What is an suspended-interest lead in journalism?

A suspended-interest lead in journalism is a lead that starts with an intriguing or unusual detail or anecdote that piques the reader's curiosity but doesn't immediately reveal the main subject of the story. It creates a sense of mystery or suspense, making the reader want to continue reading to find out what the story is actually about. The connection to the main topic is revealed gradually.

The key difference between a suspended-interest lead and other types of leads is the *delayed identification* of the central theme. Other leads, like summary leads, immediately tell the reader what the story is about. Suspended-interest leads keep the reader guessing for a few sentences or even a paragraph before resolving the mystery and connecting the opening to the core subject matter.

For example, a suspended-interest lead might start with a vivid description of a strange object found on a beach, only later revealing that the object is linked to a significant environmental disaster or a missing person case. The initial intrigue holds the reader's attention until the central topic is revealed.