Detective Fiction: A Collection of Critical Essays

by Robin W. Winks (Editor)

Essays argue whether detective stories are a legitimate genre of literature, an enjoyable self-indulgence, a mirror of society, or a waste of time

Genres: Mystery, Criticism, Nonfiction, Crime

246 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1980

About the author

Robin W. Winks was an American academic, historian, diplomat, writer on the subject of fiction, especially detective novels, and advocate for the National Parks.

Reviews

[Bardfilm]

Although out-of-date in a number of respects, this collection nonetheless contains a good number of solid and deep essays. The articles by Sayers are particularly noteworthy and enduringly relevant.

[Kamakana]

130320: as a collection of essays some are good, some are less, but reminds me of taking a crit class at u. reminds me that is so long ago. there are thirty-three years worth critical work since this...

[David Loveland]

Pretty dull, but relevant reading for one of my essays.

[Kat]

The George Grella essay, "The Formal Detective Novel" is really interesting. His other essay on American hard boiled fiction is solid. The rest is ok.