The detective story is a relatively modern invention being only about 150 years old. We can trace its origin to the great American writer-poet, Edgar Allan Poe, whose The Murders in the Rue Morgue (published in 1841) is considered a classic in this genre. Jon L. Breen in The Fine Art of Murder argues that although there were numerous examples of 'prehistoric' detective fiction from both Europe and Asia, "it has been the handiest to start the detective story with Poe, since he created so many of the standard elements and devices of the form." (p.3) In his Auguste Dupin mysteries, Poe initiated the idea of taking the reader inside the mind of the detective who solved crimes through deductive reasoning. He also introduced the use of the locked-room mystery, the least suspected person as culprit and the eccentric amateur detective and his loyal sidekick.
According to Richard Alewyn in his essay included in The Poetics of Murder, the detective story really began its "triumphal procession" fifty years later with the advent of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes mysteries. In these stories the master detective was created and since that time "the fruitfulness of this genre has never dried up in spite of frequent prophecies of its death." (p. 63)
The detective story does follow a particular format and as one reads more such stories, one can begin to easily identify the familiar elements. Mystery writer P. D. James offers us a classic blueprint for the detective story. There is always a mysterious death at the heart of the story. A closed circle of suspects each has a believable motive, a reasonable opportunity to commit the crime and access to the means of committing it. Central to the story is the detective who uncovers the murderer by logical deduction from the facts which have been fairly presented to the reader. From this single blueprint hundreds of variations have sprung.
Why do detective stories continue to be so popular? H. R. F. Keating, editor of Whodunit? A Guide to Crime, Suspense and Spy Fiction suggests that it is because in these stories good triumphs and "in this way it adds subtly but on a large scale to the necessary quantum of optimism in the world." (p.18) Because the detective story possesses satisfying resolutions as well as fast-moving plots, it holds great appeal for readers of all ages. It challenges the reader to sort out clues, make judgments and arrive at conclusions in order to solve the mystery. Such high-interest stories have particular appeal for young readers and writers and, I believe, can serve to motivate even the most reluctant ones. Indeed, the mystery story is an ideal vehicle to encourage wide reading and to develop writing skills.
