According to Cluelass.com, mystery or detective fiction emphasizes a puzzle in the plot. Using clues in the text, the reader should be able to figure out the solution at the same time as (if not before) the protagonist.

Characteristics

Saricks (2001) defines characteristics of the mystery:

• A crime has been committed, and there is usually a dead body.
• There is an investigator who attempts to figure out "whodunit."
• The investigator solves the puzzle.
• Secondary characters (suspects or supporting characters) play an important role.
  
• The reader is given enough clues to figure out the solution along with the investigator.
• At the end, the culprit is revealed and order is restored.

History

Appeal

Talking with readers

Key authors

References

Derie, K (2008). Mystery FAQ: genre and subgenre. Retrieved August 13, 2008, from ClueLass.com.