Shanghai detective novels usually reflect the historical and cultural context of the city. They might touch on events like the colonial period, the rise of modern industries in Shanghai. This historical backdrop not only adds depth to the story but also influences the motives and actions of the characters. For example, a detective might be investigating a crime that is somehow linked to the opium trade during the colonial days, and in the process, the reader gets to learn about that dark part of Shanghai's history.
The characters in Shanghai detective novels are diverse. There are the wealthy businessmen, the poor laborers, and the mysterious foreigners. All these characters interact in a complex web of relationships that are often central to the mystery. For instance, a crime might be related to a power struggle between a local tycoon and a foreign merchant. Also, the detective in these novels usually has a good understanding of the Shanghai dialect and the local customs, which helps them in their investigations.
Shanghai detective novels tend to be rich in atmosphere. The foggy mornings, the noisy markets, and the glamorous nightclubs all contribute to the mood of the story. The mysteries often involve not just individual crimes but also issues related to the city's development, like power struggles between different business groups or political intrigues. The detective in these novels is usually a shrewd observer who can understand the hidden meanings behind the city's facade.
One characteristic is the vivid description of Shanghai's unique urban landscape. For example, the bustling streets, the old shikumen houses.
Shanghai girls in novels are often depicted as sophisticated. They usually have a good sense of fashion and are very particular about their appearance. They might be shown as having a certain elegance in their manners.
Shanghai-style novels referred to the coastal areas of China, where the "city" was an important plot setting and background. The following are some of the characteristics of the city in Shanghai-style novels: 1. Prosperous commercial atmosphere: The city is an important plot setting and background of the novel. Usually, the central area of the city has highly developed commercial and economic activities. The city was filled with various commercial venues, bustling streets, high-rise buildings, and so on. These elements were all commonly described in Shanghai-style novels. Complex interpersonal relationships: The city is a densely populated and competitive environment, and interpersonal relationships become more complicated. The novel often described various family relationships, business competition, political struggles, and so on. These elements reflected the true situation of urban life. 3. Trendy cultural atmosphere: The city is a place with rich cultural resources and a fashionable atmosphere. The novels often describe various cultural places, fashion brands, music, entertainment, and so on. These elements reflected the cultural characteristics and aesthetic trends of the city. 4. Exploration of human nature: The cities in Shanghai-style novels are often full of complicated interpersonal relationships and human nature problems. The characters in the novels often face various moral and ethical challenges and need to think about the nature and values of human nature. 5. The style of light comedy: The urban plots of Shanghai-style novels often have the style of light comedy, full of humor and absurd elements. This is also a feature of Shanghai-style novels.
One of the well - known Shanghai detective novels is 'Death in Shanghai'. It involves a detective trying to solve a series of murders that seem to be related to the city's underworld and the power struggles within it. The story is full of twists and turns that keep the reader on their toes. It also gives a great insight into the social structure of Shanghai at that time.
Another important characteristic is the element of suspense. In detective novels such as 'And Then There Were None', the author builds up the suspense throughout the story. The reader is constantly on edge, wondering what will happen next and who the real culprit is. The novels also often deal with moral and ethical issues as the detective uncovers the truth behind the crimes.
One characteristic is the presence of a mystery or crime at the core. Usually, there's a detective figure, who is intelligent and observant, trying to solve the case. For example, Sherlock Holmes in Conan Doyle's works.
One characteristic of 1868 detective novels was the use of a somewhat linear narrative structure. The story would start with the crime, then introduce the detective, and follow the detective's journey in solving the case. Social class played an important role in these novels. The upper - class characters were often the victims or the ones with something to hide, while the lower - class characters could be suspects or witnesses. There was also an element of moral judgment in these novels, with the detective often representing justice and right - eousness.
Many 1934 detective novels had a strong sense of place. Whether it was a smoky city alley or a grand country house, the setting played a big role in the story. Also, the social context of the time was reflected. There were class differences and moral codes that influenced the actions of the characters and the way the mystery unfolded. In Dashiell Hammett's novels, for instance, the seedy underbelly of urban life was often explored.
One characteristic could be complex plots. Detective novels often have many twists and turns, like in 'The Maltese Falcon' where the search for the valuable falcon leads to numerous false leads and unexpected revelations. Another might be interesting detective characters. For example, Sherlock Holmes has his unique deductive methods and eccentric personality. Also, a sense of mystery is always there. In 'Murder on the Orient Express', the closed - in setting of the train adds to the mystery as the detective has to figure out who among the passengers is the killer.