Here is a 10-word-per-sentence opening for a murder mystery story: The maid screamed as she entered the study. Blood covered the Persian rug and mahogany desk. Detective Johnson was first on the scene to find the body. He surveyed the room looking for clues to the killer. The victim was Roger Thompson, a wealthy banker in town. The knife sticking out of his back suggested a crime of passion. Johnson questioned the shocked wife about enemies or jealous lovers. She tearfully recounted her husband's habit of overworking and isolation. A noise from the closet surprised Johnson during his investigation. Inside was the gardener wearing bloody gloves and holding the knife.