In literature, a trope is a recurring motif that contributes to developing a story's theme or atmosphere. In mystery fiction, tropes often add suspense, intrigue, and red herrings to keep readers guessing. Here are some of the most common tropes found in mysteries: The Secluded Mansion: This trope usually features an ancient, dilapidated mansion set back from the road, surrounded by fields or woods. The mansion is usually inhabited by a reclusive millionaire or eccentric aristocrat with a dark secret. Think "The Haunting of Hill House" or "Knives Out." The Locked Room Mystery: In this trope, a body is discovered in a room that has been locked from the inside. There are no signs of forced entry, and the windows are barred or otherwise inaccessible. The detective's challenge is figuring out how the murderer could have committed the crime and escaped without being seen. One famous example of this trope is Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None." The Amateur Sleuth: This is probably the most common mystery trope, featuring an ordinary person who becomes embroiled in a criminal investigation. The amateur sleuth typically has some kind of connection to the victim or the murderer, which gives them extra incentive to crack the case. While professional detectives like Sherlock Holmes tend to be more aloof and cerebral, amateur sleuths are often more emotional and relatable. Agatha Christie's Miss Marple is probably the most famous example of an amateur sleuth.