Stories of Detection and MysteryXu Xing-lingContentsI. Mystery and Detective fiction II. Beginnings of Mystery Fiction III. Types of Mysteries IV. Elements in a Mystery V. Stories of Detection and MysteryMystery and Detective FictionMystery and detective fiction are two broad categories within crime fiction. The difference between them is subtle.Mystery is often used as a synonym for detective fiction or crime fiction in other words a novel or short story in which a detective (professional or amateur) investigates and solves a crime. 1. Early Arabic detective fiction“The Three Apples” (from Arabian Nights) 2. Early Chinese detective fictionCases by Judge Bao Zhengby An YushiCelebrated Cases of Judge Deeby Robert Van Gulik Beginnings of Detective Fictions3. Early Western detective fiction The Murders in the Rue Morgue (1841)by PoeBleak House (1853)by DickensThe Moonstone (1868) )by CollinsA Study in Scarlet (1887)by Conan DoyleThe Innocence of Father Brown (1911)ChestertonBeginnings of Detective FictionsEdgar Allan PoeCharles DickensArthur Conan DoyleG.K. ChestertonWilkie CollinsAgatha ChristieThe Mysterious Affair at Styles (1921) Dorothy SayersWhose Body (1923) John Dickson CarrIt Walks By Night (1930)Golden Age Detective NovelsAgatha ChristieDorothy SayersJohn Dickson CarrClassification of Mystery1. Hard-boiled 2. Soft-boiled3. Cozy4. Police ProceduralMystery can be sub-divided into:Hard-boiled Mystery A hard-boiled detective novel is a gritty detective story with a street smart professional investigator at its core. These realistic novels are generally set in a world permeated by violence and corruption Soft-boiled Mystery Focus of the story is on the crime itself, but takes into account interpersonal relationships, family and friends. The plot is generally set in a small, close, discreet and non-violent community.Cozy The lightest style of mystery, one without blood and gore, although they almost always involve a nice, “civilized“ murder. The sleuth is nearly always a “reluctant“ amateur. The protagonist will never be the criminal. Murders generally take place close to home.Police procedural In Police Procedurals, the investigative process is often more important to the story than the investigative characters who tend to provide the solution to the crime as a group effort rather than through individual efforts. Amateur detective mystery In an amateur detective mystery, the detective is someone who becomes involved in the plot by accident. The detective in these types of mysteries doesnt follow the same rules as the police. The detective in these types of mysteries usually has good common sense. Elements in a MysteryThe setting is also an important part of a mystery because the setting specifies where and when the story takes place. The setting can be at any time, any place, and anywhere, but the author makes sure that the inventions fit the time frame. If something is in the story that had not been invented at that time, the story will sound false. Elements in a MysteryAnother major part of a mystery is the motive. Motive is an important part because mysteries that do not have good motives sound made up or foolish. For example, when someone gets caught, he or she must have a good reason for committing the crime. If he or she does not have a good reason for doing the crime, then it is not a very good mystery. Elements in a Mystery In order to capture the suspect, you have to find clues. Clues are a major part of a mystery. Clues can help capture the criminal and pinpoint his or her doings. Clues are like the pieces to a puzzle. Without accurate clues, a mystery can not be solved. A mystery is like a game with the author against the reader. The reader must try to figure out the authors scheme. The author must try to prevent the reader from finding out his or her scheme. Stories of Detection and Mystery The Blue Cross Philomel Cottage An Unpleasant Man The Unlucky Theatre The Mezzotint Family Affair The Invisible Man The Case of the Thing That Whimpered The Blue Cross Valentin Flambeau Father Brown The blue crossMain CharactersPhilomel Cottage Alix Martin Gerald Martin Dick Windyford Old George Charles LemaitreMain CharactersAssinments1. Read The Blue Cross and finish exercises behind the book 2. Read Philomel Cottage before next classAssignmentsAgatha ChristieDorothy SayersJohn Dickson CarrRex StoutErle Stanley GardnerEllery Queen1960s Mens Novels:1960s Womens Novels:1970s: The New PIs1970s: The New Amateur Sleuths