Detective fiction

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Sidney Paget - The Boscombe Valley Mystery 02

Detective fiction is a subgenre of crime fiction and mystery fiction in which an investigator or a detective—either professional, amateur, or retired—investigates a crime, often murder. The detective fiction genre has become immensely popular worldwide and has been developed through books, television series, and movies. Its origins can be traced back to works that appeared during the mid-19th century, with Edgar Allan Poe's character C. Auguste Dupin being considered one of the earliest examples of detective fiction protagonists.

History

The history of detective fiction is often said to begin with Edgar Allan Poe's "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" in 1841, where he introduced C. Auguste Dupin, a character who would lay the groundwork for future detectives in literature. Following Poe, the genre was expanded by British writers like Wilkie Collins, whose novel The Moonstone (1868) is frequently cited as the first true detective novel in the English language. However, it was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's creation of Sherlock Holmes in the late 19th century that truly popularized the genre and set a standard for detective characters with keen observation and deductive reasoning skills.

In the 20th century, the genre diversified with the introduction of hard-boiled American detective stories, characterized by their gritty realism and moral ambiguity. Authors like Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler developed this style, creating iconic characters such as Sam Spade and Philip Marlowe, respectively. Meanwhile, the British detective fiction tradition continued with authors like Agatha Christie, whose creations Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple became household names.

Characteristics

Detective fiction typically revolves around a mysterious crime, often a murder, and follows a detective as they gather clues, interrogate suspects, and eventually solve the case. The narrative often includes red herrings, plot twists, and a final revelation or denouement where the detective explains the mystery and how they solved it. The genre can be divided into several subgenres, including the classic or "Golden Age" detective fiction, hard-boiled detective fiction, police procedurals, and cozy mysteries.

Subgenres

• Classic/Golden Age Detective Fiction: Characterized by its intellectual puzzle-solving aspect, often featuring an amateur or private detective. It was most popular from the 1920s to the 1940s.
• Hard-Boiled Detective Fiction: Emerged in the 1920s in the United States, focusing on tough, cynical detectives who navigate a corrupt and violent society.
• Police Procedurals: Focuses on the professional police force solving crimes, emphasizing realistic police operations and procedures.
• Cozy Mysteries: Generally features an amateur detective in a small community setting and avoids explicit violence and sex.

Influence and Legacy

Detective fiction has had a significant influence on popular culture, inspiring countless adaptations in film, television, and radio. The genre has also impacted the way crimes are investigated in real life, with the use of forensic science and logical deduction being central to both fictional detectives and real-life investigations. The enduring popularity of detective fiction speaks to its ability to engage readers with complex characters, intriguing plots, and the universal theme of the quest for justice.