Define mystery fiction.

Well, in mystery fiction, 'soft - boiled' can be seen as a middle ground between cozy mysteries and hard - boiled noir. It often has elements of both. The characters in soft - boiled mysteries are not overly tough or brutal like in hard - boiled, but they're also not in the super - genteel world of cozy mysteries all the time. There may be some danger and intrigue, but it's presented in a more palatable way. The settings can range from a suburban neighborhood to a small city, and the plot usually unfolds with a certain amount of charm and a focus on the human aspect of the mystery.

A mystery novel is a literary work that focuses on the unknown. It presents a problem or a series of problems that are not immediately clear. The characters in a mystery novel are often on a quest for the truth. There are elements of secrecy, intrigue, and sometimes danger. It can be set in different time periods and locations, but the central theme is always the unraveling of the mystery.

A legal fiction is a presumption or assumption that a court makes in order to apply a legal rule. For example, in some cases, a corporation is considered a 'person' for legal purposes. This is a legal fiction as it doesn't mean a corporation is a natural person in the true sense, but it allows the law to treat it as such for matters like entering into contracts, suing or being sued.

Detective fiction can be defined as a type of fictional writing that centers around the solving of a crime or mystery. The main character, the detective, uses their intelligence, observational skills, and knowledge to piece together clues and identify the perpetrator. It typically has a plot structure that builds up the mystery, presents various suspects, and then gradually reveals the solution. Agatha Christie's works are prime examples of detective fiction, with her famous characters like Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple.

Genre fiction is a type of literature that can be classified into specific categories or genres. Examples include mystery, science fiction, romance, horror, and fantasy. Each genre has its own set of characteristics, themes, and conventions. For instance, mystery genre often involves a crime to be solved, with clues and a detective figure. Science fiction may deal with futuristic concepts, advanced technology, and space exploration. Romance focuses on love and relationships.

Literary fiction refers to works that are primarily concerned with artistic merit and literary value. It often delves deep into complex characters, themes, and emotions. These works are not typically written with the sole purpose of mass entertainment but rather to explore the human condition, society, and various aspects of life in a more profound and nuanced way.

Biographical fiction can be seen as a bridge between the world of non - fiction and fiction. It uses the framework of a real person's life. This could be a famous historical figure like Cleopatra or a more contemporary individual. The writer will do research on the person's life, their relationships, their achievements, etc. However, they will also add fictional elements like creating a fictional sub - plot or giving the character emotions and reactions that are not directly documented but are plausible within the context of the person's life. This genre allows readers to get a sense of a real person's life while also enjoying the creativity of a fictional narrative.

Flash fiction is a very short form of fictional literature. Usually, it has a very limited word count, often ranging from a few words to a thousand words or so. It's like a snapshot of a story, quickly presenting an idea, a character, or a situation in a concise and impactful way.

Gothic fiction is a literary genre which revolves around certain distinct features. It is known for its use of eerie, decaying settings that create a sense of unease. The themes usually involve the unknown, death, and the power of the past over the present. Gothic novels often incorporate elements like ghosts, vampires, or other supernatural beings. Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein' is a prime example of gothic fiction, exploring themes of creation and the consequences of playing God while set against a backdrop of a desolate, storm - swept landscape.

Contemporary fiction refers to novels and short stories written in the present time or with a very recent setting. It often reflects the current social, cultural, political, and technological issues of the day. For example, books that deal with modern-day relationships, the impact of social media, or current political climates are part of contemporary fiction.