Introduction: Mystery in Literature
Mystery in literature is a genre that captivates readers with its enigmatic narratives, drawing them into intricate puzzles and suspenseful plots.
Rooted in the exploration of the unknown and the unraveling of secrets, mystery literature encompasses a diverse range of subgenres, from classic whodunits to contemporary psychological thrillers.
Central to this genre is the art of storytelling that masterfully conceals and reveals, inviting readers to join protagonists in deciphering clues and navigating unforeseen twists. The allure of mystery lies not only in the resolution of its central enigma but also in the intellectual engagement it offers, making it a timeless and enduring facet of literary exploration.
Mystery in Literature: Major British and American Mysteries
| Title and Author | Type | Features/Themes |
| The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle | Whodunit, Detective | Atmospheric setting, Supernatural elements, Sherlock Holmes |
| Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn | Psychological Thriller | Unreliable narrators, Twisted relationships, Dark psychological twists |
| The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins | Gothic, Mystery | Victorian melodrama, Dual narratives, Social critique |
| The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett | Hard-Boiled | Noir atmosphere, Tough detective protagonist, Moral ambiguity |
| In the Woods by Tana French | Psychological Crime | Psychological depth, Complex characters, Ireland setting |
| The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson | Nordic Noir, Thriller | Computer hacking, Social issues, Complex conspiracies |
| Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty | Domestic Mystery | Suburban setting, Complicated relationships, Secrets and lies |
| The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown | Historical, Thriller | Religious conspiracy, Symbolism, Code-breaking |
| The Murders in the Rue Morgue by Edgar Allan Poe | Detective, Gothic | Pioneering detective story, Locked room mystery |
| The Spy Who Came In From The Cold by John le Carré | Espionage, Cold War | Espionage realism, Moral ambiguity, Complex political intrigue |
Mystery and Literary Theories
- Formalism:
- Critique: Formalism emphasizes the inherent structures within a literary work, focusing on elements such as plot, character, and setting. In mystery, attention to plot structure, the arrangement of clues, and character development is crucial. Formalist analysis can highlight how these elements contribute to the overall effectiveness of the mystery narrative.
- Structuralism:
- Critique: Structuralism delves into the underlying structures governing language and culture. In mystery literature, this perspective may examine recurring patterns in detective narratives, the binary oppositions between good and evil, and the symbolic use of clues as linguistic signs within the narrative structure.
- Psychoanalytic Criticism:
- Critique: Psychoanalytic criticism explores the psychological dimensions of characters and their motivations. In mysteries, characters’ hidden desires, fears, and the symbolic nature of the central mystery can be analyzed through the lens of psychoanalytic theory. For example, the detective’s pursuit of truth may be seen as a manifestation of the human desire for resolution and order.
- Feminist Criticism:
- Critique: Feminist criticism of mystery in literature scrutinizes the representation of gender roles, power dynamics, and the portrayal of female characters. It may question the prevalence of certain stereotypes and the treatment of women within the genre, examining how these aspects reflect or challenge societal norms.
- Postcolonial Criticism:
- Critique: Postcolonial criticism investigates how mystery narratives engage with colonial histories, cultural identities, and power structures. It may analyze how detective fiction set in colonial or postcolonial contexts reflects or challenges colonial narratives and explores the impact of colonialism on marginalized communities.
- Reader-Response Criticism:
- Critique: Reader-response criticism focuses on the active role of the reader in constructing meaning. In mystery in literature, this perspective can explore how readers engage with clues, make predictions, and construct their interpretations of the central mystery. The genre’s interactive nature with readers becomes a crucial aspect of analysis.
- Marxist Criticism:
- Critique: Marxist criticism examines social and economic aspects within literature. In mysteries, this perspective may analyze how economic disparities, class struggles, and societal tensions are reflected in the portrayal of crime, investigations, and the resolution of mysteries.
- Postmodernist Criticism:
- Critique: Postmodernism in mystery literature may focus on the genre’s self-awareness, metafictional elements, and the blurring of traditional narrative boundaries. The genre’s exploration of fragmented narratives, unreliable narrators, and the deconstruction of conventional storytelling can be central to a postmodern critique.
By applying these various literary theories, critics can offer diverse perspectives on the mystery genre, uncovering hidden meanings, cultural implications, and the genre’s role in reflecting and shaping societal ideologies.
Mystery: Steps to Write It
| Step | How to Do it |
| Develop a Strong Premise | Start with a captivating premise or central mystery that will serve as the backbone of your story. This could be a crime, a disappearance, or an unexplained event. |
| Create Well-Defined Characters | Develop interesting and relatable characters, including a detective or investigator, suspects, and supporting characters. Each character should have unique traits, motives, and backstories that contribute to the overall mystery. |
| Establish the Setting | Set the stage by creating a vivid and atmospheric setting. Whether it’s a small town, a bustling city, or a historical period, the setting should complement the mood and tone of your mystery. |
| Outline the Plot | Plan the progression of your story with a clear outline. Include key plot points, clues, and twists that will keep readers guessing. Be mindful of pacing to maintain suspense throughout. |
| Introduce Clues Strategically | Scatter clues throughout the narrative, ensuring they are logically placed and not too obvious. Consider red herrings (misleading clues) to add complexity and keep readers engaged in the mystery-solving process. |
| Develop Tension and Suspense | Build tension by creating suspenseful moments and unexpected turns in the plot. Keep readers on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the truth. |
| Craft Engaging Dialogue | Write sharp and engaging dialogue that reveals character personalities, conveys information, and adds to the overall atmosphere of the mystery. |
| Reveal Information Gradually | Control the flow of information, revealing details and backstory gradually. Avoid information dumps and allow readers to piece together the mystery alongside the characters. |
| Create a Compelling Resolution | Craft a satisfying resolution that ties up loose ends and explains the central mystery in literature. The resolution should be logical and well-earned, providing a sense of closure for readers. |
| Edit and Revise | Once the first draft is complete, revise and edit your work. Pay attention to pacing, consistency, and the effectiveness of your clues. Ensure that the resolution is both surprising and believable. |
| Seek Feedback | Share your work with beta readers or writing groups to get constructive feedback. Fresh perspectives can help identify areas for improvement and ensure that your mystery in literature is engaging for a wide audience. |
| Polish the Final Draft | After incorporating feedback, polish your final draft. Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and overall readability. Ensure that the pacing is consistent and that your mystery delivers a compelling reading experience. |
Mystery: Suggested Readings
- Christie, Agatha. Murder on the Orient Express. HarperCollins, 1934.
- Doyle, Arthur Conan. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Penguin Classics, 1892.
- Chandler, Raymond. The Big Sleep. Vintage Crime/Black Lizard, 1939.
- Atkinson, Kate. Case Histories. Little, Brown and Company, 2004.
- Lehane, Dennis. Mystic River. William Morrow, 2001.
- Hawkins, Paula. The Girl on the Train. Riverhead Books, 2015.
- Larsson, Stieg. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Vintage Crime/Black Lizard, 2005.
- Penzler, Otto, editor. The Black Lizard Big Book of Locked-Room Mysteries. Vintage Crime/Black Lizard, 2011.
- Hillerman, Tony, editor. The Oxford Book of American Detective Stories. Oxford University Press, 1996.