Should I give away the solution to a mystery novel I'm reviewing --- with approp

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   Huntgoddessposted 12 years ago

   Should I give away the solution to a mystery novel I'm reviewing --- with appropriate warning?
   
   Some of my hubs are reviews of mystery novels. I've been wondering if I should put a "spoiler" ---- labeled appropriately, of course --- giving away the solution to the mystery? So, those who don't want to know, can just stop reading the review before they find out the solution. I haven't done that yet. Just wondering if it's a good idea or not?
   
   

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   Gina145posted 12 years ago

   I don't think it's a good idea to give away the solution.  I imagine most people who read book reviews haven't yet read the book, and if they read the solution to the mystery, they have no reason to read the book.
   
   Even with a spoiler warning, one's eye may accidentally be drawn to something one doesn't want to read.  It has certainly happened to me in the past.

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      Huntgoddessposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks, Gina145. You're like me. I can't keep myself from looking, either. The only way really is --- like if it's on another page, or something? But, that's not feasible for Hubpages. Plus it wouldn't keep me from looking, anyway :-))

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   Olivia-Oposted 12 years ago

   I would not give away the solution.  I might give a reaction to the solution (saying that I was surprised, or that I saw it coming, or that I added up the clues to the wrong conclusion, or whatever), but I would never spell it out.
   
   Well, there is one case where I might.  If the novel were something really well-known, and where the identity of the killer is part of our cultural literacy (think "Psycho" or "Murder on the Orient Express"), then I might go ahead and say it.

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      Huntgoddessposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for your great answer, Olivia-O. I'm definitely feeling that way, too.

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   LupitaRonquilloposted 12 years ago

   Yes, a heads up on giving away the suspense would be courteous.

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      Huntgoddessposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks, Lupita. I think so, too. That's the least I could do.  If I do decide to give away the solution. I'm seeing that most Hubbers think it's not worth it, though. I'm starting to lean in that direction.

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   mikejhcaposted 12 years ago

   I don't think it would be right to give away anything that may prevent a person from purchasing the product you are reviewing.  Giving your opinion is one thing.  Telling them specifics about the books like the ending is too much information.  You should not give away the solution.  People should read the book themselves if it is a good book.  If not you can tell people why you did not like it without without going into detail about the events that happened in the book.

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      Huntgoddessposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for this detailed answer. I like it, and it looks like most Hubbers agree.

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   JC Aucklandposted 12 years ago

   No, absolutely not. Try to come up with a few teasers that might make people want to read the book.

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      Huntgoddessposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for your comment.
      
      You guys have convinced me it's not a good idea.
      
      I would like to select EACH answer as the best, but I don't think they will let me do that. These answers are all so great! So --- I guess I have to say you're all the BEST.

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   kyawnaingposted 12 years ago

   For me , I want you to review and I interested about that .  I hope that might be interesting ..  Please share if you can

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   turnerkristina35posted 12 years ago

   NOOO!! you will spoil it, even if you just tell it to one person, words travel quickly!

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