A work of fiction in which the element of fear or suspense dominates the story
Detective story-a detective puts together clues in a crime such as a murder and, using these clues, solves the crime Gothic novel-set in a gloomy atmosphere where terrifying occurrences happen Suspense novel-horror story in which the reader is constantly surprised by unexpected occurrences and awaits the ending with great anticipation Spy story-about the exploits of a spy
Crime is committed Identity of guilty person is unknown Solved by a detective/person who gathers clues and solves the case
The story must not contain any supernatural happenings or anything that cannot be explained by rational means The criminal must be a reasonably prominent figure in the story The criminal must have a personal motive understandable to the reader The crime must not result from accident nor may the death be a suicide The reader must share in the detective’s discoveries, either “seeing the evidence” as it is found or being told of its significance as it is established
Setting- must be unique enough to allow for the planning and the commission of the crime Plot-must be complex and logical enough to maintain reader interest Theme-universal-crime doesn’t pay Characters-predictable Criminal Detective Victim Other suspects Climax-occurs (usually) when the criminal is confronted with the evidence or circumstances that convict him