Mystery History Topics

Explore crime fiction through brief illustrated essays on the history of the genre.  I hope you will take away from these pages an appreciation for the mystery tradition, a bit of trivia, and a list of books you'd like to read or reread. 

Select an image to view a mystery history tidbit.

Detective Story Origins

Crime Fiction Fashion

Detective Story Inventor?

Poe and Lincoln

Holmes and Dracula

Christie's Clues

 

The detective story is the normal recreation of noble minds.
--Philip Guedalla

When we want to read of the deeds that are done for love, whither do we turn? To the murder column; and there we are rarely disappointed. 
--George Bernard Shaw, Three Plays for Puritans

If a murder, anybody might have done it. Burglary or pocket-picking wanted ’preniceship. Not so murder. We’re all of us up to that, Mr. Inspector. 
--Charles Dickens, Our Mutual Friend