Author: gaodf

Hello! I love stories from the Golden Age of Detective Fiction and like talking about them to new people. I am currently writing a historical mystery novel set in postwar Minnesota.
#MissMarpleMonthly, Essay

The Impact of Miss Marple on the Mystery Genre

Miss Jane Marple, a fictional character created by the renowned British author Agatha Christie, has had a significant impact on the mystery genre. Christie’s books featuring Miss Marple, first introduced in The Murder at the Vicarage in 1930, have sold over 2 billion copies worldwide, making her one of the most popular characters in literature. Miss Marple, an elderly spinster living in the small village … Continue reading The Impact of Miss Marple on the Mystery Genre

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Essay

Book Review: The Honjin Murders by Seishi Yokomizo

The Honjin Murders by Seishi Yokomizo is a classic Japanese mystery novel that has captivated readers since its publication in 1946. The novel is known for its intricate plot, vivid characters, and the masterful way in which the author weaves together various elements to create a complex and engaging mystery. In this essay, we will examine the major themes of the novel, its plot, and … Continue reading Book Review: The Honjin Murders by Seishi Yokomizo

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Short Stories

Short Story Saturday: The Adventure of the Speckled Band by Arthur Conan Doyle

“The Adventure of the Speckled Band” is a short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, featuring his famous detective Sherlock Holmes. First published in 1892, the story has since become one of the most iconic and influential works in the mystery genre. The story begins with a young woman named Helen Stoner seeking out Holmes’ help. She is afraid for her life after the mysterious … Continue reading Short Story Saturday: The Adventure of the Speckled Band by Arthur Conan Doyle

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Movie Reviews

Movie Review: Appointment With Death (1988)

“Appointment with Death” is a 1988 mystery film based on the Agatha Christie novel of the same name. Directed by Michael Winner and starring Peter Ustinov as Hercule Poirot, the film follows the detective as he investigates the murder of a wealthy American woman, Mrs. Boynton, while on vacation in the Middle East. In this review, I will discuss the plot, characters, performances, and my … Continue reading Movie Review: Appointment With Death (1988)

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Reading Lists

Reading List: 5 Police Procedural Mysteries of the 1920s

The 1920s were a decade of change, innovation, and experimentation in the mystery genre. It was during this decade that the genre began to take on a more realistic and grounded approach, with an emphasis on police procedural and detective work. Here are some notable proto-police procedurals and police procedural mystery books from the 1920s: The Benson Murder Case by S. S. Van Dine (1926): … Continue reading Reading List: 5 Police Procedural Mysteries of the 1920s

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ReadChristie2023, Reading Lists

How The Queens of Crime Revolutionized The Golden Age of Detective Fiction

Introduction The Golden Age of Detective Fiction, which refers to the period between the two World Wars, witnessed the emergence of several women writers who made significant contributions to the mystery genre. These women writers challenged the male-dominated landscape of detective fiction, and their works continue to inspire readers and writers today. This essay aims to explore the best women mystery writers of the Golden … Continue reading How The Queens of Crime Revolutionized The Golden Age of Detective Fiction

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New Releases

New Book Releases March 1- March 7, 2023

The Girl Who Took What She Wanted by David Handler In this new installment of the Edgar award-winning Stewart Hoag mystery series, the ghostwriting sleuth investigates a trail of murder amidst Hollywood’s rich and famous. Stewart “Hoagy” Hoag hasn’t written any fiction since his debut novel rocked the literary world of the 1980s and then left him with a paralyzing case of writer’s block. Since … Continue reading New Book Releases March 1- March 7, 2023

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Essay

Cozy Mysteries During the Golden Age of Detective Fiction

Cozy mysteries were a popular sub-genre of detective fiction during the Golden Age of detective fiction, which is generally considered to have spanned the 1920s and 1930s. Cozy mysteries were characterized by their lighthearted tone, small-town or village settings, and amateur sleuths who used their everyday skills and knowledge to solve crimes. Cozy mysteries were often seen as a response to the darker and more … Continue reading Cozy Mysteries During the Golden Age of Detective Fiction

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Movie Reviews

Movie Review: Crooked House (2017)

“Crooked House” is a 2017 British mystery film directed by Gilles Paquet-Brenner, based on the 1949 novel of the same name by Agatha Christie. The movie is a classic whodunit story that follows the investigation of a murder in a wealthy family’s mansion, where everyone has a motive to commit the crime. The story is set in the aftermath of World War II in England, … Continue reading Movie Review: Crooked House (2017)

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Short Stories

Short Story Saturday: The Murders in the Rue Morgue by Edgar Allan Poe

“The Murders in the Rue Morgue” by Edgar Allan Poe is considered to be one of the first detective stories ever written, and its impact on the mystery genre cannot be overstated. The story was first published in 1841 and introduced readers to the brilliant detective C. Auguste Dupin, who uses his remarkable powers of deduction to solve a baffling and gruesome murder. Poe’s story … Continue reading Short Story Saturday: The Murders in the Rue Morgue by Edgar Allan Poe

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