Detective Fiction

Background (1/2) During the 19th century, the growing number of literate middle class citizens called for literature that would be entertaining and accessible. Around this time, the science of criminal investigation began to grow. A special unit of the British Police was established that specialized in discovering criminals from clues left behind: Detectives!

Background (2/2) The public began to view the police as protectors of society. Previously, many citizens had a negative opinion of the police; many viewed them as enemies. Popularity grew with the character Sherlock Holmes, created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who was featured in four novels and fifty-six short stories (1887-1914).

General Characteristics The detective uses logic and reason, intuition, and/or imagination to solve the crime before the reader or police can solve the case.

Types of Detective Fiction There are 6 types of Detective Fiction: Hard-boiled private eye: a paid professional working for a client to solve a crime. Locked room puzzle: everything occurs in a locked room. Police procedural: the detective is a police officer who is trying to protect society. Amateur detective: an amateur takes the law into his or her own hands. Spy: the investigator is hired as a professional for a particular government to protect the government Justice system: the story delivers a message or brings into question a particular justice system

Detective Fiction Rules Like any genre of literature there are rules to follow: The reader should know all the clues the detective knows. The crime and the perpetrator should be introduced early on in the story. The crime should have some importance. The clues should be discovered through reason, not through coincidence. The murderer should be among the field of suspects. Justice must prevail.