Between Order and Fear: Structural and Psychological Dimensions of Mystery Fiction

This study examines the relationship between structural order and psychological fear in mystery fiction, emphasizing how narrative design and character psychology influence reader engagement. The introduction presents the genre’s central paradox: it offers logical resolution while generating fear and uncertainty. The methods rely on qualitative literary analysis of selected texts, focusing on plot structure, clues, and characterization from a psychological perspective. The results show that structural elements such as clues and red herrings not only organize the narrative but also intensify suspense and emotional tension. Psychological aspects, including fear of the unknown, further deepen reader immersion. The discussion highlights that balancing order and fear is fundamental to the genre, reflecting human concerns about chaos and control. The study concludes that mystery fiction simultaneously reassures through structure and unsettles through psychological depth.