The twisted world of crime holds a peculiar fascination for many of us, whether it be a curiosity about the mind of a criminal or a desire to solve a complex mystery. This enduring genre of literature continues to capture the attention of readers, and in this article, we will explore its various facets and rich history.
As the name suggests, crime fiction centers around the commission of a crime and the subsequent investigation conducted by a detective, professional or amateur. A notable example of this genre is the 2020 novel by Richard Osman, The Thursday Murder Club.
At the core of crime fiction lies an exploration of criminality and its underlying causes. What drives someone to commit a crime? Are societal factors to blame for their descent into criminality? And what makes stories of crime so captivating? Do they allow us to indulge our secret desires for transgression or fulfill our need for justice by catching and punishing wrongdoers?
Stories centering around crime and criminals have been around for centuries, with examples dating back to the Arabian anthology One Thousand and One Nights (7th century) and folktales from Southeast Asia.
In England, crime fiction gained popularity during the Victorian Era (1832-1901), coinciding with the Industrial Revolution and the resulting urbanization. As cities grew larger and unemployment rates soared, crime rates also rose.
The Industrial Revolution brought about groundbreaking technological advancements and mass production, leading to the establishment of the first police force. The focus on science and rationality during the Enlightenment era also gave rise to the traditional detective novel. The public's fixation on death, the macabre, and the human mind further contributed to the genre's success, particularly with the emergence of police forces and law enforcement to solve crimes.
The term "macabre" is often used to describe disturbing or horrific events that culminate in death.
The Newgate Calendar played a pivotal role in shaping the development of crime fiction during the Victorian Era. Originally a monthly bulletin advertising upcoming executions, it evolved into a publication that chronicled the lives and crimes of those sentenced to death. One such novel influenced by the Newgate Calendar is William Godwin's 1794 work, Caleb Williams, or Things As They Are.
In response to the rising crime rates, Napoleon established the Sûreté in 1812, and almost thirty years before the creation of Pinkerton's detective agency in the United States in 1850, Eugene Vidocq formed the first private detective agency. These developments coincided with the societal and cultural changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution, which were also documented in the Newgate Calendar.
Classic detective fiction remained popular until the end of World War 2, which had a profound impact on English literature. This marked a turning point for the genre, as it began to diversify with the emergence of hard-boiled detective fiction and gangster stories, shifting the focus from a heroic detective to the lives of criminals. The War also introduced spy thrillers, often with a focus on intricate technology and cunning deception.
As technology advanced and our understanding of human behavior deepened, crime fiction also evolved. Stories began to incorporate elements of forensic evidence, analysis, profiling, and behavioral examination. This led to the development of various sub-genres within crime fiction, as discussed below.
Crime fiction is a broad genre that encompasses various types of fictional narratives. Some of the most popular sub-genres include:
Crime fiction is a popular genre with a variety of sub-genres to suit different preferences, such as:
Each sub-genre offers distinct elements and characteristics that make it unique and engaging. For instance, detective fiction follows a detective, professional or amateur, as they investigate a crime and uncover new information, a perfect example being Arthur Conan Doyle's The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.
On the other hand, cosy or armchair mysteries use humor and wit to downplay the dark aspects of crime and feature amateur detectives for a light and easy read, such as Agatha Christie's The Murder at the Vicarage. Locked room mysteries focus on how a crime could occur inside a locked room without leaving any evidence, exemplified by Oscar de Muriel's Strings of Murder.
Forensic fiction is a newer sub-genre that relies heavily on forensic evidence, such as fingerprints and DNA analysis, to drive the plot. Thomas Harris' The Red Dragon, featuring Hannibal Lecter, is an example of this sub-genre. Espionage fiction centers on a spy and their missions, exemplified by Ian Fleming's popular James Bond series. Hard-boiled fiction originated from early 20th-century America and features tough detectives navigating violence and betrayal, an example being W.R. Burnett's Little Caesar.
It is worth noting that the genre of crime fiction is constantly evolving, with new sub-genres emerging to keep readers hooked on thrilling tales of crime and mystery.
The elements of crime fiction are:
Crime fiction revolves around a crime, often a murder, and the focus is on solving or avenging it. The criminal can have different roles and motivations, ranging from an outsider to a relatable figure. The investigator, whether a private detective or a police officer, serves as a contrast to the criminal and may also have flaws of their own. Additionally, criminality is a central theme, exploring society's relationship with crime and delving into the personal and societal influences on criminals.
The common characteristics of crime fiction include:
An investigation is a vital aspect of crime fiction, with a detective, professional or amateur, leading the way. Each sub-genre also has its distinct elements, such as espionage in espionage fiction or humor in cosy mysteries.
Crime fiction is a diverse and thrilling genre that captures readers' attention with its gripping narratives and intriguing characters. Whether you enjoy a classic detective story or a fast-paced world of espionage, there is a sub-genre of crime fiction that will suit your tastes.
Suspense is a crucial element in crime fiction and is often achieved through different literary techniques, including foreshadowing and multiple points of view, even that of the criminal. The genre typically focuses on solving a crime and bringing the perpetrator to justice.
In this section, we will delve into some notable authors and works in the crime fiction genre.
Crime fiction has captured the imaginations of readers for centuries, with its compelling plots and intricate web of mystery and suspense. Considered the father of the genre, Edgar Allan Poe's creation of the iconic detective, C. Auguste Dupin, paved the way for future detective stories and influenced other renowned authors like Arthur Conan Doyle and Patricia Highsmith.
Poe's "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" (1841) is widely recognized as the first work of detective fiction in Western literature, featuring elements that would become staples in the genre, including a dark and eerie atmosphere, premature burial, and twisted and macabre themes. Dupin's deductive reasoning and attention to detail set the standard for the intelligent and perceptive detective character.
Patricia Highsmith is a renowned author in the world of crime fiction, acclaimed for her works such as "Strangers on a Train" (1950) and "The Talented Mr Ripley" (1955).
In "Strangers on a Train," Highsmith weaves a tale of two men, Guy Haines and Charles Anthony Bruno, who entertain the idea of committing a murder without any motive or suspicion. When Bruno carries out the act and tries to manipulate Haines, the two become embroiled in a web of deceit and guilt, showing the consequences of crossing moral boundaries.
"The Talented Mr Ripley" follows the sociopathic Tom Ripley as he schemes to steal the identity of the wealthy Dickie Greenleaf by committing murder. In this novel, Highsmith explores themes of ambition, greed, and the allure of a seemingly perfect life that drives Ripley to extreme measures.
The roots of crime fiction can be traced back to ancient mythology and literature, with tales of deceit, crimes of passion, and clever detectives solving mysteries. In Greek mythology, Cacus was one of the first criminals to falsify evidence to escape punishment, while in the story of King Rhampsinitus and the master thief by Herodotus, the thief outsmarts his pursuer by tampering with evidence.
Biblical stories also contain elements of crime fiction, such as in "Susanna and the Elders," where Daniel exposes the deceit of corrupt judges through clever deduction, and in "Bel and the Dragon," where he unveils the deception of the priests of Bel through evidence left by the perpetrators.
In the 1800s, authors like Wilkie Collins and Charles Dickens popularized crime fiction, with works such as "The Moonstone" and "Oliver Twist" incorporating elements of mystery and suspense. Fast forward to the 20th and 21st centuries, crime fiction has evolved to encompass various sub-genres and themes, from noir to psychological thriller to true crime-inspired stories.
Today, authors like James Cain, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, and Mario Puzo continue to inspire and influence writers with their impactful and timeless works. From Cain's exploration of the consequences of suspicion and mistrust in "The Postman Always Rings Twice" and "Double Indemnity," to Dostoyevsky's psychological thriller, "Crime and Punishment," and Puzo's quintessential mafia novel, "The Godfather."
Crime fiction continues to thrive, with authors drawing inspiration from real-life events and delving into the depths of human psychology to create captivating and thought-provoking narratives. As the genre continues to evolve, readers can look forward to discovering new and exciting stories that will keep them on the edge of their seats.
The genre of crime fiction has evolved to encompass a wide range of sub-genres, including cosy or armchair mysteries, detective fiction, hard-boiled mysteries, and locked-room mysteries.
Crime fiction typically revolves around the commission of a crime and its subsequent investigation by a protagonist, whether they be a professional or amateur sleuth. This genre also delves into the theme of criminality and its impact on both individuals and society.
A prime example of crime fiction is "The Red Dragon" by Thomas Harris, published in 1981. This novel follows an FBI profiler as they hunt down a serial killer, incorporating many key elements of the genre, such as a well-planned crime, a captivating villain, and a determined investigator.
Sub-genres of crime fiction include cosy or armchair mysteries, where an amateur detective solves a crime in a charming setting, and detective fiction, featuring a professional detective as the main character. Hard-boiled mysteries typically involve a tough, no-nonsense detective and a complex case, while locked-room mysteries offer readers a challenging puzzle to solve.
Crime fiction has a rich literary history, with numerous notable authors making significant contributions to the genre. Edgar Allan Poe's short stories, such as "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" (1841), are considered to be some of the earliest examples of crime fiction.
Other noteworthy authors include Agatha Christie, renowned for her clever plot twists and beloved detective character, Hercule Poirot, and Patricia Highsmith, who delved into the psychological motivations of criminals in works like "Strangers on a Train" (1950).
Writing an enthralling crime fiction novel requires careful planning and attention to detail. Start by outlining the plot, including the crime committed, the motive behind it, and the personality of the perpetrator. Consider the approach of the investigator, the evidence and clues they gather, and how the crime is ultimately solved.
By incorporating these essential elements and employing effective techniques in your writing, you can create a gripping work of crime fiction that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
