MASTERCLASS
WATCHING THE DETECTIVES
Helen Walters looks at writing short crime fiction, using the earliest example of the form – a short story by Edgar Allan Poe
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his month’s story, ‘The Murders In The Rue Morgue’ by Edgar Allan Poe, has been credited as being the first modern detective story and, as you read it, I’m sure you’ll recognise some of the time-honoured elements of crime fiction. From clues to red herrings, and from bungling police to helpful sidekicks, it’s all there. As always, you’ll get the most out of this masterclass if you read the story for yourself: www.eastoftheweb.com/short-stories/UBooks/MurRue.shtml
I won’t be revealing the end of the story, partly because it would be a massive spoiler for anyone who hasn’t yet read it and partly because it’s possibly the least interesting thing about the story. More of that later.
Before we look at the main content of the story, I just want to draw your attention to the opening section. It is a very dense exploration of a diverse series of subjects which appear a bit random at first glance. However, there are significant hints of what is to come in the story including references to physical strength as compared to mental acumen, different types of problem solving and a signposting of a ‘peculiar narrative’. Although you might be tempted to skip this section, or even give up on the story all together, I would urge you to keep reading.