Great mystery and suspense writers have created some of the most unforgettable stories in all of literature and they continue to grow in popularity. How did the genre become so prevalent? Why is it a go-to for so many readers around the world? What makes the dark and sometimes grisly themes appealing? In The Secrets of Great Mystery and Suspense Fiction, Professor David Schmid examines these questions and more.
The Secrets of Great Mystery and Suspense Fiction
Investigate the gripping history of mystery suspense fiction with a renowned literature professor, and discover the fascinating evolution of this captivating genre.
Rated 5 out of
5
by
ChrisAber from
An eye opening series of lectures.
I have watched this series twice, the first I simply watched and the second, a month latter I took notes and followed the guidebook closely. The course works on both levels very well and David Schmid, like so many teachers working for the Great Courses are gifted communicators. If you are an aspiring mystery writer I do think there is something for you in here and if you just have a general interest there is something for you as well. A really interesting course of a very popular subject and I would recommend to anyone.
Date published: 2024-10-16
Rated 5 out of
5
by
JCS007 from
Excellent!
I wanted to start writing short stories in this genre and I'm glad I bought this course. It was extremely informative and put me on the right path for me. I will refer to it as needed.
Date published: 2024-05-24
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Car 54 from
Most informative
I am thoroughly enjoying this series.The lecturer has a very amenable style. I'm picking up lots of ideas and perspectives about this genre. He has a thorough knowledge of the whole gammut of stories from Poe to Paretsky.Very highly recommended!
Date published: 2024-05-24
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Thanuja from
Excellent course!
This is an excellent course! Professor shows his knowledge, delivery style and academic excellence in this long-form course. I think this is a must-take course in Wondrium for literature, popculture and language enthusiasts and students.
I hope Wondrium will do more courses with this professor in future!
Date published: 2024-03-18
Rated 5 out of
5
by
dkuhlman from
Fascinating
Prof. Schmid not only describes various sub-genres, he also helped me understand *why* we have them. He explains some of the needs that they were intended to fill. Some of those needs were/are light-weight, e.g. puzzle solving. And, some were and still are more serious one having to do with our fear of living in strange and threatening places.
This course also helps make sense of why and how we get so much innovation - a large audience with a pervasive desire for both more of the same *and* characters and plots that are a bit new and different.
Date published: 2024-01-09
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Wolfeman from
Brilliant and Entralling!
Each and every one of these lectures is spellbinding. The lectures are carefully crafted and packed with fascinating information on the topic. I have been unable to resist purchasing many of the novels under discussion. Clearly one of the best lecture series offered on Wondrium!
Date published: 2023-09-08
Rated 2 out of
5
by
Retired prof from
Survey with major omissions, shallow
I persevered for all 36 lectures but must say I would not buy the course -- just not enough valuable information or trustworthy opinions. And as another reviewer noted, omissions. A notable one is Catherine Graham's Inspector Barnaby series which inspired the very popular 23 year series Midsommer Murders, viewed in over 200 countries now. Just an example. Survey level of discussion only, no indepth analyses or treatments to make us better readers.
Date published: 2023-07-04
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Giantotter from
It no longer a mystery !
I bought this course many months ago and I have revisitied it several times and it has spurred me on to read quite a few stories I would not have considered had it not been for the discussions and lectures. A thoroughly interesting course and an opportunity to hear about books I would never have read or considered. Some books that were mentioned I did purchase and yes they were bad, however, some were great. I have never read any of the hardboiled mysteries until watching this course and now I am a fan of Dashiell Hammett. A very enjoyable course and highly recommended.
Date published: 2023-06-17
Overview
About
David Schmid is an Associate Professor in the Department of English at the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (SUNY). The recipient of the Milton Plesur Excellence in Teaching Award and the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, he teaches courses in British and American fiction, cultural studies, and popular culture.
Born and raised in England, Dr. Schmid received his B.A. from Oxford University, his M.A. from the University of Sussex, and his Ph.D. in Modern Thought and Literature from Stanford University.
Dr. Schmid has published on a variety of subjects, including the nonfiction novel, celebrity, film adaptation, Dracula, and crime fiction. He is the author of Natural Born Celebrities: Serial Killers in American Culture; coauthor of Zombie Talk: Culture, History, Politics; editor of Violence in American Popular Culture; and coeditor of Globalization and the State in Contemporary Crime Fiction: A World of Crime.
Trailer
01: Mystery Fiction's Secret Formula
It shouldn't be a surprise to learn that the origins of the mystery genre are, themselves, shrouded in mystery. Delve into the controversial viewpoints on what the first true mystery novel was, study important components of early mysteries and writers, including Poe, Doyle, and Christie?and why their work continues to influence modern day stories. Then, examine the different types of stories that ...
32 min
02: The Detective Is Born
What would an inscrutable mystery be without the central figure of a detective? Usually flawed, quite often brilliant, and sometimes not even aware of their role as an investigator, this compelling character is a staple of the genre. This lecture will scrutinize the many ways the detective has been portrayed across stories and series over time, revealing similarities between a variety of character...
33 min
03: The Criminal
On the other end of the spectrum from the detective, we find the criminal. Equally important to the success of the story, explore a fascinating cast of notorious characters who have survived through the annals of time and popular culture. Spend this lecture looking at the cat-and-mouse games that law enforcement and criminals play as you learn just how vital getting this balance right is to the su...
34 min
04: The Sidekick
Where would a Sherlock be without a Watson? The story of the sidekick isn't required in a successful mystery but they remain pivotal and entertaining characters who deserve their own deep dive. Follow the diverse cast that fulfilled the many roles sidekicks play, from the straight man in what could be a very long joke to the secret brilliant mind behind every solved case. Learn how their character...
33 min
05: Detecting Clues
The clue is so imperative to the successful mystery story that there are few elements more subject to rules and regulations. Yet for all the requirements around how, when, and why to present clues, this narrative element is highly subjective. In this lecture, you'll learn how clues are used to help, hinder, mislead, and solve mysteries, for both the characters and the audience....
33 min
06: Case Closed? The Problem with Solutions
The clue is so imperative to the successful mystery story that there are few elements more subject to rules and regulations. Yet for all the requirements around how, when, and why to present clues, this narrative element is highly subjective. In this lecture, you'll learn how clues are used to help, hinder, mislead, and solve mysteries, for both the characters and the audience....
35 min
07: The Locked Room
Having reviewed the essential components of a successful mystery, Professor Schmid moves to the various subgenres of mystery and suspense, starting with the locked-room stories popular during the Victorian age. Look at how these puzzle-like stories are often dismissed due to formulaic scenarios that have to abide by a certain set of conventions, yet they remain one of the most popular and influent...
36 min
08: The Dime Novel
The "dime novels" of the 19th century are often considered cheap, serialized pulp fiction, but proved to be a turning point in the history of suspense fiction. In this lecture, Professor Schmid invites you to take a new look at a variety of dime novel publications and delve into how an important characteristic of mystery and suspense fiction originated with these throw-away stories: the idea of em...
35 min
09: Murder in Cozy Places
As society changed, and the grim story lines of mystery and suspense more often reflected harsh reality, a new type of novel emerged to keep the audience shaken. Authors began springing shocking situations in what were typically considered "safe" environments: dinner parties, countryside estates, utopian suburban neighborhoods. Learn how the transformation of innocuous locations brought its own se...
34 min
10: Return of the Classic Detective
Revisit the role of the detective through the lens of the Golden Age of fiction, including the hard-boiled crime fiction of the early 20th century. Examine how social influences such as prohibition and the mafia impacted this subgenre. You'll also explore how the element of theater and empowering the audience to solve the mysteries made a lasting mark on the role of the protagonist in crime novels...
35 min
11: The City Tests the Detective
Whether real or fictional, the time and place in which a story is set can be a vital part of the plot when it comes to mysteries. Professor Schmid reveals how the city is often portrayed as more than merely a backdrop, but rather as a character, as much so as the detective, sidekick, or criminal. Chaos, noise, pollution, crowds, danger, traffic-each of these traits associated with urban areas do m...
32 min
12: The Private Eye Opens
Often confused with "the detective," the private eye is different from the classical version of the detective in terms of motivation, methods, lifestyle, and beliefs, and is the major contribution of American hard-boiled fiction. Comparing a vast selection of stories across history, you'll isolate the differences between the two crime-solvers and understand the different impacts each had on myster...
32 min
13: African American Mysteries
Professor Schmid challenges the stereotypical lack of diversity in most mystery and suspense fiction by presenting the contribution that writers from other races and ethnicities have made to the genre. By investigating both black writers and black characters, you'll see how black mystery fiction views crime not just in terms of challenges and solutions, but also in terms of justice in a much broad...
30 min
14: The Femme Fatale
One of the most iconic characters in mystery is that of the femme fatale. Uncover the many iterations of this definitive character and the different approaches writers have used to present the femme fatale, while always staying true to the basic essence of the character. Understand why this role is key and how it has become symbolic of noir and hard boiled classics....
33 min
15: The Private Eye Evolves
As the mystery genre adapted and grew in reaction to social transformations, the characters themselves evolved in new and different ways. In this lecture, Professor Schmid examines traditional examples of the private eye and compares them to a modern take on this character as illustrated by Lisbeth Salander from Stieg Larsson's Millennium Trilogy. While the classic private eye characters are often...
30 min
16: Latino Detectives on the Border
Stepping back to once again take a multicultural look at mystery and suspense, Professor Schmid examines the world of Hispanic writers and characters. Examine over a century of work and authors including Rolando Hinojosa, Alicia Gaspar de Alba, and Héctor Tobar in order to recognize common suspense story elements, and identify various interpretations of mystery subgenres including American ...
29 min
17: The Lady Detective
From complicated clients to lusty love interests, from sprightly sidekick to detail-oriented detectives, women have always played a role in mystery and suspense fiction. Professor Schmid introduces you to female detectives in literature through time - a history that goes much further back than you might expect - and examines how even at the earliest stages, the figure of the female detective assum...
32 min
18: Violence Waits in the Wings
Much like the setting and the character, the use or lack of violence, and the amount and intensity depicted, can provide more clarity into the mystery you're trying to solve. And, much like the guidelines about using clues in suspense writing, there are so many exceptions to the rules of using violence that the rules themselves may need to be called into question. Study the different forms that vi...
30 min
19: Violence Takes Center Stage
Building upon the insights revealed in the previous lecture, you'll examine mysteries that don't use any violence and compare them to stories that are borderline gratuitous in the depiction or details of violent acts. You'll also explore the rise of violence in mysteries, starting with a peak period in the wartime 1940s through to the present and discuss the reasons why....
29 min
20: Psychopaths and Mind Hunters
In the last century, with the increased interest and research into how our minds work, the concept of "whydunit" became just as intriguing as the concept of "whodunit." Once authors began to reverse the traditional methods of mystery by revealing the killer in the early parts of the story, they had to explore new ways to motivate readers to continue to the end, often making the incentive a thrilli...
32 min
21: Police as Antagonist
Sometimes cast as helpful, sometimes as a hindrance, the police are typically prominent players in mysteries and suspense novels. Professor Schmid reviews stories where the police are at odds with the protagonist, forcing the detective to work outside the law; stories where the detective is ambivalent, only using the police as a helpful resource to provide inside information; stories where the det...
32 min
22: Police as Protagonist
The shift of the role of police from a passive, outside observer to an active participant in the mystery genre, and even protagonists of their own variety, came about with the emergence of the police procedural. Journeying from Maigret to Dragnet, and exploring authors such as Georges Simenon, John Creasey, Ed McBain, and Chester Himes, you'll see how the police procedural started as an attempt to...
29 min
23: Native American Mysteries
Further demonstrating the expansive universe of the mystery genre, Professor Schmid uncovers the understudied world of Native American writers and characters. He reveals how the context of Native American settings has changed many of the classic elements you find in a traditional whodunit. You'll learn why tribal police, jurisdictional limitations, and cultural conflicts, among other factors, all ...
29 min
24: The European Mystery Tradition
Whether set in Europe, featuring European characters, or written by European authors, there is no denying the richness and variety of European mystery fiction. Inheriting the legacy of mystery and suspense from American writers, Europe took the genre far more seriously. Travel through France, Germany, Italy, and Spain to see how the genre manages to address location-specific issues and cultures, w...
32 min
25: Nordic Noir
The last decade has seen Nordic noir-dark mysteries written by Nordic writers and set in Scandinavian countries-enter the American mainstream, though they have been popular in their homeland for half a century. Professor Schmid takes you through this progressive form of mystery and suspense fiction, showing how many examples of Nordic noir not only showcased mystery, but also provided a socially c...
30 min
26: Japanese and Latin American Mysteries
Discover the works of mystery and suspense fiction writers from outside America, Europe, and Scandinavia. You'll start in early 20th Japan with Taro Hirai, and travel through to modern Japanese suspense writers such as Natsuo Kirino. Then, travel to Africa to learn about the popular series The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency and discover the lesser-known Darko Dawson series. In Latin America,...
33 min
27: Precursors to True Crime
Professor Schmid moves away from fiction to look at the novelization of true crime stories. Although considered a modern phenomenon, he traces examples back to 16th century America, where they rose to prominence through sensationalist news stories and sermons, which opened the door to true crime novels and demonstrated how mystery and suspense fiction and real-life stories have always influenced e...
33 min
28: True Crime in the 20th Century
Spend some time focusing on the modern forms of true crime, which Professor Schmid notes are integrally related to mystery and suspense fiction as the genre draws upon both fiction and nonfiction techniques to achieve its effects. He also demonstrates how true crime stories were disparaged as trivial and damaging yet overcame unscrupulous reputations to become mainstream successes....
31 min
29: Historical Mysteries
Explore how many writers take the foundational elements of mystery and suspense and move them to earlier periods of history, often mixing true events and historical facts with fictional characters or situations, highlighting the changes between today and yesterday and educating readers while providing an entertaining story. Professor Schmid introduces you to two types of historical mysteries and s...
30 min
30: Spies, Thrillers, and Conspiracies
Start this section by comparing and contrasting mystery and suspense genres through the lens of realism and how spy and conspiracy suspense novels often take realism one step further by incorporating real world geopolitical and global concerns to enhance verisimilitude. You'll explore the most famous spy and conspiracy novels, including James Bond, The DaVinci Code, George Smiley?examining the rea...
30 min
31: Female-Centered Mystery and Suspense
In this lecture, women step out of the three traditional roles they are typically reduced to in the mystery and suspense genre: victim, femme fatale, or detective. By examining a variety of mystery and suspense books over the last century, Professor Schmid looks at both the good and the bad roles of women in the genre and how these stories have elevated female characters to more complex and nuance...
30 min
32: Poetic Justice
Often a staple in mysteries, poetic justice is frequently used to help the reader feel a sense of satisfaction in the ending, especially in a genre where many mystery and suspense tales are simply uninterested in legal proceedings and aftermath. Professor Schmid defines poetic justice, discusses why there is so much of it in the genre, and outlines the many reasons why we find it satisfying....
30 min
33: Courtroom Drama
A majority of mysteries conclude as soon as the crime is solved; once a criminal was apprehended, there was no motivation to read further. Professor Schmid discusses how the genre moved beyond this and court procedurals became not just a component of mysteries, but in some cases, the setting or secondary plot point of a story. From documentaries such as Making a Murderer and the podcast Serial to ...
31 min
34: Gay and Lesbian Mystery and Suspense
Examine the reasons for the popularity of gay and lesbian mystery and suspense fiction, focusing in particular on how these narratives both draw upon and selectively reinterpret elements of the tradition from which they emerge. You'll learn how the traditional components of mystery novels were reinvigorated by the emergence of gay and lesbian characters....
29 min
35: Adapting the Multimedia Mystery
The most famous characters in mystery and suspense are often revisited again and again in many forms. Among a variety of enlightening examples, Professor Schmid takes you through a number of variations of Sherlock Holmes, from versions that perfectly represented the original intent of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to depictions of Watson being the brains behind the duo, while Holmes is more of a bumbling...
30 min
36: Mysterious Experiments
Professor Schmid concludes the course by re-examining all the ways the mystery and suspense genre has adapted, yet continued to remain true to its core successful elements. He speculates on modern changes such as mash-ups with other literary genres, twist endings, and lack of resolution. You'll wrap up with a review of the evolution of the mystery and suspense books, and why this is a golden age f...
32 min
