Unveiling the identity of the perpetrator in a mystery novel like “The Inmate” before the reader reaches the conclusion constitutes a spoiler. This revelation can significantly diminish the enjoyment derived from the narrative by removing the suspense and the intellectual challenge of deducing the culprit. Providing this information prematurely effectively ruins the carefully crafted mystery and the author’s intended reading experience.
Maintaining the secrecy surrounding the killer’s identity is crucial for preserving the integrity of the plot and the reader’s engagement. The element of surprise is a key component of the mystery genre, and revealing the solution beforehand undermines the narrative tension and the satisfaction of solving the puzzle alongside the protagonist. The desire to avoid such premature revelations explains the prevalence of warnings and requests to refrain from disclosing this pivotal information, especially in online discussions and reviews. This practice contributes to a shared respect for the narrative and allows each reader to discover the truth at their own pace.