Each and every genre in the world has many different branches to it. There are so many subgenres when it comes to the mystery genre. It came sometimes be hard to pinpoint to which subgenre you’re reading or writing, especially if there are a couple different subgenres thrown into the mix.
Still, mystery can be perceived in many different ways when it comes to it being comical, hardcore, or real life-like.
Caper
A caper mystery is a comical one. Whether it involves a bumbling detective or odd-duck witnesses, the story is funny and allows the reader to relax and have a laugh… despite the dead body lying in the corner.
Cozy
The cozy mystery is something that’s usually light in tone. Even though a murder is involved, it happens in a small town, isn’t describes as too gruesome, or the sleuth is an amateur.
Domestic
This was a new one to me. I’ve seen many books like this but never thought it was its own subgenre. A domestic mystery includes mysteries involving a cat or dog (or any animal, really) where they more or less aid their owner in solving the crime. These can also include book club settings, bakeries, and the like.
Hardboiled
Hardboiled is what it sounds like. It’s a hardcore mystery where violence and gruesome details are involved. The detective is a professional, often fighting his own inner demons.
Investigator
This type of mystery involves the sleuth being a private investigator, an amateur, a nosy neighbor, or someone of the kind. It’s centralized who if figuring out the crime.
Noir
Noir is a classic that’s dark and gritty, with private investigators equipped with their good old trench coat.
Procedural
Procedural mysteries are heavily-researched in how the crime was solved using autopsy reports, forensic science, and the like. It’s the real-life stuff thrown into a fictional crime.
Softboiled
Softboiled mysteries are more or less the same as Hardboiled except their lighter in tone and they ease up a little on the details.
Supernatural/Paranormal
This is pretty straightforward since it’s its own genre. A mystery with ghostly like elements and messages from the unknown. It adds a little more spook to the mystery and certainly allows things to get pretty twisted.
Suspense
In suspense, the tension is high but it’s at a slower pace. It keeps the readers on their toes always guessing and turning the pages. The protagonist, or detective, is usually the one being pursued and has some sort of problem themselves they need to deal with.
Thriller
Similar to suspense, except the action is ongoing, the pace is fast, and the tension and stakes are high. This may or may not have anything to do with the protagonist or detective themselves, but their usually racing the clock.
True Crime
This is exactly as it sounds, a genre familiar to everyone. True crime is non-fiction mysteries telling tales of real-life murders and investigations.
What’s your favorite subgenre in mystery? Are there are any other subgenres you know about? Let me know in the comments below. If you liked this post, please share it around.
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