A mystery novel is a genre of fiction that revolves around the solution of a crime or unraveling a puzzle. Typically, the story features a detective or amateur sleuth who investigates a series of clues, red herrings, and suspects. The plot often builds suspense as readers try to piece together the mystery alongside the protagonist. Common elements in mystery novels include a crime, a cast of characters, and a resolution that reveals the truth. Famous examples of this genre include works by authors like Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle, who created iconic characters such as Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes.