Melville Davisson Post's Uncle Abner: Master of Mysteries collection (1918)
The historical mystery or historical whodunit is a subgenre of two literary genres, historical fiction and mystery fiction. These works are set in a time period considered historical from the author's perspective, and the central plot involves the solving of a mystery or crime (usually murder). Though works combining these genres have existed since at least the early 20th century, many credit Ellis Peters's Cadfael Chronicles (1977–1994) for popularizing what would become known as the historical mystery.[1][2] The increasing popularity and prevalence of this type of fiction in subsequent decades has spawned a distinct subgenre recognized by the publishing industry and libraries.[2][3][4][5]Publishers Weekly noted in 2010 of the genre, "The past decade has seen an explosion in both quantity and quality. Never before have so many historical mysteries been published, by so many gifted writers, and covering such a wide range of times and places."[1] Editor Keith Kahla concurs, "From a small group of writers with a very specialized audience, the historical mystery has become a critically acclaimed, award-winning genre with a toehold on the New York Times bestseller list."[1]
Since 1999, the British Crime Writers' Association has awarded the CWA Historical Dagger award to novels in the genre.[6] The Left Coast Crime conference has presented its Bruce Alexander Memorial Historical Mystery award (for mysteries set prior to 1950) since 2004.[7]
^ abcPicker, Lenny (3 March 2010). "Mysteries of History". Publishers Weekly. Archived from the original on 14 March 2021. Retrieved 13 November 2013.
^ abRivkin Jr., David B. (27 February 2010). "Five Best Historical Mystery Novels". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on 4 December 2013. Retrieved 17 November 2013.
^Magar, Guy. "The Mystery Defined". Writers Store. Archived from the original on 18 November 2013. Retrieved 17 November 2013.
^"A Guide for Historical Fiction Lovers". Providence Public Library. Archived from the original on 2 December 2013. Retrieved 18 November 2013.
^"Popular Culture: Mysteries". Akron-Summit County Public Library. Archived from the original on 7 June 2012. Retrieved 18 November 2013.
^"The Dagger Awards winners archive". Crime Writers' Association. Archived from the original on 25 January 2020. Retrieved 30 September 2015.
^"The Bruce Alexander Memorial Historical Mystery Award". Awards.OmniMystery.com. Left Coast Crime conference. Archived from the original on 23 September 2019. Retrieved 18 November 2013.
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