Rebus detective novels are unique in that they incorporate elements of puzzles and codes into the very fabric of the story. The detective's task is not just to find the culprit but also to understand the meaning behind these rebus - like elements. Regular detective novels, on the other hand, are more about the investigation process in a more common - sense world. The clues in rebus detective novels can be more esoteric, like a riddle written on an ancient manuscript, while in regular ones, they could be as simple as a torn piece of clothing found at the crime scene.
In rebus detective novels, the plot is usually centered around decoding some form of encrypted message or symbol. This could be a series of pictures, anagrams, or other types of word - play. In contrast, regular detective novels may have a more linear approach to solving the crime. They might start with a murder, then follow the detective as they interview suspects and gather evidence in a more traditional way. Rebus detective novels require the reader to be more actively involved in deciphering the clues, as they are often presented in a more abstract way compared to regular detective novels.
The themes in literary detective novels are usually more profound. While regular detective novels may center around simple ideas like justice being served, literary detective novels can explore broader concepts such as morality, society, and the human condition. Take 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy' by John le Carré. It delves into the murky world of espionage during the Cold War and also examines loyalty, betrayal, and the nature of truth.
In regular detective stories, the main driving force is usually the mystery and the process of uncovering clues. However, in erotic detective stories, the relationships, often of an erotic nature, play a significant role. The detective may be distracted or influenced by their feelings towards another character in an erotic way. Also, the way the story is narrated might be different. An erotic detective story might focus more on the emotions and physical attractions, while a regular detective story would be more centered on the logical progression of the investigation.
Weird detective novels often deviate from the traditional formula. Traditional detective novels usually focus on a clear - cut mystery, like a murder, and follow a logical process of investigation. But weird detective novels might involve supernatural elements. For example, in 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', there's the transformation due to a scientific experiment gone wrong, which is not a typical element in traditional detective stories. They also might have a more complex and less - straightforward narrative structure.
Amateur detective novels often focus more on the personal journey of the amateur sleuth. They might be solving a mystery out of personal interest or because they are caught up in the situation. In contrast, professional detective novels usually follow the procedures and resources of a police or official detective agency.
The main difference lies in the elements of speculation. Traditional detective novels rely on real - world settings and laws. Science - fiction detective novels, on the other hand, introduce speculative elements. In a traditional detective story, the detective uses normal investigative methods like interviewing witnesses and following clues. In a science - fiction detective novel, the detective might use mind - reading technology or time - travel devices to solve the case. Moreover, the motives behind the crimes in science - fiction detective novels can be related to things like power struggles in a galactic empire or control of a new energy source, which are not common in traditional detective novels.
Neo noir detective novels differ from traditional ones in several ways. Firstly, the atmosphere. Neo noir has a much darker, more brooding atmosphere, often filled with a sense of hopelessness. Secondly, the characters. In traditional detective novels, the characters tend to be more one - dimensional in terms of their morality. But in neo noir, the characters are complex. The detective may not always be the 'good guy' in the traditional sense. He may use unethical means to solve the case. And the villains in neo noir are often more nuanced, not just pure evil. Also, the plotlines in neo noir are often more convoluted and less likely to have a simple, happy - ending solution like in many traditional detective novels.
A philosophical detective novel often goes beyond just solving the crime. While a regular detective novel focuses mainly on the whodunit aspect, a philosophical one delves into deeper questions. For example, in a regular detective novel, the detective might be mainly concerned with finding the murderer through clues. But in a philosophical detective novel, like 'The Name of the Rose', the detective's journey also involves exploring complex ideas about faith, knowledge, and the meaning of existence.
Illustrated detective fiction has pictures. These pictures can show the characters' appearances, the settings, and important scenes. In regular detective fiction, you have to rely only on the written description. For example, in an illustrated Sherlock Holmes story, you can see Holmes' deerstalker hat and his pipe just by looking at the picture. In regular text - only detective fiction, you have to use your imagination more.
Detective historical fiction is set in a specific historical period, while regular detective fiction can be set in any time, including the present. For example, a regular detective story might have a modern police detective using the latest forensic techniques, but a detective historical fiction would have a detective using the methods available in the past, like handwriting analysis in the 19th century.
Regular detective fiction is often set in a more realistic world, while psychic detective science fiction usually involves a science - fictional or supernatural element. The psychic abilities in this genre can change the way investigations are carried out. For instance, a psychic detective could sense the presence of a hidden clue through their powers, rather than finding it through a traditional search. Also, the motives and villains in psychic detective science fiction can be related to the misuse or exploitation of psychic powers, which is different from the typical motives in regular detective stories.