Crime fiction

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Crime fiction is a genre of fiction that revolves around the investigation of a crime, typically by a detective, either professional or amateur. The genre has numerous sub-genres, including detective fiction, legal thriller, courtroom drama, and hardboiled fiction.

History[edit | edit source]

Crime fiction has its roots in the early 19th century. One of the earliest works in the genre is Edgar Allan Poe's The Murders in the Rue Morgue (1841), which is often cited as the first modern detective story. The genre gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the works of Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, and Agatha Christie, known for her characters Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple.

Sub-genres[edit | edit source]

Detective Fiction[edit | edit source]

Detective fiction focuses on the investigation of a crime, usually murder, by a detective. This sub-genre includes classic works like Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes series and Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot series.

Legal Thriller[edit | edit source]

Legal thrillers involve lawyers and the legal system. These stories often focus on courtroom drama and the intricacies of the legal process. Notable authors in this sub-genre include John Grisham and Scott Turow.

Hardboiled Fiction[edit | edit source]

Hardboiled fiction features tough, cynical detectives and gritty urban settings. This sub-genre emerged in the early 20th century with writers like Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler.

Police Procedural[edit | edit source]

Police procedurals focus on the day-to-day activities of police officers as they investigate crimes. This sub-genre aims to provide a realistic portrayal of police work. Notable examples include Ed McBain's 87th Precinct series and Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch series.