Well, one characteristic is the often gloomy and atmospheric setting. New England's old towns, with their creaky houses and fog - covered streets, create a perfect backdrop for mystery. The characters in this type of detective fiction are usually complex. You've got the shrewd detective who has to deal with local secrets and the quirks of the small - town folks. Also, there's a strong sense of history that often plays into the plot. Old family feuds, buried secrets from colonial times, things like that can be central to the mystery.
One characteristic is the strong sense of place. New England settings, like its small towns, forests and seacoasts, are often vividly described. For example, in 'The Scarlet Letter', the Puritan town is a crucial part of the story. Another is the moral and ethical exploration. Given the Puritan heritage in New England, many works deal with questions of right and wrong, sin and virtue.
One characteristic is its focus on regional settings. New England settings are often vividly described, from the small towns to the coastal areas. This gives a sense of place.
One characteristic is the vivid portrayal of the region's unique landscapes, like the rocky coasts and dense forests. It often features the Puritan heritage, with stories about their strict beliefs and moral codes. Also, the social hierarchies and class struggles within New England communities are common themes.
Early New England fiction often had a didactic nature. It aimed to educate the readers, especially the younger generations, about the proper way of life according to the Puritan beliefs. The characters were typically modeled after the types of people found in the New England colonies, like the stern Puritan fathers, the pious women, and the wayward sinners who needed to be redeemed. The language used was also quite formal and influenced by the religious and literary traditions of the time.
One characteristic is the complex plot. They often have multiple suspects and red herrings to keep the reader guessing. For example, in Agatha Christie's novels, it's hard to figure out the real murderer until the very end.
One characteristic could be the focus on the social hierarchies within the clubs. In 1800s New England, clubs were often exclusive, and the fiction might depict the struggles of those trying to enter or the power dynamics among the members already inside.
The themes in new detective fiction have expanded. It's not just about solving the mystery of who committed the crime. There are often underlying social and moral issues explored, like corruption in the justice system, the impact of poverty on crime, or the ethics of using certain investigative techniques.
Robert B. Parker is quite famous. His works often feature the tough and intelligent detective, Spenser. He sets a lot of his stories in Boston, which is in New England. Another is Stephen King. Although he's known for horror, some of his works have elements of detective fiction set in New England. His descriptions of small - town Maine are very vivid.
New England novels often have a strong sense of place. They typically depict the unique landscapes, small towns, and seascapes of New England. The characters are often influenced by the Puritan heritage of the region, with themes of morality, sin, and redemption being common.
The new British detective fiction often features a strong sense of place. For example, many stories are set in specific regions of Britain, which gives a unique flavor. The detective characters themselves tend to be intelligent but also flawed. They might have personal issues that they are dealing with while solving the case. And the stories may incorporate modern themes like technology and social issues, making them more relevant to contemporary readers.