They usually have a sharp intellect. They can think quickly and analyze complex situations. For example, they might be able to figure out a criminal's motive just by looking at the crime scene layout and the victim's background. They are also often independent thinkers, not easily swayed by popular opinions or the initial assumptions of the police.
Many old crime novel sleuths have an air of mystery about them. They might have a past that is only gradually revealed throughout the story. Their methods can be unorthodox too. They may not follow the standard police procedures but instead rely on their own instincts and a network of informants. This makes them more interesting characters as they operate on the fringes of the official investigation.
Female sleuths often have great intuition. For example, like Precious Ramotswe in 'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency', she can sense things that others might miss just based on her life experiences and her natural perceptiveness. They are also usually very determined. Take Kinsey Millhone from 'A is for Alibi', she won't give up on a case easily no matter how difficult it seems.
In old crime novels, sleuths often rely more on their own intuition. They don't have all the high - tech gadgets that modern detectives use. For example, they might not have access to DNA analysis or surveillance cameras everywhere.
They often have a fast - paced plot. The stories usually focus on crimes like murders, robberies. And they tend to have a noir - like atmosphere with seedy settings and morally ambiguous characters.
Gumshoes in old crime fiction were often tough and resourceful. They were private investigators who had to rely on their wits. For example, Sam Spade in 'The Maltese Falcon' was a classic gumshoe. He was street - smart and could handle the seedy underworld he often found himself in.
Agents in field crime novels usually have great intelligence - gathering abilities. They know how to infiltrate criminal organizations, gather evidence without being noticed, like Sherlock Holmes who uses his sharp observational skills to collect information. Also, they are good at disguising themselves to blend into different environments, which helps them get closer to the truth and the criminals.
Typical characters in crime fiction often include the shrewd detective. They are highly intelligent, observant, and able to piece together clues. There are also the criminals, who can range from cold - blooded killers to sly thieves. Victims are another type of character, often vulnerable or with some sort of secret that might have led to their misfortune.
The most obvious characteristic in detective crime fiction is the focus on the investigation process. The detective uses various methods such as interviewing witnesses, examining crime scenes, and analyzing evidence. There is also a pattern of revealing clues gradually. This allows the reader to try and solve the mystery along with the detective. Moreover, the characters are often well - developed, with the villain being as interesting as the detective, like Professor Moriarty in the Sherlock Holmes stories.
Crime mystery and crime novels usually feature a central mystery that drives the story forward. The characters are diverse, including law enforcement officers, suspects, and witnesses. There is a lot of focus on clues and evidence. The pacing is often fast - paced to keep the reader engaged. The atmosphere can be dark and moody, adding to the overall sense of mystery. The best ones make the reader think and try to solve the mystery along with the characters.
The settings in 1920 crime novels were quite interesting. They often depicted the urban landscapes of the 1920s, with its speakeasies, underworld characters, and the contrast between the rich and the poor. For example, in some novels, the seedy parts of the city were where most of the criminal activities took place, while the wealthy neighborhoods seemed to be sheltered from such chaos at first glance. Also, the characters in these novels were diverse. There were the shrewd detectives, the cunning criminals, and the bystanders caught in the middle. The dialogue was sharp and sometimes full of slang that was characteristic of the era.
A femme fatale in crime fiction is typically mysterious. She doesn't reveal her true intentions or her past easily. This mystery makes her all the more alluring and dangerous. Her past may be filled with secrets that are gradually uncovered as the story progresses, adding to the complexity of the crime plot. For instance, she might have a history of relationships that she uses to her advantage in the current situation, or a hidden criminal past that only comes to light as the investigation deepens.