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Best Mystery Writing Prompts

Join (probably?) the world's largest writing contest. Flex those creative muscles with weekly writing prompts.

Showing 89 prompts reset

This week's contest:
Win $250

Sail Away with Lisa Edwards

197 contest entries /
98 stories

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View contest
Closes at 23:59 - Oct 17 EST

You're sure that someone keeps tapping you on the shoulder. But when you turn around, there's just empty space.

Mystery

You had developed a habit of sleepwalking. But you weren't alone now — it seemed like the whole town had started sleepwalking at night, too.

Mystery

You recently moved to a new house. Every day, on your walk home past a park, you notice an empty swing swinging.

Mystery

A crime has been committed, and the only clues left behind are a flashlight and a copy of "Moby-Dick."

Mystery

"Bye!" you called as the person you were with got into an elevator. As the doors shut, they waved. They were never seen again.

Mystery

You never thought you'd visit a palm reader. But now you were starting to think it might be the only place you'd get answers.

Mystery

You’ve been having dreams about cruise ships for months now, and you’re desperately trying to figure out what they mean.

Mystery

As you’re taking down a painting, you notice something odd engraved on the back.

Mystery

You go to your regular coffee shop and order the usual. They slide something else across the counter instead.

Mystery

A crime’s been committed, and the only clues left behind are a half-eaten apple and a bobby pin.

Mystery

You open a book and note with a letterhead falls out. At the top it says: If you are reading this, you have been chosen.

Mystery

Write a short dark comedy in which a long-unsolved mystery is finally cracked.

Mystery

Write a short dark comedy in which a long-unsolved mystery is finally cracked.

Mystery

They say a picture is worth a thousand words but you knew the one you'd just taken was worth a million.

Mystery

You were the oldest person still living in the town and you remembered things no one else did.

Mystery

Looking through old family photos, multiple generations back, you notice there is a cat in almost every group photo. The same cat — color, pattern, one docked ear: the cat that is currently purring on your lap.

Mystery

"...and that's why dividing by three is illegal."

Mystery

You're a serial killer who murders anyone you see hitchhiking up your mountain. One day, you pick up a hitchhiker who kills anyone who picks them up.

Mystery

You are legally allowed to commit murder once, but you must fill out the proper paperwork and your proposed victim will be notified of your intentions.

Mystery

You hire two private investigators to investigate each other. One month later both come to you to present their findings.

Mystery

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