Mystery stories have intrigued people for many centuries, yet many fail to understand the differences within mysteries. Believe it or not, there are different structures used in different kinds of mysteries. The following list has been formatted to introduce the reader to a few different mystery genres.
Locked room or puzzle mysteries:
The murder victim is discovered in a locked room with no apparent exit. While the reader will be misdirected with the illusion of no escape from the room, the actual and simple solution is overlooked. This genre was first seen in Edgar's Allen Poe story "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" (1841). Other stories presenting this genre are: "The Big Bow Mystery"by Israel Zangwill (1891) and "The Problem of Cell 13" by Jacques Futrelle, (1905).
Cozy mysteries:
Also known as English Country House Mystery, this type of mystery was prominent in England during the 20's and 30's. Usually depended on observations, understanding of human nature and heavy reliance on gossip, this classical style involves a closed group of members who become the suspects of the vicious murder. The investigator, who may be a normal person, must possesses great detective like skills to sort through broken pieces of observations and recollections. Examples: "Murder at the Vicarage" by Agatha Christie (1930) and "The Queen's Square by Dorothy L. Sayers (1933).
Hard Boiled Mysteries:
Also called Private Eye or Black Mask mysteries, it usually involves a "tough guy" character who wishes to bring justice to a chaotic world. Created in the 1920's by pup magazines, it brought the reality of America at the time into a book. Hard boiled fiction is one of United States's best contribution to mystery. "The Maltese Falcon" by Dashiell Hammett (1930) and "The Big Sleep" by Raymond Chandler (1939) are examples of Black Mask mysteries.
Police Procedures Mysteries:
Due to television influence, this is one of the most popular genres of mystery. Television series such as "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" and "Hill Street Blues" depict this type of genre. With incredible realism these stories depict actual police procedures. Multiple cases may be shown at once following the viewpoints of police procedures. While many police characters may be shown, the story tends to center on a police individual. Examples: "Sadie When She Died" by Ed McBain (1972) and "The New Centurions" by Joseph Wambaugh (1970).
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