A mystery is a work of fiction in which readers are asked to help solve a puzzle. An element of crime mixed with an element of detection are the two essential ingredients. A crime is committed, an investigator follows clues, and the criminal is brought to justice.
Because mystery centers on a crime and its subsequent resolution, story is a strong appeal of this genre. The investigator is immersed in the details of the crime, and thus, the appeal of the main character cannot be overemphasized. Many character types have been allowed into the detective club: police detective, private investigator, amateur detective, forensic scientist and government agent, to name a few. Today’s mysteries have the freedom to use any type of individual to combat crime. Whether a true detective, a caterer, or a personified pet, character is an important appeal of mystery and the story is organized around this love of character.
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