Crime in literature

Fact proves far stranger than fiction in this collection of real-life scandals, crimes and murders which either influenced the works of Agatha Christie or affected the lives of many famous personalities involved in her long career.

Crime fiction has been one of the most popular genres since the 19th century, but has roots in works as varied as Sophocles, Herodotus, and Shakespeare. In this 'Very Short Introduction' Richard Bradford explores the history of the genre, by considering the various definitions of 'crime fiction' ...