A “whodunit” mystery is a type of detective story in which the main focus is on identifying the perpetrator of a crime. The term “whodunit” is derived from the phrase “who done it?” and is often used to refer to mysteries in which the identity of the perpetrator is the central mystery to be solved.

In a whodunit mystery, the reader or viewer is typically presented with a crime, such as a murder, and a range of suspects who could have committed the crime. The protagonist of the story, usually a detective or amateur sleuth, then uses their skills and knowledge to gather clues and evidence to identify the culprit.

The genre is characterized by its focus on the puzzle aspect of the mystery, with readers or viewers trying to solve the crime along with the protagonist. The story often features plot twists and red herrings to keep the reader or viewer guessing until the final reveal.

Some of the most famous examples of the whodunit mystery include the works of Agatha Christie, such as Murder on the Orient Express and And Then There Were None. Other notable examples include Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories, the works of Dorothy L. Sayers, and modern mystery writers like Tana French and Paula Hawkins.

Overall, the whodunit mystery is a beloved genre for its intriguing puzzles, memorable characters, and clever plot twists that keep readers and viewers on the edge of their seats until the final reveal.