How did 1940s murder mystery novels influence modern detective stories?

Answer 1

1940s murder mystery novels had a huge impact. For example, Agatha Christie's works from that era established many of the classic detective story tropes that are still used today, like the brilliant detective figure and the closed - room mystery concept. Her use of red herrings also influenced modern writers. Also, Dashiell Hammett's hard - boiled style in his 1940s novels introduced a more gritty and realistic take on detective stories, which can be seen in modern crime dramas.

Answer 2

Well, the 1940s murder mystery novels provided a foundation for modern detective stories. The detective characters in those novels, such as Hercule Poirot in Agatha Christie's works and Sam Spade in Dashiell Hammett's, were archetypes that modern writers often draw from. Their methods of deduction, their personalities, and their relationships with other characters were all things that modern detective story writers could build on. Moreover, the 1940s novels often had a sense of atmosphere, whether it was the claustrophobic setting of a train in 'Murder on the Orient Express' or the noir - like streets of Los Angeles in Chandler's stories. This creation of atmosphere is something modern detective stories also strive for.