- Flashbacks: The author can insert flashbacks into the present-day narrative that provide more information about the events of twenty years ago. Gradually dropping hints and information from the past keeps the reader hooked as the story unfolds, building suspense about the eventual truth or resolution of unresolved issues.
- Foreshadowing: The author can drop hints and foreshadowing throughout the story to suggest that there are hidden secrets or unknown elements yet to be revealed. This creates a sense of anticipation and makes the reader eager to discover what will happen next.
- Open questions: The author can leave certain questions or mysteries unanswered, keeping the reader guessing and wanting to know more about the past events and their impact on the present.
- Ambiguous characters: The characters can be morally ambiguous or have hidden motives, making their intentions and actions unpredictable. This uncertainty adds to the suspense as the reader tries to figure out who is trustworthy and who is not.
- Unexpected developments: The story can take unexpected twists and turns that subvert the reader's expectations. This can keep the reader off guard and increase the sense of suspense as they try to predict what will happen next.