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Welcome to the world of mysteries!
What exactly is a mystery?
A mystery is a secret.
In regards to literature, a mystery is a work of fiction, a drama, or a film dealing with a puzzling crime.
It can also be called a chiller, a cliffhanger, an enigma, a mind-boggler, or a thriller.
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Description of Mystery Genre:
Mysteries are stories that challenge our minds and offer many surprises.
The story always revolves around a puzzle or something that is difficult to solve. This causes the reader to pay attention
to clues and use problem solving strategies to race toward a rational solution before the story is complete.
All readers aren't fortunate to be able to solve the mystery before
the story is complete. Mysteries intentionally include distracting information that can actually lead readers away from
a solution. That's what makes it a great mystery!
Mysteries begin with a problem or something that needs to be solved.
There is always a detective that is interested in the case and is motivated enough to see it reach a reasonable solution.
There is always a villain in the story in which the detective must investigate. Throughout the story there are many
clues given in addition to the distracting information. Readers can get mixed up when choosing between the real clues
and all of the extra information. It's the detectives job to sort through all of the information concerning the suspects
and the mystery to reach a rational solution. CASE CLOSED!
Historical Development of Mysteries:
Mystery and crime stories emerged in the 19th century with Edgar Allen Poe's, "The Murders in the
Rue Morgue." In 1887, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle became popular with his Sherlock Holmes stories. His detective character
Sherlock Holmes was first introduced in "A Study in Scarlet." The 1920s brought about the Golden Age of mystery fiction.
The popularity of mysteries increased during this time period. Leading the way in this new era was Agatha Christie with
her popular works that included Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple. Erle Stanley Gardner also became popular in this
Golden Age with his beloved character Perry Mason. These writers during the classical and Golden Age eras of mystery
fiction paved the way and set the tone for the many contemporary mystery writers that we are familiar with today!
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Hermoine Bell
L&I SCI 751:
Library Services and Resources for Adults
November 28,2005
Mystery Genre Presentation
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