* Subgenres of mystery: There are various mystery subgenres like cozy mysteries, locked-room mysteries, and psychological thrillers. Some focus heavily on clues, while others use different techniques.
* Deception and misdirection: A key element of mystery is the element of surprise. Some novels might intentionally mislead the reader, making them believe there are clues, while the real solution lies elsewhere.
* Focus on character or atmosphere: Some mystery novels might emphasize character development or atmospheric tension over traditional clue-solving. They might rely on psychological insights or internal conflicts to resolve the mystery.
So, the answer is: It depends on the specific novel.
Most mystery novels will have some form of clues, whether they're subtle hints, red herrings, or direct pieces of evidence. However, it's not a universal rule, and some mysteries might rely on other techniques to engage the reader.