

The story's goal is to solve the crime and identify the culprit.

What are some common elements of a mystery story?

Some common elements of a good mystery story include a crime or puzzle to be solved, clues that the detective or investigator must interpret, a range of suspects with motives and alibis, and a reveal of the culprit or solution to the puzzle at the end.

How can I make my mystery story unique?

Consider adding plot twists and surprises that keep the reader guessing to make your mystery story unique.

You could also set your story in an unusual location, introduce an unconventional main character, or play with the story's structure.

What are some tips for writing a mystery story?

Some tips for writing a mystery story include creating a strong and compelling protagonist , planting clues throughout the story that lead to the solution, and ensuring that the answer is logical and surprising.

Maintaining a consistent tone and pacing throughout the story is also essential for mystery novels.

Can I write a mystery story without including a murder?

Yes, while murder is a common theme in mystery stories, it's not necessary to include it to write a compelling mystery.

For example, you could write a story about a missing object or a mysterious disappearance.

How long should a mystery story be?

The length of a mystery story can vary widely, depending on the plot's complexity and the author's style. Some mystery stories are short stories, while others are full-length novels.

The important thing is to ensure that the story is engaging and satisfying for the reader.

Can I mix genres in my mystery story?

Yes, you can mix genres in your mystery story to create a unique and compelling story. For example, you could blend mystery with science fiction, romance, or horror prompts to create a story that is both thrilling and unexpected.

How can I create memorable characters for my mystery story?

To create memorable characters for your mystery story, developing them beyond their role in the plot is essential.

Consider their motivations, character backstory , character development, and personality traits, and ensure they have distinct voices and perspectives.

Consider giving them unique quirks or habits that make them stand out from other characters.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a mystery story using mystery writing prompts?

Some common mistakes to avoid when writing a mystery story include the following:

Giving away the solution too early.

Failing to provide enough clues or red herrings.

Making the detective or investigator too all-knowing or infallible.

Should I outline my mystery story before I start writing?

Outlining can be a helpful tool for organizing your thoughts and ensuring that the plot of your mystery story is coherent and logical.

However, some writers prefer to let the story unfold organically as they write, so it ultimately depends on your writing style.

How can I keep the reader engaged throughout my mystery story?

To keep the reader engaged throughout your mystery story, it's crucial to create a sense of tension and suspense with plot twists and turns that keep them guessing.

You could also include subplots or character arcs that add depth and complexity to the story and consider pacing the story so that the tension builds steadily toward the climax.

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Want To Write A Murder Mystery? Here’s How

Congratulations! You’ve picked one of the reading world’s all-time favorite genres.

And with all the subgenres , you have loads of opportunities and choices when writing a murder mystery.

Although there’s room for a LOT of variety in this genre, the overall structure is pretty consistent.

In this guide on how to write a murder mystery, we’ll show you what makes mystery a great choice for your first debut as a fiction author — especially if you enjoy reading and watching them.

You probably have your favorites, too. And the more you learn about how to write mystery, the better sense you’ll have of which subgenre you want to focus on.

Let’s cover the basics before we get down to business.

• Writing a Murder Mystery

Murder Mystery Story Lines

Murder mystery outline, murder mystery plots, murder mystery characters, murder mystery plot, murder mystery clues, essential tips for writing a murder mystery novel.

Writing a murder mystery can be just as fun as reading one. Sometimes, it’s even more fun.

Sure, it’s more work. It’s on you to make sure the reader doesn’t regret buying your novel instead of someone else’s.

And there’s plenty of work involved in not only writing your mystery but also editing and revising it — not to mention everything you’ll do to get it ready for publication .

But when you’re done, and your first reader tells you, “You kept me guessing until the very end! I LOVED this story! This is the first of a series, right? … Right?? ” you’ll know it was worth it.

And the more you learn how to get that kind of response from a reader, the more fun you’ll have cranking out one murder mystery after another.

How to Write a Murder Mystery

What makes mysteries such an ideal genre for new fiction writers is its predictable (but highly customizable) overall storyline sequence:

• Discovery of a murder victim.
• An investigation by a sleuth — professional or amateur.
• Red herring (the reader is invited to suspect someone other than the murderer).
• Sleuth walks into a compromising situation and discovers the truth.
• Sleuth makes a narrow escape, and the murderer is caught.

The particulars of your murder mystery storyline will depend on your book’s subgenre. And there are quite a few. Here’s just a sampling from a long list of subgenres at WritersDigest.com .

Once you know your story’s structure and key moments, you can draft a rough outline .

From there, you can either flesh it out with more detail — for your characters, clues, red herrings, etc. — or use it to launch right into writing your first chapter.

The following questions can help you create a motivating story outline:

After answering these questions, you’ll have a pretty good idea of what happens in your story. An outline helps keep everything sorted by providing a timeline for all the key moments and clues in your story.

It’s up to you whether you want your chapters to have titles related to their content.

Some authors enjoy crafting chapter titles that tease the reader. Others simply number their chapters and rely on tantalizing hooks at each chapter’s end.

If you have to choose one or the other, though, definitely hook your reader at each chapter’s end. You want them to feel conflicted about putting your book down — even when they have to. Give them a reason to come back.

Make it easier to include these hooks by writing an outline like the following for each chapter:

• Key moment #1 (at the beginning of the chapter)
• Key moment #2 (somewhere in the middle) — optional
• Key moment #3 (at the end of the chapter)

In other words, lead your reader through the chapter with moments that make it worth their while to keep reading. Make them care about what’s happening with the mystery and with your main character’s life and relationships.

Spell it out in moments. And put those in your outline.

The basic mystery plot follows the overall storyline mentioned above but each story fills in the blanks differently — based in part on your subgenre and in larger part on your specific story and its characters.

As a murder mystery author, you want to keep your readers guessing about the murderer’s identity without straying from the basic murder mystery story structure.

Keep their interest with something familiar (the story structure they’ve come to expect) along with something new and captivating. Entice them with the promise of surprising revelations. Give them a reason to care about your story’s characters.

Get them asking the following questions (or some variation thereof):

These will also depend on your chosen subgenre. For example, if you’re writing a cozy mystery, your main character will probably be a female amateur sleuth who runs a shop or eatery of some kind.

She’ll often have a best friend who helps her with her sleuthing. And more often than not, there’ll also be a love interest who either helps her solve mysteries or tries to curb her sleuthing ways.

If you’re writing a classic whodunnit or detective mystery, your main character will probably be a seasoned detective adept at noticing things other people miss or disregard. This detective will probably have a sidekick, who may or may not have a life of their own.

To learn more about the kinds of characters and character types typical to each subgenre, you’ll want to read many by different authors. Once you have the basics down, you can add your own flavor to each character and each relationship.

Remember the five-act story structure from Freytag’s Pyramid? Here’s a refresher:

This works well with fantasy novels. With a murder mystery, though, it’s easier to think of the story in three acts:

Mysteries tend to be shorter, anyway — with a lot happening in each chapter. Mystery readers generally want something fast-paced. And the three-act story structure helps with this.

In Plot Point #1 , your main character engages with the inciting incident — which is the catalyst launching them into the story’s main conflict.

At the Midpoint in Act 2 , something happens that leads your character inexorably toward plot point #2. The midpoint often involves a disaster of some kind. It’s not the climax, but it does get things rolling more quickly.

At Plot Point #2 , your main character is at a low point — thanks mostly to the disaster at the midpoint.

Maybe they thought they’d discovered the killer. But when they followed a lead, hoping for success and satisfaction, it led instead to humiliation and disappointment.

All is not lost, though. Give them time to reflect on how things went wrong. Then give them a reason to pivot and head in a new direction.

Act 3 starts with the inevitable confrontation between your main character and the murderer/antagonist. This is the Pre-Climax, and from here things move very quickly toward the Climax.

The Climax , of course, is where your main character/sleuth narrowly escapes becoming the murderer’s next victim. At the climax’s end, the murderer is caught — or stopped (with some degree of finality).

The Resolution is where you tie up the loose ends and show how the case and your main character’s actions have affected them and everyone else in the story.

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It’s important that your reader has access to all the clues your sleuth has.

If they suddenly reveal the name of the killer and only then mention the clues they found that were never mentioned before, your reader will feel cheated of the chance to deduce the murderer’s identity themselves.

Mystery readers like to be involved in the sleuthing. Keep them in the loop.

If you write a detailed outline before starting your first draft, you can plug in your murder mystery clues — what they are, who will find them (first) and where, and how your characters interpret them.

Having these details already in your outline can give you the confidence to get started writing your first chapter.

It doesn’t mean those details won’t change. A lot can happen when you’re writing, and often the ideas you get when you’re in a flow state are better than the ones you had when you were brainstorming.

That said, some writers (those who lean more heavily toward the pantser end of the author spectrum) do better with a rough outline so they can add clues and other details as they write their draft.

You know your process better than I do. Do what works for you.

But if you get stuck, sometimes brainstorming with an outline or voice-journaling for your main character will help you get unstuck.

And sometimes a shower or a long walk can do what sitting at your desk cannot. Just like clues, sometimes you find inspiration when you’re not looking for it.

If you sat down with a group of murder mystery authors and asked them for their best tips on writing for this genre, you’d likely end up with a list like this one:

Ready to write your murder mystery?

Now that you know how to write a murder mystery, what ideas are percolating in that creative mind of yours? What characters are just begging you to bring them to life on the page?

A year from now, you could be working on the next installment in your bestselling murder mystery series, thrilled by the response of readers all around the world.

Where will it all begin? And how can I help you earn a good living writing murder mysteries? Because it can be done.

Check out other Authority Pub articles (like this one on writing dialogue) to get closer to your goal of becoming a bestselling author.

May this be the first of many bestselling novels with your name on the cover.

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BRYN DONOVAN

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50 Intriguing Mystery Story Ideas!

Mystery story ideas often follow a similar pattern. Early on, a dead body turns up, a valuable item goes missing, or a puzzle begs to be solved. The reader knows that by the end of the book, questions will have been answered, which is a comforting element in even the most gruesome murder mysteries.

This simple structure allows for endless creative and original variations. And ten different writers could take the same writing prompt here and write ten vastly different stories! I’ve been reading a lot of mystery novels lately — mostly cozy mysteries, not gritty crime novels, although I might enjoy those, too. That inspired me to write this list of prompts for mystery story ideas.

You can also use this list as an idea generator for free-writing.  Whether you stumble across a story idea you love in the process, or you just get your creative writing juices flowing again, it’s so worth it.

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Although I had mystery novels in mind, some of these could become a subplot in a different fiction genre, from fantasy and romance (especially romantic suspense), to historical fiction and thrillers. (And you might also be interested in my list of 50 thriller plot ideas !)

Be sure to save the post for future reference (or pin it on Pinterest!)

Mystery Story Ideas

1. A woman asks a writer to write the story of her life. Then she goes missing.

2. Murder victims are found buried with some of their wordly goods, Viking style.

3. Three people close to the murder victim have confessed. Each of them swears they acted alone.

4. Notes and gifts from her “Secret Santa” at work take a strange turn.

5. It’s going to be a beautiful wedding at a beautiful destination, but two people in the wedding party have been murdered.

6. The creator of a high-tech prototype that will change an industry has gone missing.

7. Her parents believe her to be their biological child, but they all learn otherwise.

8. The dead woman’s wedding ring is found in a ditch forty miles away.

9. A museum conservator is restoring an old painting, and an X-ray reveals something shocking or mysterious painted or written in the layer beneath.

10. A sorority sister who bullied prospective pledges is found dead.

11. As a man researches his genealogy, he finds that ancestors from a few different generations and a few different countries made visits to the same remote place.

12. Someone replaced the woman’s contact lens solution with a damaging liquid. (This mystery story idea brought to you courtesy of a phobia of mine!)

13. He’s always been a faithful husband, but someone has planted false evidence of his having an affair.

14. A detective is hired for a high price to find a thief who stole something that doesn’t appear to have any real value.

15. Every unmarried lady at the ball wanted to dance with the duke, so it’s too bad he was found stabbed in the garden.

16. In the middle of a wilderness, someone finds an abandoned bunker with security cameras, powered by a generator.

17. The graves of historic figures are being robbed.

18. Clues to the mystery come to him in dreams, but nobody believes him.

19. Serial murders in cities in two different countries are very similar.

20. A man she didn’t know left her a valuable and unusual item in his will.

21. A writer researching his biography of a Golden Age movie star comes across something that makes him suspect that contrary to the official story, she was a murder victim.

22. The accidental death of this investigative reporter seems a little too convenient.

23. The murders all relate to common fears, such as public speaking, flying, and heights.

24. A woman wakes up with a headache and goes into work, only to learn that she’s been missing for a month.

25. Writers are being murdered at the mystery writers’ convention.

26. The painting must have been stolen from the museum in broad daylight, but the security cameras malfunctioned and no witnesses have come forward.

27. Three different guests at the Air BnB died later under mysterious circumstances.

28. A practicing witch or voodoo priestess is accused of murder.

29. The murders are re-enactments of famous murders in novels or movies.

30. He claims to be the rich man who was lost at sea two decades ago.

31. The inspector’s friend is murdered while he is talking on the phone to the inspector.

32. A dead body is found in an unclaimed piece of luggage at the airport.

33. He was murdered on his honeymoon on a cruise ship, and his new, much-younger bride was the only one on board who even knew him.

34. A woman who didn’t know she was adopted meets her twin sister, who gives her a dire warning.

35. One of the pies submitted to the state fair contest was poisoned.

36. The report of a celebrity’s death is false, but he dies soon after.

37. The murder victims all have the same tailor.

38. Who would kill the guest of honor at their 100 th birthday party?

39. The victim was found drowned in a whiskey barrel at the distillery.

40. A wife arranges a romantic “scavenger hunt” for her husband, but someone else changes a few of the clues.

41. The thief who steals rare books always leaves a sonnet behind. (As someone who’s written a few sonnets, I’m particularly fond of this mystery story idea, but you can think of all kinds of creative “calling cards” for criminals!)

42. The wrong body is in the casket at the visitation. No one knows who it is, or where the other body is.

43. The murders were definitely committed by a human, but resemble the attacks of wild animals.

44. After the woman returned the lost wallet, someone began stalking her.

45. The book she’s reading seems to be telling the story of her own life, though she doesn’t think she’s ever met the author.

46. A man who faked his own death must be found in time.

47. Someone in a villain costume and mask attempts to kill an actor at a fan convention. The actor is saved by a fan dressed as a superhero.

48. An Egyptian mummy, or what appears to be one, is found in an unlikely place.

49. A man is found murdered following a heated argument with several people on social media.

50. A body is found in the organic vegetable garden at a hippie commune.

Do you have some thoughts on mystery story ideas?

If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comments! 

And if you want more inspiration, please check out my book 5,000 Writing Prompts !  It has 100 more mystery writing prompts in addition to the ones on this list, plus hundreds of other master plots by genre, dialogue and character prompts, and much more.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and happy writing!

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62 thoughts on “ 50 intriguing mystery story ideas ”.

• Pingback: 50 Mystery Plot Ideas and Writing Prompts! – All About Writing and more

I love cozy mysteries and I love these prompts. A couple of them have spoken to me already and I’ve never written a mystery before.

Thanks, KC! And yeah… cozy mysteries are a whole new world for me, and I love them. 🙂

And I thought I could come up with some off the wall stuff…Thanks Bryn! You’ve offered up several gems.

Haha, thank you Anne!

Your writing prompts should get the writing juices flowing. Thanks for sharing.

Hey, thanks for reading! And for commenting!

Thanks for the mystery prompts, Bryn! I’ve queued up a link to share tonight for Write it Wednesday on my blog.

Oh, thank you. It’s always an honor!

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Is 46 a transvestite mystery then?

It’s either a typo, transvestite, cross dresser, a man who was dressed as a woman as part of his job, or dressed as a woman as a way of hiding from the trouble he’s in. Your choice 🙂

Ha! It’s a typo. I corrected it. 🙂 Thank you!

PS I do that ALL THE TIME in my writing! I always have to correct a few pronouns when I edit a story.

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Number 2 is brilliant and I would binge watch an entire Scandi-noir series based on it.

Hahaha! Thanks, Maggie!

You helped me a LOT, thanks! I wrote stories on #9 and #11. I liked several others, but couldn’t think of ways to put them into stories. I tweaked #9 quite a bit. You have awesome ideas! ??

Hi Bryn, just to say your “Master List for Writers” rocks – love it!

Thanks a lot Bryn… the ideas were nice… can work as a kick starter…!!

this was very helpful thank you so much (they were also in a very understanable english, im only 13 and from denmark)

These ideas are genius! Please write more for mystery and other types of books. (if you have time.) I LOVED EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOUR IDEAS.

Hello, Bryn! Thank you so much for making this! it’s really inspire me:))

these are useless

just kidding there good

is it okay to use these prompts for movie ideas?

• Pingback: 4 Places to Find Plot Ideas for Your Mystery Novel | | Silviya's Writing Nook

Its really good to have these prompts…..they speaka lot for the forwarding story

so glad to have found you! Love it! Story Ideas for a whole Lifetime!!

Hi there! I’m so glad it’s helpful! Thanks for the nice comment; I really appreciate it!

Yayyyyy I wanna be a author can I know how to become a AUTHOR BTW I’m 11 yrs old and I love reading and writing stories Love it!

thank you i am 11 with my friend we are writing a book

Saul, that’s awesome! I wish you and your friend good luck on your book. Have fun!

Hello, I just found this, and thanks so much! I really wanted to write a mystery novel but I couldn’t come up with anything. Thanks a lot for the effort u put into these ideas and I’m so glad that people like you exist…. ❤

im 12 and im writing a mystery series! so helpful !

Good luck on your mystery series!

Thanks for the prompts!

What a lovely collection of mystery ideas!

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• Pingback: 50 idées de complots mystérieux et invites d’écriture! – Bryn Donovan

A lot of good ideas here Bryn. Thanks for the inspiration!

I think 99% of content that could lead to a mystery story, comes from people. In solving the mystery, usually it’s a question of finding out what happened, right? I think it’s just as important to know WHY someone did something. The human factor, not just the event, is like, so important, right?

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Nice, and helpful. Let me see if I can connect two or more together and come up with a good plot.

thank u so much! i am 11 yrs old and I’ve been writing short and simple stories since 7 or 8 years old. i came up with the idea to write a mystery novel/murder mystery when i remembered the “Sweet Valley High” series that i read most of by Francine Pascal and how much murder and drama got developed after the 94th one. Anyway, my mind was blank and the ideas i did came up with weren’t exactly genius. i was searching and stumbled against your ideas. they are sooo helpful!! i can literally imagine one of those ideas that u wrote into a movie (for example, your 1st one where everyone is searching for the woman and find nothing. then her adopted brother who had a bond discovered where she was and knew that he should tell no one. he talked to her through lights and letters written on the wall(i got that from STRANGER THINGS) and rescued her from the people who were holding her hostage) i stretched that but i can really imagine this in my mind right now. well, i am so grateful for your ideas. i hope more people can find your ideas helpful worldwide. thank again 🙂

i think that that is really cool. i used to start stories like that around 8 and 9 and i am also 11 looking for more stories

i will also be really happy if u reply 😉

hiya im also 11 i was wondering if you could help me on a 100 word unsolved writting challenge?

• Pingback: What Are the Three Basic Elements of a Detective Story – The Blogging Forum

Be careful kids. You do not know that the people contacting you are not adults pretending. Never give out your details to strangers. Keep safe. Keep writing.

will do, thanks 🙂

Number 41 is awesome!! I might use it, but in my story the thief leaves behind haikus. Thanks for the prompts!!!

Hi can you please help me out on a private dective story

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I have been reading posts regarding this topic and this post is one of the most interesting and informative one I have read. Thank you for this!

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A cult believes the victim is not human/heretic.

My problem right now isn’t finding an idea. It’s how to bring it to fruition. Any advice on that would be helpful

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Blog • Perfecting your Craft

Posted on Dec 02, 2020

How to Write a Mystery: The 6 Secret Steps Revealed

A great mystery novel will draw in readers with compelling characters, tricky twists, and a clever trail of clues. Of course, the secret to writing a hit like Gone Girl isn’t going to fall into your lap. But in this post we’ll help you strap on your deerstalker, grab your magnifying glass, and crack the code of great mystery architecture!

1. Investigate the subgenres of mystery

You may already know what sort of mystery you want to write. However, it still pays to read plenty of mystery books to get a good grasp on the genre before you start! When it comes to mystery and murder mystery subgenres, here are the usual suspects:

Cozy mysteries

Cozy mysteries often take place in small towns, frequently featuring charming bakeries and handsome mayors. Though the crime is normally murder, there’s no gore, no severed heads in boxes, and no lotion in the basket. As a result, there are rarely any traumatized witnesses or family members in these murder mysteries — making cozies perfect for a gentle fireside read.  Example : the Miss Marple series by Agatha Christie.

Recommended reads

• A Guide to Cozy Mysteries [blog post]
• And Then There Were None: The 10 Best Agatha Christie Books [blog post]

Police procedurals

Police procedurals commonly center on a police investigation (betcha didn’t see that one coming). They feature realistic law enforcement work, such as witness interrogation and forensic science, and require a great deal of research to convince seasoned readers of their authenticity.  Example : Tana French’s Dublin Murder Squad series.

Noir detective novels

Most associate “noir” with black-and-white films of cynical gumshoes and femme fatales — but did you know that dark, gritty noir novels came first? Their flawed characters and complex plots are renowned for leaving readers in the grey. ( Did the investigator do the right thing? Was the culprit really evil?) The crime may be solved by the end, but the mystery itself is rarely so open-and-shut.  Example : The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain.

Prefer your detectives a little more clean-cut? Check out our guide to reading the Sherlock Holmes books !

A suspense mystery is all about high stakes and unexpected twists — elements that make it nearly impossible to stop reading. The mystery builds throughout the narrative, clues are painstakingly planted to divulge just the right amount of information, and things are constantly edging towards a dramatic, often shocking climax .  Example : Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl .

• The 50 Best Suspense Books of All Time [blog post]

Which genre (or subgenre) am I writing?

Find out which genre your book belongs to. It only takes a minute!

2. Commit to a crime before you write

While some authors like to write without an outline, improvisation doesn’t lend itself well to the mystery genre. To build suspense effectively and keep your readers engaged, you’ll need to drip feed information bit by bit — which means you’ll need to know your crime and its culprit inside out before you put pen to paper.

Consider not only who committed the crime, but how they pulled it off, and why. Is there anything unusual about their methods, or any specific details you can include that will add texture to your story — say, the lingering smell left behind by a specific real-world poison, or the unusual wounds created by an unconventional weapon? Would anyone else have witnessed the crime — or thought they witnessed it — and if so, how might your criminal keep them silent?

By mapping out and researching your crime, you can think about telltale clues that may have been left behind, and when best to reveal these clues to your readers to keep them hooked. Just make sure you clear your browser history afterwards.

3. Research and pick your setting with purpose

Setting is the backbone of mystery; it fosters the right atmosphere and typically plays a significant role in the plot. But according to crime fiction editor Allister Thompson , far too many mysteries are set in the same old places. “The world doesn’t need another crime novel set in New York,” he says, “or in London if you're British, or in Toronto if you’re from Canada.”

Instead of an overused urban setting, why not set your murder mystery someplace unique? “Not only does it give you more interesting material, it also gives you a really good marketing angle,” Allister says. “The distinct cultural mix and geography of Albuquerque, for example, was a huge part of Breaking Bad’ s hook.”

For more tips from Allister, check out this Reedsy Live on mystery writing mistakes and how to avoid them.

This all requires research to execute well. Local news sites should give you an idea of what matters to an area’s residents, the problems they face, and what’s interesting about their community. You’ll come to understand what might actually unfold in a setting like this one, adding depth and authenticity to your mystery.

4. Carve out an intriguing cast of characters

Mysteries are largely about human intrigue, and to pull that off, you’ll need to assemble an interesting cast of characters . Dedicate time to fleshing out your victim, perpetrator, suspects, and sleuth, and you’ll have a much easier time getting readers invested in cracking the case. 

To ensure you know your characters inside out, try filling out a character profile — check out our free one below. 

FREE RESOURCE

Reedsy’s Character Profile Template

A story is only as strong as its characters. Fill this out to develop yours.

Create a memorable sleuth

Your sleuth, whether they’re a nosy neighbor or a chief inspector, serves as the eyes and ears of your novel — so it’s important that the reader cares about them from the start! 

To do this, establish some baseline stakes by determining your sleuth’s motive. What’s stopping them from saying “I guess we’ll never know” and walking away? Would an innocent person be jailed? Will the killer strike again? Or is your sleuth’s motive less selfless, maybe a promotion or a cash reward?

Your sleuth doesn’t have to be a quirky mega-genius a la Sherlock Holmes, but even your “everyman” amateur detective should still be a well-rounded and unique character. Give them idiosyncrasies, interests, and a life outside of the crime, including perhaps a history or connection to the victim that makes them especially invested — “ this time, it’s personal… ”

Profile your perp

To write a killer culprit, you’ll first need to get their motive right. Your entire plot hinges on this character and their reason for committing a crime, so it has to be thoroughly believable! 

Unless you’re dealing with a serial killer (in which case their motive might be more nebulous and unhinged), figuring out your culprit’s motive should always involve the question: What does the killer stand to gain or lose ? More often than not, the answer will involve money, passion, or both — or perhaps the oft-pilfered title of “best village baker”, if you’re writing a cozy. 

Explore the dynamics between the victim and suspects

For there to even be a mystery, your culprit can’t be the only possible criminal. To keep readers hunting for the truth, try to show your other suspects having any two of the following:

• means (did they have access to a weapon?), 
• motive (how would they have benefited from the crime?), 
• and opportunity (were they close to the crime scene?). 

It’s then the job of the sleuth (and the reader in tandem) to dig out whether they have all three — and even if so, whether they actually did it. 

To muddy the waters, explore your victim’s relationship to all the suspects, not just the culprit. A morally grey victim, with a messy past and complex relationships, will allow for more intrigue in your murder mystery. Readers are presented with multiple possibilities, and will have to rule them out in turn as new information comes to light, just like a real detective.

If you want to develop amazing characters to populate your mystery, why not check out our free 10-day course on the subject?

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How to Develop Characters

In 10 days, learn to develop complex characters readers will love.

5. Build tension throughout the story

The central pillar of any good mystery is the push-and-pull between question and answer. As the author, it’s your job to draw the reader’s attention to the right things at precisely the right moment. 

The best way to ensure this is to nail your story structure ! By expertly planning your novel’s shift from the unknown to the known, you’ll produce the gripping rise in action that all great mystery novels possess. Here’s how to do just that.

Looking for inspiration for your next mystery story? Look no further than our mystery plot generator !

Hit 'em with a hook

Every story should start with a great first line, but mysteries are particularly fertile ground for first-rate hooks. Many authors open with the crime. The opening line of Darker than Amber , for example, is brief, unexpected, and action-focused:

“We were about to give up and call it a night when somebody dropped the girl off the bridge.” — John D. MacDonald, Darker than Amber

There’s no one “right way” to open your mystery novel. But to make sure it’ll capture readers' attention, try to write an opening that a) jolts readers into paying attention, b) leads them to ask further questions, and c) introduces some stakes (conflict, danger, etc.).

Pull out the red string and connect your clues

You’ve successfully enticed readers with your hook! Now, to keep them engaged, you’ll need to structure your plot around the clues to your mystery’s solution. 

This moment takes place when the pivotal clue turns up, or when your sleuth realizes the significance of a forgotten lead. What happens at that point leads to your novel's ending.

Give your sleuth time to think

While you may want to make your story as action-packed as possible, it's also important to slow down at times.  As well as including those action-oriented info-finding scenes (think: examining the crime scene for physical clues, talking to suspects to glean their alibis), you'll want to include more cerebral scenes that show them thinking or talking through their theory of the case, says Reedsy mystery editor Anne Brewer .

"These types of scenes give you an opportunity to sign post to the reader where the investigation is going (you can even employ misdirection here by having the sleuth make mistakes and get things wrong sometimes), as well as show off their special skills that make them a good investigator."

Consider red herrings

Because they lead the reader down the garden path and away from the truth, you might think red herrings would cause frustration. But when done well, they’re part of the fun, and that’s why they’re a tried-and-true trope of murder mystery. 

By upping the tension and escalating the pace, even if it’s towards a dead end, red herrings conjure the signature push-and-pull of the mystery genre. (Not to mention, they keep readers from guessing the answers too soon!)

For a classic mystery bait-and-switch, you might consider:

• a character who appears complicit, but isn’t;
• an object that seems more important than it is ( cleverly subverting Chekhov’s Gun !); or
• a misleading clue that was planted by the culprit.

Finally, remember that when it comes to the ending of your mystery, it’s important to play fair. Don’t suddenly introduce an evil twin as the final twist without setting it up earlier! The ultimate conclusion should be both unexpected  and  earned if you want to satisfy readers, says Reedsy editor Alyssa Matesic . "You don't want to hint too obviously at the twist (such as who the killer is), because then the reader might put the pieces together prematurely and the reveal scene will feel lackluster and anticlimactic. At the same time, you don't want the twist to feel like it comes out of left field, because then you'll lose the reader's trust. You need to leave just enough breadcrumbs throughout the story so the reader feels like the twist has been right under their nose the whole time."

6. Revise your mystery (with the help of experts)

Once you’ve finished your first draft , you should absolutely celebrate with party poppers and champagne… but then it’s time to transform it into a truly standout mystery! After taking the time to perform a thorough self-edit , summon the courage to send your manuscript out into the world — the world of beta readers , that is. 

Beta readers

Beta readers are the invaluable people who read your draft and provide honest, third-party feedback. They can tell you which characters they connected with and which they didn’t, identify plot holes, and point out any other issues you’ve become blind to during your revisions.

As well as asking for general feedback on your story, ask your beta readers to record their working theories as they read. This way you can see whether readers will pick up on clues at the right moment, and whether they’re misled just the right amount by your red herrings.

Professional editor

An experienced mystery editor who eats, sleeps and breathes these books can offer suggestions that even the most talented beta readers will struggle to express. 

In the first stages of editing, a developmental editor will provide you with a holistic, in-depth review of your manuscript, helping you examine characterization and redistribute your clues to build to a stunning conclusion. 

After producing a second draft, Thompson recommends working with a copy editor : “It’s too competitive out there not to put your best work forward [...] without errors, bad grammar, or spelling mistakes.” So polish up that manuscript like a magnifying glass if you want it to stand a chance of success!

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So, there you have it! If you follow these six steps, you should be well on your way to giving mystery readers what they crave — a thrilling tale of bad guys, cliffhangers, and diligent sleuths. But if you want to test out your new knowledge on a smaller scale first, head over to Reedsy Prompts and investigate our archive of mysterious short story starters to kick things off.

Continue reading

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Good Hooks for Essays: 14 Hook Ideas with Examples

Now here’s the clue.

If you want to wow your teacher, polish the introduction. Add something interesting, funny, shocking, or intriguing. Good essay hooks help you build an emotional connection right from the start. Think of an essay hook as bait for your readers.

Our expert team has prepared numerous examples of hooks for essays. You’ll find hook examples for an argumentative essay, personal story, history essay, and other types of papers.

For 100% clarity, we provided examples using each hook tactic. And a short part about how to write a good hook.

• 💎 What Exactly Is a Hook & How to Write a Good One
• 📜 Examples of Classical Essay Hooks
• 💡 Try Some Informative Essay Hooks
• 🦄 Here are the Most Uncommon Essay Hooks

✅ Good Hooks for Essays: Bonus Tips

• 🔗 References for More Information

We highly recommend reading all the methods and examples, so you don’t have any questions.

💎 How to Write a Hook That Will Work for Your Essay?

The hook of your essay usually appears in the very first sentence.

The average length of an essay hook should be 3-7 sentences, depending on the topic.

But first, let’s quickly go through the key questions.

What Is an Essay Hook?

An essay hook (or narrative hook) is a literary technique that writers use to keep their readers engaged. It shows that the content below is worth reading.

The hook can have different lengths. Some writers make it last for several pages. Though, it better be a short paragraph or even a sentence.

Why Do You Need a Good Essay Hook?

Writing the right hook is essential for a few reasons:

• It heats up your readers’ interest. If you did it right, they read the whole piece.
• It shows off your skills . A right hook presents you as an expert in your field.
• It attracts target audience. Only the readers you want will keep reading.
• It keeps the tension on the right level. Use an intriguing question, and a reader dies to find out the answer.
• It makes a good introduction. Starting your essay off a boring fact is simply not a good idea.

How to Write a Good Hook: Ideas and Examples

Next, we will discuss these hook types in more detail. We’ll also provide essay hook examples of less common yet intriguing types: dialogue, story, contradiction, comparison, definition, metaphor, puzzle, announcement, and background information hooks.

💬 The Famous Quote Hook

Use a famous quote as a hook for your essay on history, literature, or even social sciences. It will present you as an established writer. It shows how knowledgeable you are and motivates the readers to engage in the text.

⬇️ Check out examples below ⬇️

Quote Hook Example: Political Science

Hilary Clinton once said that "there cannot be true democracy unless women's voices are heard." Which creates a discussion about how perfect democracy should look like. If it is a form of government that considers all opinions, why are women silenced so often even nowadays? The truth is that we need to ensure completely equal opportunities for women in politics before we talk about establishing the correct version of democracy. And even the most developed and progressive countries are still struggling to get to that level of equality. It can be achieved by various methods, even though they might only work in certain countries.

Social Sciences

"Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country." These words of wisdom from John Kennedy reflect the perspective we need to teach the younger generations. For some reason, it has become popular to blame the government for any problem arising in society. Is it their fault that we don't think about waste and keep trashing our home? Social responsibility is a real thing. The well-being of our countries starts with the actions of every separate individual. It is not entirely right to wait until the government fixes all the issues for us. The best strategy is to start thinking about what we can do as a community to make our home even a better place.

And excellent sources of quotes for you:

• Brainyquote.com – you can search quotes by topic or by author.
• Goodreads.com is not only a great collection of e-books but also quotes.
• Quoteland.com has plenty of brilliant words for all imaginable situations.
• Quotationspage.com – more than 30,000 quotations for unique essay hooks.

❓Rhetorical Question Essay Hooks

It doesn’t have to be rhetorical – any type of question addressed to your audience will do its job. Such a universal kind of hook can spike the interest of your readers immediately.

Some useful patterns of rhetorical questions:

• What could be more important than…?
• What if there was only one… (chance/day/hour)?
• Who wouldn’t like to… (be a cat/turn visitors into clients)?
• Why bother about… (inequality/imperfect education system)?
• Which is more important: … (making money or realizing potential)?

And more in examples:

Example of a Question Hook on Education

Wouldn't free access to education for everyone be wonderful? The answer would most likely be positive. However, it is not as simple as it seems. As much as the governments try to achieve this goal, there are still many uneducated people. On the bright side, in the era of technology, learning has never been so easy. Of course, some young adults just prefer the shortcut option of taking a student loan. Other ways are much more challenging and require a lot of responsibility and patience. Finding free educational resources online and gaining experience with the help of video tutorials might sound unprofessional. Still, you will be surprised how many experts hired in different fields only received this type of education.

Question Hook Example: Health

Is there anything that can help you lose weight fast? You have probably heard of this magical keto diet that is getting more and more popular worldwide. People claim that it helps them shred those excess pounds in unbelievably short terms. But how healthy is it, and does it suit anyone? The truth is that no diet is universal, and thanks to our differences, some weight-loss methods can even be harmful. Keto diet, for example, leads your body into the state of ketosis. What happens is that you don't receive carbohydrates, and in this state, fat is used as the primary source of energy instead them. However, it carries potential threats.

😂 Anecdotal Essay Hooks

This type would usually be more suitable for literary pieces or personal stories. So, don’t use it for formal topics, such as business and economics. Note that this hook type can be much longer than one sentence. It usually appears as the whole first paragraph itself.

It wouldn't be Kate if she didn't do something weird, so she took a stranger for her best friend this time. There is nothing wrong with it; mistakes like that happen all the time. However, during only five minutes that Kate spent with the stranger, she blabbed too much. Thinking that she sat down at the table that her friend took, Kate was so busy starting on her phone that she didn't notice that it wasn't her friend at all. Sure enough, the naive girl started talking about every little detail of her last night that she spent with her date. It was too much for the ears of an old lady. Kate realized she took the wrong table only when it was too late.

Literature (personal story)

Do not ever underestimate the power of raccoons! Those little furry animals that may look overly cute are too smart and evil. It only takes one box of pizza left outside your house by the delivery person for the disaster to begin. When they smell that delicious pizza, no doors can stop them. They will join the forces to find a hole in your house to squeeze into. Even if it's a window crack four feet above the ground, they know how to get to it. Using their fellow raccoons as the ladder, they get inside the house. They sneak into the kitchen and steal your pizza in front of your eyes and your scared-to-death dog. Not the best first day in the new home, is it? 

📈 Fact or Statistic Hook

Looking deeper into your essay topic, you might find some numbers that are quite amusing or shocking. They can serve as perfect hooks for economics- and business-oriented writings. Also, it is better if they are less known.

Business/social sciences

The UAE workforce is culturally diverse since around 20% of employees (usually called expatriates) come from different countries. Ex-pats tend to take managerial positions, which makes communication within companies quite tricky. The training focused on raising cultural awareness is getting more common, but such educational strategies as games (or gamification) are still rarely applied in the UAE companies. Yet, gamification was a useful tool in other places, making it an attractive UAE team building method. It can significantly help integrate ex-pats and create a more culturally aware environment.

Statistic Hook Example in Economics

The United Arab Emirate's debt has been rising drastically in past years, from about US$17 billion in 2003, which is almost 19 percent of GDP, to US$184 billion in 2009. Only a small proportion of the debt can be tracked directly to the public sector. A report by UBS bank shows that most of the debt comes from the corporate sector. Most of the companies that hold the main section of the debt are financial institutions. The public sector partly owns them. Banks in the UAE have been accumulating their debt amounts in the years mentioned above and could now account for 75 percent of the total foreign debt. The discussion is about the reasons why the UAE debt has been rising at an alarming rate.

Some good sources for statistics

• Finance.yahoo.com is perfect for business papers.
• Usa.gov/statistics is an easy-to-use governmental engine for searching data and stats.
• Unstats.un.org provides a massive collection of statistics published by UN organizations
• Oecd-ilibrary.org is the online library of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), featuring its books, papers, and statistics and is a gateway to the OECD’s analysis and data.

🤯 Shocking Facts are Very Good Hooks for Essays

Very similar to a statistical hook, a fact can serve as a perfect engaging introduction. Search your field for some shocking phenomenon and gently insert it in the beginning.

Don’t forget to include a reliable source reinforcing your words!

Fact Hook Example in Economics

Nowadays, much attention is paid to the problem of shark finning around the world. Millions of sharks are killed annually for their fins, and many of them are dropped back to the ocean finless, where they die because of suffocation. In many countries, the idea of shark finning remains illegal and unethical, but the possibility of earning huge money cannot be ignored (Dell'Apa et al. 151). Regarding available technologies, market economies, trade relations, and cheap employment, it does not take much time to organize special trips for shark hunting. The Trade of shark fins is alive and well developed in countries like the United States and China. However, the number of people who are eager to try shark fin soup has considerably decreased during the last several years because of the popularity of anti-shark fin soup campaigns and laws supported worldwide (Mosbergen). The situation continues to change in China.

Daniel Stacey and Ross Kelly observed that long lines and a new gray market trend for bigger screen phones marked Apple's new iPhones debut. As expected, new phone models drew Apple fans outside retail stores (Stacey and Kelly). Global critics, however, noted that this year's lines were generally longer relative to previous periods mainly because of the developing gray market for Apple products. The new Apple's iPhones have larger screens than the previous models. Also, they boast of improved battery life, faster processors, and an enhanced camera. Tim Cook called them "mother of all upgrades" (Stacey and Kelly).

Sources to look for reliable facts:

• Buzzfeed.com – news, videos, quizzes.
• Cracked.com – a website full of funny stuff, like articles, videos, pictures, etc.
• Webmd.com – an incredible collection of medical facts you will love.
• Livescience.com – discoveries hitting on a broad range of fields.
• National Geographic – needs no introduction.
• Mental Floss answers life’s big questions, a compilation of fascinating facts and incredible stories.

🗣️ Dialogue as a Catchy Hook for Essays

Dialogue is another type of hooks that goes perfectly with pieces of literature and stories. It can even make your short essay stand out if you include it at the beginning. But don’t forget that it only concerns specific topics such as literature and history.

Here it is:

Dialogue Hook Example in Literature

– Why did you do it? – I don't know anymore… That's why I'm leaving for a little bit right now. I need time to think.

With these words, Anna stepped back into the train car and waved goodbye to Trevor. She couldn’t even find the right words to explain why she ran away on her wedding day. It wasn’t that she didn’t love Trevor, but there was this deep, natural, and unexplored feeling that told her it wasn’t time yet. But the only thing Anna realized was that the city made her sick. That day, she took off her wedding dress, bought a ticket on the next flight leaving that afternoon, and hopped on the train taking her to the airport. She couldn’t even remember the country’s name she was going to so blurry everything was from her tears.

Dialogue Hook for History Essay

– If we still had inquisition, we could probably set him on fire. – Some dark magic, indeed, my friend! It would have probably been a real dialogue if we knew who was the first automobile inventor for sure. People were undoubtedly shocked to see the cars moving by themselves without horses. However, since they started appearing around the globe around the same time, it is almost impossible to identify who was the original creator of the idea and the first automobile itself. The credit was usually given to Karl Benz from Germany, who created a gasoline car in 1885-1886. But there are also much earlier records of a gentleman named Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot, who built the first vehicle powered by steam in France in 1769.

🔮 A Story Looks Like an Extremely Good Essay Hook

A universal essay hook is a story. You can use this trick pretty much anywhere. The main challenge is to be as authentic as possible, try to tell something fresh and engaging. The more specific and narrow the story, the more chances for a successful introduction.

Story Hook Example for an Essay on Business

Dell started fast and strong. The original company was founded in 1984 when the founder was only a 19-year-old student at the University of Texas. Four years after the inception of the company, Michael Dell became the Entrepreneur of the Year. Eight years after he started the company from his dorm room's comfort, Dell was chosen as the Man of the Year by PC Magazine. […] The company was acknowledged as the world's leading direct marketer of personal computers. At the same time, Dell was known as one of the top five PC vendors on the planet (Hunger 9). […] However, the company's journey encountered a major hurdle down the road. Even after recovering from an economic recession in 2010, the company continued to experience declining sales.

🦚 Contradictory Statement – Queen of Good Hooks

Everybody loves to start an argument by contradicting some facts. Therefore, you simply need to add a controversial statement at the beginning of your essay. People of all ages and beliefs will not be able to stop reading it!

Challenging your readers works well for social sciences, business, and psychology topics.

Examples of contradictory statements essay hooks:

If you think being a manager is a calm and relatively easy task, try surviving on five cups of coffee, a sandwich, and two packs of cigarettes a day. You would rather believe that managers only walk around the office and give their staff orders, wouldn't you? Unfortunately, the reality is much harsher than such rainbowy dreams. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. A whole set of personal qualities and professional skills must keep up with the successful strategic planning, assessment, and development. All the tasks the managers need to attend to are nerve-wracking and sometimes almost impossible to do. The stress from the demanding managerial position is often overlooked or underestimated.

Social sciences

Video games have been ruining our kids' lives and leading to an increase in crime. Since the gaming industry's development in recent years, the fear of its adverse effects on the younger generations' brains has become a significant concern. There is such a wide variety of games, ranging from educational to violent shooters and horrors. Almost immediately, caring parents jumped on the latter category, claiming that its impact is too significant and children become more aggressive and uncontrollable. Some supporters of this theory went even further. They decided to link real-life crimes to the effects of violent video games on child and adult behavior. However, as we will see later in this article, there is no or little scientific evidence supporting those ideas.

🔁 Vivid Comparison Essay Hook

Introducing your topic with an engaging, vivid comparison is a universal strategy. It is suitable for any kind of writing. The main idea is to grab your readers’ attention by showing them your unique perspective on the topic. Try to make the comparison amusing and exciting.

Comparison Essay Hook Options:

• Comparison with daily chores (e.g., Proofreading your essays is like cleaning your teeth.)
• Comparison with something everyone hates (e.g., Learning grammar is like going to the dentist.)
• Comparison with something everyone loves (e.g., John was happy like a child eating a free vanilla ice cream.)
• Comparison of modern and old-school phenomena (e.g., Modern email has much in common with pigeon post.)
• Funny comparison (e.g., Justin Bieber is the Michael Jackson of his time)

Check out examples:

Environment

For many people, flying feels like a dream come true. More and more people take their first-ever flight thanks to the rapidly developing aviation technologies. Aircraft and airports are advancing, and air traveling is getting cheaper. However, except for transporting eager travel addicted and business people, planes are used in other ways. It appears that the whole economies across the world depend on the effectiveness and efficiency of airlines. Import and export demand this kind of transportation to work at all times. Aviation development seems like a great thing. However, just like any other technological breakthrough, it comes with a price. Environmental issues did not wait too long to show up.

Social sciences/psychology

Leaving home for the first time as a freshman can only be compared to the level of stress you had in childhood when your mother left you in the line at the checkout for too long. Indeed, becoming a student and moving out of the parent's house comes with a great deal of stress. All the unknown that lies ahead makes youngsters too anxious. Then, the difficulties of financial planning and increased academic pressure come as additional sources of worries. However, it does not have to be such a negative experience. Particular techniques can help students overcome their stress related to the separation from their parents.

📄 Definitions = Easy & Good Hooks for Essays

Another versatile essay hook option is introducing a qualitative definition. Try to make it capacious, and don’t fall into verbal jungles. This narrative hook is perfect for short scientific papers where there is only one focus subject.

Business Ethics

White-collar crime refers to the peaceful offense committed with the intention of gaining unlawful monetary benefits. There are several white-collar crimes that can be executed. They include extortion, insider trading, money laundering, racketeering, securities fraud, and tax evasion. Enron Company was an American based energy company. It was the largest supplier of natural gas in America in the early 1990s. The company had a stunning performance in the 1990s. Despite the excellent performance, stakeholders of the company were concerned about the complexity of the financial statements. The company's management used the complex nature of the financial statements and the accounting standards' weaknesses to manipulate the financial records. The white-collar crime was characterized by inflating the asset values, overstating the reported cash flow, and failure to disclose the financial records' liabilities. This paper carries out an analysis of the Enron scandal as an example of white-collar crime as discussed in the video, The Smartest Guys in the Room.

Motivation is the act of influencing someone to take any action to achieve a particular goal (Montana& Chanov, 2008). Employees' motivation depends on the job's nature, the company's organizational culture, and personal characteristics. In this case study, various theories influence and show how employees can be motivated in the workplace.

📚 Metaphor Hook for Essays

Naturally, using a metaphor as a hook for your essay comes with some limitations. You should only use this type in literature and sometimes in psychology. However, it serves as a great attention grabber if it’s engaging enough.

Let’s see how you can use a metaphor:

When life gives you dirt, don't try to squeeze the juice out of it. It's better to leave it alone and let it dry out a bit. Kate decided to follow this philosophy since nothing else seemed to work. After the painful divorce process, last week's ridiculous work assignments and managing two kids alone almost drove her crazy. No polite discussions, arguing, or bribing helped take care of seemingly a million tasks these little women had to deal with. Even letting out the anger just like her phycologist recommended did not help much. Instead, Kate referred to the last remedy. She put all the issues aside with the hope that it would get better later.

The recipe is relatively easy – take a cup of self-respect, two cups of unconditional love, half a cup of good health, a pinch of new positive experiences, and mix it all for a perfect state of happiness! We all wish it would be possible, right? However, the mystery of this state of being happy is still unsolved. The concept and its perception considerably change depending on time and values. Happiness is so complicated that there is even no universal definition of it. Besides, humans are social creatures, so associating your level of success with others is not unusual. Therefore, being happy means achieving a certain level of several aspects.

🧩 Puzzle? Yes! Amazing Hook for Your Essay

Doesn’t a good riddle grab your attention? Sometimes you just want to find out the answer. The other times, you want to figure out how it is related to the topic. Such a hook would be great for writings on psychology and even economics or business.

Here are the examples:

How many Google office employees you need to destroy a box of fresh donuts? Google is indeed famous for some of the most accommodating and unique working places around the whole world. However, the success of the company does not only appear from treats for employees. It seems that the organizational culture has many effects on business decisions and overall performance. All the staff working in Google share the same visions and values, helping them cooperate and lead the company to success. However, there is one aspect to consider. The organizational culture needs to be adapted to the ever-changing business environment.

Who survives on dirt-like substance, is never joyful, and only returns to the cave to sleep? It sounds horrible, but the correct answer is human. Nowadays, the demands for any kind of workers are rising, which brings tremendous effects on people. As the number of duties increases, it is getting harder for employees not to chug on coffee and come back home in time for a family dinner. The work-life balance is disturbed, leading to anxiety, relationship issues, and even health problems. Social life appears to be as important as making money. Therefore, the correct distribution of time between personal life and work duties is necessary for happiness.

📢 Announcement Is Also a Good Essay Hook Option

Announcements could be suitable for literary pieces and historical essays.

Such a hook doesn’t have to be too long. It should be significant enough to persuade your readers to stick to your writing. Make sure it aligns with your topic as well.

Ways to use announcements as essay hooks:

It was a revolution! The Beatle's first song came out in 1962, and almost immediately, hordes of fans pledged their loyalty to this new band. Nearly all youngsters became obsessed with their music. No one can deny that the Beatles are still considered the creators of some of the best songs in history. However, the arrival of the British band influences culture as well. Many photos depict girls going crazy on live concerts and guys shaping their haircuts after the Beatles' members. The revolution that the band brought left an impact, evidence that we can still trace in modern British culture and music.

I will never go to Starbucks again! Oh, no, mind me. I love their coffee. At some point in my life, I even thought I had an addiction and had to ask my friends to watch my consumption of Pumpkin Spice Latte. Then, the wind of change turned everything upside down. On my usual Starbucks morning run, I noticed a homeless man holding a paper cup begging for money. At first, I didn't pay much attention since it's a usual occurrence in our area. However, one day, I recognized my old neighbor in him. The only cash I had on me, I usually spent on my cup of coffee, but I decided it was not much of a sacrifice. From that moment, I only showed up on that street to shove a few bucks into that poor guy's cup. One day, to my surprise, he talked to me.

ℹ️ Background Information Essay Hook

Last but not least, give background information on your subject to make a good intro. Such an essay hook is effortless and suitable for practically any paper. Try to find the most unobvious angle to the background information. At the same time, keep it short and substantive.

Here are the ways to use background information essay hooks:

Air Arabia is among the leading low-cost carriers in the global airline industry. The airline is mainly based at the Sharjah International Airport in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (Air Arabia, 2012). The airline came into inception in 2003 after His Highness Dr. Sheik Mohammed Al Qassimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, issued an Emiri Decree. Later, Air Arabia was transformed into a limited liability company. For nearly a decade, Air Arabia has witnessed tremendous growth, resulting in increased fleet size and improved sales revenues. At the same time, Air Arabia has created a renowned brand that offers reliable and safe services (Dubai Media Incorporated, 2012). Air Arabia identifies itself as a low-cost carrier by providing low fares in the industry. Some of the key strengths of the airline include punctuality and safety. This aims to ensure that the airline serves its customers most efficiently by observing its safety requirements and adhering to the landing and takeoff schedules (De Kluyver, 2010).

Walmart was founded by Sam Walton in the Arkansas United States in 1962 as a grocery store. The company, which operates a chain of over 8,000 stores in fifteen countries, is estimated to employ over two million employees from diverse backgrounds. Wal-Mart was incorporated in 1969 and started trading in the New York Stock Exchange in 1972. […] Although the company can leave its consumers with a saving due to its low-price policy, it has faced some sharp criticisms over how it treats its employees and other stakeholders. Wal-Mart boasts of its ability to save its customers' money, an average of $950 per year. This, however, has been criticized as harming the community. Also, the feminists' activists have focused on Walmart's misconduct in offering low prices. (Fraedrich, Ferrell & Ferrell 440)

Now we won’t keep you for long. Let’s just go through simple points of essay hook writing.

Someone may think that you have to write your hook first. It comes first in the paper, right?

In reality, though, you can wait until your entire essay is nearly finished. Then go back and rewrite the very first paragraph. This way, you can have a fresh look at what you’ve written in the beginning.

Here’s a simple plan you can follow.

• First, write a basic version of your thesis statement.
• Then, provide supporting evidence for your thesis in every body paragraph.
• After that, reword your thesis statement and write your concluding paragraph.
• Finally, search for an attention-grabbing fact, statistic, or anything from the list above to serve as an engaging essay hook.

Add this essay hook to the beginning of your introduction. Make sure that your ideas still flow naturally into your thesis statement.

⚠️ Pro tip: choose various hooks and play around, adding each hook to your introduction paragraph. Like this, you can determine which one makes the most impressive beginning to your paper.

Some of your choices may sound interesting but may not lead to your essay’s main point. Don’t panic! Paper writing always involves trial and error. Just keep trying your essay hook ideas until one fits perfectly.

That’s it 😊

Good luck with your work!

🔗 References

• Hook – Examples and Definition of Hook
• How to Engage the Reader in the Opening Paragraph – BBC
• Hooks and Attention Grabbers; George Brown College Writing Centre
• Hook Examples and Definition; Literary Devices
• What Is a Narrative Hook? Video
• How to: Writing Hooks or Attention-Getting Openings-YouTube

Research Paper Analysis: How to Analyze a Research Article + Example

Film analysis: example, format, and outline + topics & prompts.

Hook Generator

AI Hook Generator: Write a Perfect Attention-Grabber

What is a hook generator.

In writing, a hook is a sentence or group of sentences that serves as an attention-grabbing opening to a piece of writing. It is a powerful tool to engage readers or listeners and encourage them to continue reading or listening. However, crafting a good hook can be challenging, and that's where a hook generator comes in.

A hook generator, also known as a hook creator or hook sentence generator, is an online tool that provides users with various ideas for hooks that they can use in their writing. These tools help writers save time and effort by providing them with different options for a hook that they can choose from.

Why Should You Use a Hook Statement Generator?

Using a hook generator has several advantages for writers, including:

• Time-saving:  Writing a hook can be a time-consuming process. A hook generator can save writers time by providing them with various options to choose from.
• Increased creativity:  A hook generator can stimulate creativity by providing writers with unique and interesting ideas that they might not have thought of on their own.
• Improved engagement:  A well-crafted hook can improve reader engagement, and a hook generator can help writers create attention-grabbing hooks that keep their readers interested.
• Consistency:  A hook generator can help writers ensure that the tone and style of their hooks are consistent throughout their writing. This can help create a more cohesive and polished piece of writing, which can improve the reader's overall experience.
• Flexibility:  A hook generator can provide writers with different types of hooks that can be tailored to their specific writing needs. For example, a writer may need a hook for an essay, a speech, or a marketing campaign. A hook generator can provide a variety of hook types, such as anecdotes, questions, or quotations, that can be customized to suit the specific type of writing.

How to Use Our Hook Generator?

Our hook generator is easy to use and can help writers generate hooks quickly and efficiently. Here's how to use it:

Step 1: Describe the Topic

Enter the topic you want to write about in the text box. This will help the generator provide relevant and specific ideas for hooks.

Step 2: Generate Hook Ideas

Click on the "Generate Hooks" button, and our hook generator will provide you with different ideas for hooks. You can select the ones that you like and save them for later use.

Step 3: Save Hooks with Potential

After generating hook ideas, you can save the ones that you think have the potential to engage your audience. You can copy and paste them into a separate document for future reference.

Step 4: Refine Your Hooks

You can refine the hooks you've saved by making changes to them or combining different ideas to create a more unique hook.

Tips for writing effective hooks

Here are some tips for writing effective hooks:

Know your audience

Before writing a hook, it's essential to know your target audience. Consider what type of reader or listener you are trying to attract and what their interests and values are. This will help you create a hook that is relevant and appealing to your audience.

Hook examples:

• Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list?
• Are you passionate about saving the environment?
• Do you love trying new recipes and experimenting in the kitchen?

Start with an interesting fact or statistic

Sharing a surprising or little-known fact can pique readers' curiosity and make them want to learn more. Starting with a fact or statistic can also establish the importance of the topic you're writing about.

Pose a thought-provoking question

Asking a question can make readers or listeners think and engage with the topic on a deeper level. Make sure the question is relevant to your topic and encourages readers to keep reading or listening.

Thought-provoking hook exa

• What would you do if you had only 24 hours left to live?
• Is it ever acceptable to lie to protect someone's feelings?
• Should students be allowed to grade their teachers?

Use a quotation

Using a quotation from a famous person or a book related to your topic can add credibility and interest to your writing. Make sure the quotation is relevant and memorable.

Quotation hook examples:

• "The only way to do great work is to love what you do." - Steve Jobs
• "The best way to predict your future is to create it." - Abraham Lincoln
• "It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change." - Charles Darwin

Tell a story or anecdote

Sharing a personal story or anecdote can help readers connect with your writing on an emotional level. Make sure the story is relevant to your topic and highlights the importance of the issue you're discussing.

Story hook examples:

• When I was six years old, I fell off my bike and broke my arm. Little did I know that this event would shape my entire life.
• My grandfather used to tell me stories about his experiences during the war. His stories always reminded me of the sacrifices he made for our country.
• I remember the first time I tasted sushi. It was love at first bite, and I've been a fan ever since.

Humour can be an effective way to engage readers and make them remember your writing. However, make sure the humor is appropriate and relevant to your topic.

• Why did the tomato turn red? Because it saw the salad dressing!
• I used to play piano by ear, but now I use my hands instead.
• I told my wife she was drawing her eyebrows too high. She looked surprised.

Keep it concise

A hook should be brief and to the point. Avoid using long, complicated sentences that may confuse or bore readers.

Concise hooks examples:

• Time is money.
• Life is short.
• Knowledge is power.

Make it unique

A hook should be unique and stand out from other hooks. Avoid using cliches or overused phrases that readers may have seen before.

Your hook should accurately reflect the content of your writing. Avoid using clickbait or misleading hooks that may disappoint or frustrate readers.

How to Write a Good Hook for an Essay

A good hook for an essay should be attention-grabbing and relevant to the topic. It should also be unique and creative. Here are some types of hooks in writing that you can use for your essay:

• Anecdote: Start with a short and interesting story related to your topic.
• Question: Pose a question to your audience that makes them think and want to learn more.
• Quotation: Use a quotation from a famous person or a book related to your topic.
• Surprising fact: Share a surprising or shocking fact that will make your readers curious.
• Definition: Start with a clear and concise definition of a term related to your topic.

Choose Your Type of Hook

After selecting the type of hook you want to use, you can start writing your hook sentence. A good hook should be concise and to the point, but it should also grab your readers' attention.

How to Start a Hook for an Essay

To start a hook for an essay, you need to think about what will capture your readers' attention. You can start by asking a question, sharing a story, or providing an interesting fact. The goal is to create a hook that will make your readers want to keep reading.

Essay Hook Examples

Here are some examples of good hooks for essays:

• Anecdote: "When I was six years old, I broke my leg in a car accident. Little did I know that this event would shape my entire life."
• Question: "Did you know that the human brain can process information faster than the speed of light?"
• Quotation: "As Nelson Mandela once said, 'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.'"
• Surprising fact: "Did you know that the world's largest living organism is a fungus that covers over 2,200 acres in Oregon?"
• Definition: "According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, 'procrastination' is defined as the act of delaying or postponing something."

Hook Generators

Aside from our hook generator, there are several other hook generators available online that can help writers create attention-grabbing hooks for their writing. Here are some examples:

Instagram Hooks Generator

Instagram is a popular social media platform that is used by millions of people around the world. If you're looking to create reels on Instagram, you can use an Instagram hooks generator to come up with creative and engaging hook ideas.

An Instagram hooks generator is a tool that generates creative ideas and concepts for reels on the Instagram platform. It is designed to help users create attention-grabbing and visually stunning content to capture the attention of their audience. 

Instagram hook tips: 

• Use a visually stunning image or video that captures the essence of your brand or product
• Use an interesting caption that encourages viewers to engage with your post
• Use a unique hashtag that makes your post easily discoverable

Check out our  AI instagram bio generator

Email Hooks Generator

Email marketing is an effective way to reach potential customers and promote your business. To make sure your emails get noticed, you can use an email hooks generator to come up with attention-grabbing subject lines that entice your subscribers to open your emails.

An email hooks generator is a tool that generates attention-grabbing subject lines for email marketing campaigns. It is designed to help users create subject lines that entice their subscribers to open their emails. Here are some benefits and examples of an email hooks generator:

Email hook tips:

• Ask a question in the subject line that piques the subscriber's curiosity
• Use numbers to make the subject line more specific and compelling
• Use a sense of urgency to create a feeling of FOMO (fear of missing out)

Check out our  cover letter generator and  how to write letter of recommendation with AI . 

Speech Hook Generator

Public speaking can be daunting, but a well-crafted hook can help you capture your audience's attention and keep them engaged throughout your speech. A speech hook generator can provide you with different ideas for hooks that you can use to make your speech more memorable.

A speech hook generator is a tool that generates creative and engaging ideas for speeches. It is designed to help users create attention-grabbing hooks that capture the audience's attention and keep them engaged throughout the speech. 

Speech hook tips: 

• Use a personal story or anecdote that relates to the topic of the speech
• Use a shocking statistic or fact that highlights the importance of the issue being discussed
• Use humor to make the audience laugh and create a relaxed atmosphere

Essay Hook Generator

An essay hook generator can help you come up with creative ideas for hooks that you can use to make your essay stand out. By using a hook generator, you can save time and effort while creating a hook that will make your essay more engaging.

An essay hook generator is a tool that generates creative ideas for hooks for essays. It is designed to help users create attention-grabbing hooks that make their essays stand out. 

Essay hook tips:

• Use a quote from a famous person or a book related to the topic of the essay
• Use a surprising or little-known fact that highlights the importance of the issue being discussed
• Use a personal story or anecdote that relates to the topic of the essay

Song Hook Generator

Writing a catchy hook is essential for creating a successful song. A song hook generator can provide you with different ideas for hooks that you can use in your songwriting.

A song hook generator is a tool that generates creative and memorable ideas for hooks for songs. It is designed to help users create catchy and memorable hooks that stick in the listener's mind. 

Song hook tips:

• Use a catchy melody or rhythm that makes the hook memorable
• Use a simple and repetitive phrase that is easy for listeners to remember
• Use a metaphor or analogy that makes the hook more interesting and memorable

Check out also our  country song generator and  song title generator .

Marketing Hook Generator

Marketing hooks are used to grab the attention of potential customers and persuade them to buy your products or services. A marketing hook generator can provide you with different ideas for hooks that you can use in your marketing campaigns to make them more effective.

In conclusion, using a hook generator can be a valuable tool for writers who want to create attention-grabbing hooks quickly and efficiently. By following the steps outlined in this article and using a hook generator, you can create hooks that engage your audience and make your writing more memorable.

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‘Banel & Adama’ Review: A Parable of Two Young Lovers

The filmmaker Ramata-Toulaye Sy illuminates this elliptical story, set in unnamed Senegalese village, with daubs of strong colors and strikingly vivid imagery.

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By Manohla Dargis

A love story suffused in beauty and mystery, “Banel & Adama” draws you in right from the start. Set in an unnamed Senegal village during an unspecified time, it opens on two young lovers quietly blissing out on each other. The two are first seen in striking close-up — early on, the movie cuts from an image of her lush, pretty mouth to a shot of one of his steadily adoring eyes — like puzzle pieces that the movie bids you to fit together. Given the dreamy vibe as well as the bright, vivid palette, it is an invitation that you readily take up.

Banel and Adama — played by the appealing Khady Mane and Mamadou Diallo, both nonprofessionals — live in a small house in a small village that looks like it could exist today but also decades earlier. (The villagers use kerosene lamps, and I don’t recall anyone using a cellphone.) There, Adama tends a modest herd of cattle as Banel keeps him company, their smiles, laughs and movements pleasantly in sync. Like all besotted lovers, they seem to exist in a private realm, one that the French-Senegalese filmmaker Ramata-Toulaye Sy illuminates with cozy framing, daubs of strong colors and a bold, graphic sensibility.

The story emerges in morsels of naturalistic dialogue and brief, on-point scenes that incrementally sketch in the characters’ intimacy, shared history, familial relationships and distinct temperaments. Two years earlier, Adama, now 19, married Banel, his brother’s widow and second wife. Tradition, as his mother and others insist, decrees that he now assume the role of the village chief, a position he refuses. He’s content simply to be with Banel, and together they plan to move out of the village once they dig a nearby house out of a mountain of sand. Each day, they dig and they dig, a task that soon groans with portentous symbolism.

Sy has a terrific eye and, working with her cinematographer Amine Berrada, she quickly hooks you with the beauty of Banel and Adama’s world, pulling you into their everyday life with hints of drama and myth, though mostly with the graceful compositions and the region’s natural riches, its green fields and blue skies. The camera moves just so, never racing or crawling, which allows you to luxuriate in the details that fill in the picture and deepen the realism. Sy’s attention to physical surfaces — shimmering water, nubby cloth, smooth bark — is particularly adept and helps create a sense of texture so strong you can almost feel it in your hands.

Trouble comes slowly but inevitably to “Banel & Adama.” Love stories tend to have three outcomes: happy, tragic or blah, and blah doesn’t usually cut it in movies. Banel, you soon intuit, is somewhat of a nonconformist; among other things, she doesn’t want children, she wears her hair short, and amusingly, when her brother, who teaches the Quran to children, chides her for not sitting properly, she threatens to wear pants. (Unlike most of the other women, she rarely covers her head.) When Adama’s mother tells Banel that she has to stay in the village with the other women to do chores, she initially resists. Then she gives in — there’s a sense she doesn’t have much choice — and things start to go calamitously south.

Banel begins killing small animals with a slingshot for no obvious reason; mostly, she seems (understandably) unhappy being separated from Adama as well as with the traditional gender roles she’s forced into. Yet she, like so much of this movie, remains frustratingly opaque, a cluster of blurry ideas about gender, tradition and mythology that never jibe with the story’s harsh materialism. It gets worse, tragically so. The green fields wither and the cattle die, their corpses scattered across the parched ground like omens. The villagers despair and Adama looks defeated, wrung out, while Banel largely seems adrift and at a loss, even as she keeps up her killing spree. As Sy continues obliquely gesturing at meaning, you remain engaged but also find yourself wishing that all these many desperate pieces fit together more coherently.

Banel & Adama Not rated. Animal lovers should note that a few animals seem to be killed onscreen, and a dead cow is butchered. In Pular and Rula, with subtitles. Running time: 1 hour 27 minutes. In theaters.

Manohla Dargis is the chief film critic for The Times. More about Manohla Dargis

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