Crime fiction has long captured the imagination of readers, enticing us with tales of mystery, suspense, and intrigue. However, beyond the well-known genres like detective fiction and thriller, lies a vast array of crime fiction subgenres waiting to be explored. Let’s have a look at some lesser-known crime fiction subgenres, each offering a unique twist to the classic crime narrative.

Gaslight Mystery:
Step back in time with gaslight mysteries set in the Victorian or Edwardian era. Embracing historical charm, these novels feature atmospheric settings, gas lit streets, and detective work rooted in the past. With protagonists navigating the complexities of a bygone era, gaslight mysteries are a delightful blend of history and crime-solving.

Medical Mystery:
For those intrigued by the medical world, medical mysteries present an enthralling blend of crime fiction and healthcare. Follow medical professionals as they become investigators, solving crimes related to medical settings, conditions, or unexplained illnesses. From hospitals to laboratories, these mysteries plunge readers into the heart of medical enigmas.

My favourites in this genre:

Tess Gerritsen: Although known for her crime and suspense novels, Tess Gerritsen’s background as a physician has influenced her writing, and she has penned medical mysteries that combine medical knowledge with thrilling plots.

Patricia Cornwell: While primarily known for her forensic crime novels featuring the character Dr. Kay Scarpetta, Patricia Cornwell’s books often include medical elements and mysteries.

Kathy Reichs: A forensic anthropologist by profession, Kathy Reichs is the author behind the popular Temperance Brennan series, which combines forensic science and medical mysteries.

Environmental Crime:
Raise awareness about environmental issues with environmental crime fiction. These stories delve into crimes involving pollution, wildlife trafficking, and illegal activities impacting the planet. Alongside the detective work, readers gain insight into pressing ecological concerns.

Here are a few to try:

“The Overstory” by Richard Powers: This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel weaves together the lives of various characters, highlighting their connection to trees and the devastating impact of deforestation on the environment.

“Force of Nature” by Jane Harper: In this thrilling mystery, a group of women on a corporate retreat gets lost in the wilderness, uncovering dark secrets that intertwine with the natural landscape.

“The Sea Detective” by Mark Douglas-Home: Environmental investigator Cal McGill uses ocean currents and other ecological clues to solve mysteries involving missing persons and environmental crimes along the Scottish coastline.

“Waste Tide” by Chen Qiufan: Set in a future world affected by environmental degradation and electronic waste, this sci-fi mystery explores the consequences of humanity’s impact on the environment.

“Black River” by S.M. Hulse: This novel follows a former prison guard returning to his Montana hometown, where environmental issues and the aftermath of a devastating wildfire intertwine with personal mysteries and family drama.

Culinary Mystery:
It’s a thing – honestly! Culinary enthusiasts will relish culinary mysteries that merge delectable cuisine with crime-solving. Join amateur sleuths or chefs as they uncover crimes while navigating the world of food, cooking, and gastronomy. A feast for the senses, these mysteries tantalise with delicious clues.

Sports Mystery:
Sports aficionados and mystery lovers unite in the realm of sports mysteries. From athletes to coaches and sports reporters, this subgenre revolves around crimes within the sports world. Witness sports heroes tackling crimes and uncovering dark secrets off the field.

Although best known for his crime thrillers, Harlan Coben has also ventured into the world of sports mysteries. His novel “Fade Away” features sports agent Myron Bolitar, who finds himself entangled in sports-related mysteries.

Art Mystery:
Discover the enigmatic world of art thefts, forgeries, and famous masterpieces in art mysteries. Journey into the art world, where detectives unravel crimes involving iconic paintings and rare artefacts. This subgenre adds an artistic flair to crime fiction.

Supernatural Mystery:
Unearth the supernatural side of crime fiction with stories that blend the paranormal and crime-solving. Detectives grapple with eerie cases involving ghosts, witches, and otherworldly occurrences. Prepare for spine-chilling investigations that transcend the boundaries of reality.

Some of Stephen King’s notable works that incorporate supernatural mysteries include “The Shining,” “It,” “Pet Sematary,” “Doctor Sleep,” “The Dark Tower” series, and many others. In these novels, he masterfully combines elements of horror and the supernatural with compelling mysteries, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they uncover the secrets hidden within the eerie and mysterious worlds he creates.

Cyberpunk Noir:
Embrace the future with cyberpunk noir, a fusion of cyberpunk and noir elements. In dystopian settings, detectives tackle high-tech crimes, artificial intelligence, and the dark side of technology. These mysteries immerse readers in a futuristic landscape of intrigue.

Revenge Thriller:
Experience the thrill of vengeance in revenge thrillers, where justice takes center stage. Characters seek retribution for past crimes, weaving tales of action, suspense, and moral complexity. Justice, served cold, brings a compelling edge to these mysteries.

Western Mystery:
Enter the Wild West with western mysteries, blending the crime-solving narrative with the rugged landscapes of the frontier. Sheriffs, outlaws, and pioneers embark on thrilling quests to solve crimes in the untamed wilderness.

Conspiracy Thriller:
Enter the world of intrigue and hidden agendas with conspiracy thrillers. These novels involve complex webs of conspiracies, cover-ups, and secret organizations. Detectives, journalists, or ordinary individuals find themselves entangled in high-stakes plots that challenge their beliefs and trust in authority.

Locked-Room Mystery:
Unlock the secrets of seemingly impossible crimes in locked-room mysteries. Set in confined spaces, such as locked rooms or sealed locations, these tales challenge investigators to unravel crimes committed under perplexing circumstances. The allure lies in the cleverness and ingenuity of the plot as detectives navigate through puzzles to reveal the truth.

Conclusion:

As crime fiction continues to evolve, the diverse subgenres offer readers fresh and captivating twists on classic narratives. From historical charm to futuristic worlds, crime fiction subgenres have something to enthral every reader. So, whether you prefer a gas lit atmosphere or crave the thrill of cyberpunk noir, venture beyond the familiar and explore the rich tapestry of crime fiction subgenres. There’s a world of mysteries waiting to be unravelled.

Have I missed any of your favourites? Do let me know, I’d love to hear from you.

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See you soon.

Wendy

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