Here is a 10-word-per-sentence opening for a murder mystery: She entered the dark house cautiously, gripping her flashlight tightly. Upstairs, a floorboard creaked eerily, sending a chill down her spine. Steeling herself, she crept slowly up the grand staircase, peering into the gloom. Shadows danced across dusty walls as she swept her flashlight around the landing. Halting outside the study door, heart racing, she steeled herself and turned the handle.