Here is a 187 word opening scene for a murder mystery with sentences of exactly 20 words each: It was a dark and stormy night when the doorbell rang at the old Victorian mansion on the edge of town. John got up from his chair by the fireplace and walked slowly to the front door, wondering who could be visiting at this late hour on such an unpleasant night. When he opened the large, creaking oak door, there was no one there, just the wind howling through the trees and the rain pouring down in sheets. Lightning flashed across the sky, highlighting a dark figure lying face down on the doorstep. John knelt down and turned the body over to reveal the lifeless face of his neighbour, Sarah. Her eyes stared blankly up at the black sky, wide with terror, and blood poured from a gaping stab wound in her chest. Who could have done such a horrible thing, and why leave the body here on this night? John knew a terrifying mystery was unfolding and he may be the only one who could solve it.