You probably already know that I write under the crime genre but it took me a while to figure out where my writing sits under the various different sub-genres. For anyone who is interested, I’ve cobbled some information together that explains these differences. By clarifying this, it has also given me a better understanding.
All three genres are closely related. They all concern a character who is trying to get to the truth about something or to prevent something from happening.
Suspense
The main character generally becomes aware of the danger gradually. The reader is normally aware of certain facts that are unknown to the protagonist. The reader may also know who the killer is, in which case the pace tends to be slower to highlight the danger the protagonist is in.
Thriller
Thrillers have a lot of action. Very often, the reader knows who the killer is but is enthralled by the chase. With thrillers, the protagonist is in danger from the outset.
Mystery
Any danger in a mystery is usually moderate, drawing to a climax before the end. The protagonist spends their time tracking down the truth about an event such as a murder. With a mystery, you might not know who the killer is until the end.
Thre are also a number of sub-genres such as:-
Cosy
Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple books are a prime example of cosy crime. The protagonist is usually a unique, enigmatic character.
Hard-boiled
The hero in these novels tends to be a police officer or private investigator. They are usually tough cookies who can fit in well with criminals and stand up to the bad guys. Their style is often unpretentious and they tend to use brawn rather than brain to solve the crime.
Police procedural
These novels normally focus on the police department they are set in. They tackle the politics and tactics and generally highlight the tensions between colleagues.
Medical, scientific or forensic mystery
With these novels, there is more emphasis made on the details of the crime. Intelligence and expertise are used to analyse unusual evidence. The protagonists are normally doctors, medical examiners or forensic pathologists.
Legal or courtroom drama
These novels are seen through the eyes of the legal profession generally, and tend to focus on the court procedures and be set in the courtroom.
Noir
The protagonists in these novels have faults. They are usually tempted by outside influences and are desperate individuals. There are generally plot twists in the story.
Epic thriller
Usually, in these novels, there is some catastrophe threatening a community that if it happened, the effect would be devastating. Very often the protagonist is a soldier, spy or trained assassin. There are always plot twists and the action is non-stop.
Psychological thriller/suspense
The threat is generally against the protagonist. There tends to be one disturbing revelation after another. In these novels, characters are more important than pacing and the concentration is on the emotions rather than the action.
Supernatural thriller
The threat caused is spiritual or psychological and the villain generally has specific powers that cause menace.
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