history of the mystery novel

The history of the mystery novel is a fascinating journey that spans centuries and continents. From ancient tales of crime and punishment to the modern detective stories we know today, this genre has captivated readers with its suspense, intricate plots, and mind-bending twists. In this article, we will explore the origins of the mystery novel, its evolution over time, and some iconic authors and works that have left an indelible mark on this literary genre.

The roots of the mystery novel can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where stories of crimes and their solutions were shared orally. One of the earliest examples is the tale of "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles, which features a detective-like figure uncovering the truth behind a murder. In medieval times, crime-solving stories were often intertwined with religious and moral teachings, such as "The Canterbury Tales" by Geoffrey Chaucer.

However, it was not until the 19th century that the mystery novel as we know it today began to take shape. One of the pioneers of the genre was Edgar Allan Poe, whose story "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" is considered the first detective story. Poe's detective character, C. Auguste Dupin, inspired many future sleuths with his analytical skills and deductive reasoning.

Another influential figure in the development of the mystery genre was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes. Holmes, with his brilliant mind and keen observation skills, became a cultural phenomenon and brought the genre into the mainstream. Doyle's stories, including "A Study in Scarlet" and "The Hound of the Baskervilles," set the stage for the classic whodunit formula.

As the 20th century dawned, the mystery novel continued to evolve and diversify. Agatha Christie, often referred to as the Queen of Crime, emerged as one of the most prolific and beloved mystery writers of all time. Her iconic detective characters, Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, captivated readers worldwide. Christie's works, such as "Murder on the Orient Express" and "And Then There Were None," are timeless classics that continue to garner new fans.

In recent decades, the mystery genre has expanded to include various subgenres, such as psychological thrillers, police procedurals, and cozy mysteries. Authors like Gillian Flynn, with her bestselling novel "Gone Girl," and Tana French, with her Dublin Murder Squad series, have brought fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling techniques to the genre.

For fans of the mystery novel, there are numerous online resources and communities available to further explore this engrossing genre. Websites like Goodreads and CrimeReads provide recommendations, author interviews, and discussions to help readers discover their next favorite mystery novel. Libraries and bookstores also offer a vast selection of mystery novels, both new releases and timeless classics, ensuring there is always something to satisfy even the most discerning detective fiction enthusiast.

In conclusion, the history of the mystery novel is a rich tapestry filled with intriguing stories, brilliant authors, and devoted fans. From its humble origins to the globally beloved genre it is today, the mystery novel continues to captivate readers of all ages. Whether you enjoy classic whodunits or prefer gritty psychological thrillers, there is a mystery novel waiting to be unraveled by you. So, grab a magnifying glass, settle into a comfortable chair, and let the mystery unfold.
Rebirth of the Urban Immortal Emperor Fiction
Rebirth of the Urban Immortal Emperor

The Demon Emperor of the Swallowing Heaven fell victim to a secret plot and was reborn in the body of high school student Lu Zheng! From then on, he rose to power, crushing the world! With unparalleled martial prowess, he swept away everything as a special forces king and a master of black belt level. A slap from him would send you flying to the Western Heaven! He also possessed the ability of the Heavenly Eye, capable of appraising treasures and gambling on stones with unrivaled success. Furthermore, he could see through medical conditions

272.28 Million words | 2023-01-08 02:19Update

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Master of Reincarnation Fiction
Master of Reincarnation

The Lord of Reincarnation is a Xianxia cultivation novel written by Er She....With extraordinary mindset and talent, he forges legends through reincarnation! This is the era of martial artists, and it is also the era of Jiang He.

378.23 Million words | 2022-05-14 13:20Update

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Journey to the west: The Beginning - Challenging the Jade Emperor and Wreaking H Fiction
Journey to the west: The Beginning - Challenging the Jade Emperor and Wreaking H

When Sun Wukong was still a stone on the Mountain of Flowers and Fruits, and Tang Sanzang was still a golden cicada in front of the Buddha's throne. A unfamiliar soul became the land of the Mountain of Flowers and Fruits, and activated a quiz mode, pulling the four divine beings into it. "Who caused trouble in the Heavenly Palace?" "A Yang Jian, the Erlang God

7.95 Million words | 2021-05-05 21:45Update

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The First Disciple of Wuxia Fiction
The First Disciple of Wuxia

The martial world is flourishing in the Tianwu Continent, with countless martial arts sects. Now, let's witness how Zhong Yun, with his ability to travel through various martial arts worlds, becomes the number one disciple in the world of martial arts, and sets off a new wave in this continent. (Join our communication group for valuable guidance.) Originally titled "Disciple of Wudang in the World of Martial Arts," in response to the feedback from our dear readers, we have changed the title. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

203.31 Million words | 2022-07-06 09:05Update

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Duo E Xiaoyao Xian Fiction
Duo E Xiaoyao Xian

Duo Erzhenren, a scattered immortal from the Western Kunlun Mountains, resides in the Eight Treasure Cloud Light Cave of the Nine Peak Iron Monastery. Lingji Bodhisattva, one of the Eight Bodhisattvas of the Western Buddhist Sect, possesses great magical powers and resides on Mount Little Sumeru. Xiao Yao Immortal, uh, have you never heard of him? Oh, well! Li Xiaofeng, what? You still haven't heard of him? Of course, you haven't heard of them, I just wrote about them. But actually! They are all the main characters of this story, all the same person. Why do I say that? You will understand after reading this book. Travel through the prehistoric age and become a carefree immortal! Blizzard Book Club ID:

578.45 Million words | 2022-02-03 11:58Update

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The Evolution of the Madness God Fiction
The Evolution of the Madness God

Incurring the wrath of the Underworld's Yama, do not provoke the Mad God. An ordinary high school student, Lv Zhong, inadvertently obtains a mysterious pearl and becomes its master, assimilating the memories of the ancient Qi-cultivating scholar, Lv Yue, also known as the Plague God. Within these memories lies peculiar cultivation techniques and esoteric methods of bestowing plagues and controlling viruses. Thus, a new generation of unrivaled Mad God silently emerges in the city! All his enemies shall suffer the punishment of viruses. All his friends shall receive the best care. Before him, cancer cells are the most nourishing. In his eyes, no illness can hinder him. In his hands, viruses can unleash incomparable power. Saving lives or taking lives, all is at his whim!

576.28 Million words | 2020-11-14 14:13Update

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The Supreme Master Fiction
The Supreme Master

With the martial arts manual in hand, the world is mine. Left with nine yin, right with nine yang, a flying knife hanging at the waist, Tai Chi at the chest, I am the strongest sect leader, the leader of the martial arts league! There is no martial girl in the rivers and lakes that I dare not flirt with, no disciple of a prestigious sect that I dare not fight, no martial arts sect that I dare not step on, and no unjust matter that I dare not handle! Don't blame me for being arrogant, even my disciple can destroy your sect! Welcome to join the Strongest Sect Leader's reader group with the group number: [number].

145.36 Million words | 2022-08-09 04:17Update

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Martial Arts Masters in the Campus Fiction
Martial Arts Masters in the Campus

Eight hundred years ago in the Battle of Zhuxian Town, Xiao Bie Li, the top expert under Yue Fei's command, projected his astral body and broke through the time tunnel, attaching it to the body of Lin Yi Fei, a sophomore at Zheqing University...

155.35 Million words | 2021-03-31 10:06Update

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Transformation Gaia Chronicles Fiction
Transformation Gaia Chronicles

Zhuo Lengxi was just an ordinary college student with some knowledge of medicine and martial arts. He was also a homebody. However, everything changed for him after he met a girl named Alaiye, who claimed to be a (pseudo) lolita. He, or rather, she, became someone entirely different. "What? Time travel?" "Ultraman!?" "No way!" This is a wild story about a former otaku who has become a girl, travelling through various Ultraman dimensions and different realities! That's right! Meow! Join our QQ group, everyone is welcome: (Note: The QQ group number is not provided in the prompt.

142.15 Million words | 2021-01-29 02:12Update

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Qingcheng Daoist Fiction
Qingcheng Daoist

Pedestrian avenue, known as Taoist priest, the chief of the Taoist priest is called Tao Chang. Subduing demons, exterminating evil, purifying, securing homes, divination, and healing are all necessary tasks for the Taoist priest in the mortal realm. However, before all this, one must first fill their own stomach. "Take a look, see for yourself, the Qingcheng Sect is promoting various new services again. Divination: five guan, house calls: three guan, house protection: ten guan, funerals: prices depend on the status of the deceased, starting at two taels." "There is also breaking news, the Heavenly Court, Netherworld, Western Pure Land, and other official organizations are offering group buying services, all starting at a discount of 20%, with complimentary discount cards and paper talisman gift packs. Taoist disciples enjoy an internal discount, with a minimum discount of 40%." "Miss, considering our pleasant collaboration last time, this time I can give you a 5% discount. Of course, if you apply for our couple package now, you can enjoy our Bedroom Arts service and receive complimentary beauty pills." Note: This is actually a story about a person who travels back in time and becomes a Taoist priest, having to support their family and become wealthy.

597.05 Million words | 2022-06-26 03:27Update

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Nine Cauldrons Divine Emperor Fiction
Nine Cauldrons Divine Emperor

Dragon's power emerges, world's demise.

594.61 Million words | 2022-11-09 02:04Update

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Tears of a Martial Arts Heroine Fiction
Tears of a Martial Arts Heroine

Murder is brutal, the battles are cruel, leaving an irreplaceable terrifying shadow in Jiaodong. Heroes and demons, a battlefield drenched in blood, the sound of ghosts crying amidst scattered corpses, this is the true story of the Jiaodong Ming Dynasty's Yongle's Northern Expedition. Fierce battles in the martial world, stained with blood and tears. Magical legends, the reappearance of the Eight Immortals. The story of the five

84.02 Million words | 2020-09-04 05:01Update

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The Creation of Gods: Yuan Yuan's Divine Power Fiction
The Creation of Gods: Yuan Yuan's Divine Power

King Zhou is proud and talented; Daji is charming and seductive, captivating the world. Wen Zhong is loyal and righteous, unyielding even in the face of death. Bi Gan is cunning and selfish, vying for power and wealth. Tai Shang is reticent, always scheming. Yuan Shi is noble, born above all others. Quan Zhi disregards face value, ferrying people to the west in pursuit of the destiny of his sect. Jie Yin bears a burdened expression, silently reciting mantras, awaiting the flourishing of Buddhism. Allow me to narrate a different world of gods. Yu Yuan

42.98 Million words | 2020-10-16 03:33Update

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Desire to become immortal. Fiction
Desire to become immortal.

The Yunhua Cave is known as the number one fairyland in the righteous path. Those who come out of the cave will greatly enhance their cultivation. Within ten years, they can ascend to immortality. As the City Lord of Gu Bu City, the number one demon sect stronghold, and one of the Three Holy Saints of the demon path, Bone Saint, on the eve of his ascension, had a sudden idea. He decided to visit his old neighbor, the Idle Sword Sect, the top-ranked sect in the righteous path, whom he had never met before. Unexpectedly, he fell into the Yunhua Cave. In the cave, Bone Saint's dry bones actually grew flesh and blood! With his impending completion of the Jade Elemental Great Method, his cultivation was sealed inside his bones by the flesh and blood. Helpless, he had to join the Idle Sword Sect as the lowest-level disciple: a servant. How others treat me is how I treat them. This is Bone Saint's principle of handling matters. Support my new book "Dragon Language Beast Cultivation"! Support my new book "Dragon Language Beast Cultivation"! Support my new book "Dragon Language Beast Cultivation"!

167.52 Million words | 2022-05-19 10:49Update

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Study of Cultivation: Chronicles of a Graduate Student Fiction
Study of Cultivation: Chronicles of a Graduate Student

An outstanding graduate student. A home tutor for a troubled girl. The backstage owner of a clothing boutique. A wealthy playboy with a luxurious mansion by West Lake. A disciple of a martial arts master who has retired from the world. But what he truly longs for is a life dedicated to scientific research and being an exemplary teacher, avoiding competition and conflict with others.

243.86 Million words | 2020-12-02 22:04Update

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Nature's Creation Fiction
Nature's Creation

What is Zao Hua? The word "Zao" means creation, and "Hua" means changes. There is a cultivation technique in the world called "Zao Hua Tian Jing" that contains the profoundness of creation and changes! ... ... Let's see how the young man Yang Tian defies destiny and ascends to the peak of the world by practicing this technique, mastering the art of creation, and delving into the mysteries of changes. The Great Dao is boundless, and I hold the power of creation!!!

261.43 Million words | 2020-07-09 05:23Update

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The Five Elements System of All-Powerful Fiction
The Five Elements System of All-Powerful

This world is far from being as simple as imagined! "What you see may not be real, what you feel may just be superficial..." "So the world has long ceased to exist for humanity? Then why am I still able to... Am I forgotten by the world? Or have I forgotten the world, or perhaps..." With

298.27 Million words | 2021-07-21 18:24Update

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The Long Sword of Chang'an. Fiction
The Long Sword of Chang'an.

Two years ago, Mo Tingyu wielded his sword and headed to the northern lands. Two years later, Su Chang'an led his soldiers to Chang'an with a heavy heart. The world is vast, and people are like dust. The martial world is treacherous, and it hurts one's heart at every turn. Blades, swords, books, and friends, mark the passing of time. Joy, anger, grief, and happiness, what are their true causes? The path of righteousness, like a handful of coins, is accompanied by sword dances, poetry, and the pain of parting. Life can never be entirely as one wishes, so let's sing a song and drink to it. Bookworms, join our group.

199.90 Million words | 2021-02-22 16:05Update

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Evil Dragon Road Fiction
Evil Dragon Road

There are those who slander, deceive, insult, mock, belittle, and underestimate me in the world. How should I deal with them? Simply tolerate, let them be, avoid them, let them be, endure them, respect them, and pay them no mind. In a few years, you'll see. With a wicked heart and bloody hands, if you think I'm wicked, I can only say you're foolish. Breaking through the barriers of dust,

373.35 Million words | 2022-08-06 11:02Update

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Supreme Dao Fire Fiction
Supreme Dao Fire

Due to an accident in a virtual game, Chu He crossed over to the world of cultivation. With no exceptional talent, family background, nor any chance to rely on anyone, survival in this brutal world seems unlikely. However, luckily, the Pure Fire he carried with him proved to be a great asset, propelling his progress in both cultivation and alchemy. As he rose to become the unparalleled grand master of alchemy, Chu He shattered all obstacles and outshined countless geniuses, standing tall at the peak of cultivation, and earning him the admiration of all.

319.57 Million words | 2021-08-04 22:48Update

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