Visual:
* Scene setting: "The cobblestone street glistened under a pale moon, each stone a mirror reflecting the city's secrets."
* Character appearance: "His eyes, the color of old, faded denim, held a haunted, watchful glint."
* Objects: "The antique clock on the mantle ticked ominously, each second a slow, heavy beat."
* Atmosphere: "A thick fog clung to the city, shrouding the buildings in an eerie silence."
Auditory:
* Sounds of the crime: "The scream, sharp and piercing, cut through the humid night air, a chilling note in the symphony of cicadas."
* Ambiance: "The steady hum of the city, a constant undercurrent of life, was strangely absent. The only sound was the wind whistling through the broken window."
* Footsteps: "He could hear the crunch of gravel beneath his shoes, each step a resounding echo in the vast, empty field."
Tactile:
* Textures: "The velvet curtain felt cold and smooth under his fingers, its surface like a canvas of night."
* Feelings of fear: "A cold sweat broke out on his skin, his breath catching in his throat, the fear an icy hand squeezing his chest."
* Evidence: "The blood, thick and sticky, crusted on the knife, its metallic scent filling the room."
Olfactory:
* Scents of the crime: "The air was thick with the smell of decay, a pungent mix of blood and rot, a scent that clung to him like a shroud."
* Specific locations: "The bakery across the street wafted the sweet aroma of freshly baked bread, a comforting counterpoint to the tension in the air."
* Memories: "The faint scent of lavender, a whisper from the past, stirred a long-forgotten memory."
Gustatory:
* Food: "The bitter taste of coffee clung to his tongue, a reminder of the sleepless night."
* Poison: "The metallic tang of the poison lingered in his mouth, a burning sensation that wouldn't fade."
Examples in famous mysteries:
* Agatha Christie: "The air was thick with the smell of lilies. They were everywhere, in vases, on the table, and even in the dead woman's hair."
* Arthur Conan Doyle: "The room was in darkness, but there was a faint glimmer of light coming from the window. The walls were bare, save for a single picture hanging above the fireplace."
* Raymond Chandler: "The rain was coming down in sheets, and the wind was howling like a banshee. The streetlights flickered in the storm, casting grotesque shadows on the wet pavement."
Remember:
* Vivid description creates atmosphere and adds depth to your story.
* Choose details that are relevant to your mystery and will help the reader understand the scene and the characters.
* Don't overdo it. Too much description can bog down the pacing of your story.
By using vivid descriptions, you can create a rich and immersive world for your readers to get lost in.