Amateur sleuth
The most popular subgenre for kids’ fiction as characters are most often of a similar age to readers and therefore cannot be police or real private detectives. As Charles & Clark (2012) point out, these clever amateurs are just ordinary people, like the readers themselves. The obvious appeal to kids is they can imagine themselves stumbling on a mystery in the local area and taking on characteristics of their favourite “detective”. No training or special resources are needed, just some clever and fun sleuthing.
Typically, these amateur detectives are smart and see clues that others miss (Nilsen and Donelson 2009). The adult subgenre of ‘Private Investigator’ is mirrored in children’s books, but these are still amateur sleuths who set themselves up ‘in business’, like Encyclopedia Brown, solving neighbourhood mysteries. At times the young detective’s ability to solve mysteries is unbelievable, but Nilsen and Donelson (2009) require that we suspend belief and state that we enjoy doing so. Early junior sleuths such as the Hardy boys and Nancy Drew were widely criticised for this reason; however their popularity with readers only grew (Bogstad 2006).
The Puzzle (also known as Whodunnit)
These stories may also contain an amateur detective, but one who dares the reader to solve the mystery first (Nilsen and Donelson 2009). Encyclopedia Brown is one such series. Plots are many and varied. The variety of light-weight mystery plots found in children’s fiction is astounding, possibly because writers cannot simply rely on a good-old murder to do the trick. These plots are popular with young readers for whom the challenge of puzzle-solving adds interest. Ruby Redfort books contain mini code-breaking puzzles along the way- what a great twist!
Cozy
The setting is the basis for this genre- usually a pretty English village with a peaceful exterior. The Famous Five’s Kirrin Cottage and surrounds is a good example of this. Though violence is not a big feature, the act of murder does reveal a disturbing underbelly that makes an otherwise dull place more exciting. This genre also features a neat ending.
Animals (Anthropomorphism)
This subgenre usually caters to younger children. The animal takes on the role of the kid detective and plots can cover the same range of those with a human sleuth. Generally supporting characters are animals, too. Geronimo Stilton, a mouse-journalist living in New Mouse City often finds himself solving mysteries on his travels. Exciting international settings and colourful fonts and illustrations add to the appeal of this clever mouse. The series seems never-ending and even includes time travel and voyages to fantasy lands – it covers every genre! A major theme of Geronimo books is courage. The self-proclaimed “scardy-mouse” overcomes his fears to outwit the baddies and solve a mystery. Geronimo also has a sister called Thea who may appeal more to young girls. The Bunnicula books (yes, a suspected vampire-bunny, according to family dog, Harold) crosses genre and also adds humour in a really original series.
Genre-blending
As Bleumel (2004) notes, more recent children’s mysteries are often blended with other genres. As information on subgenres for children’s fiction is not widely available, most information for this guide comes from looking at these other genres. Due to the lack of published information it is also necessary to read lots of books from the genre in order to consider the different subgenres.
Mystery/ Adventure
The two just go together where kids are concerned. Enid Blyton is the pioneer of this genre and her titles are numerous. More recent authors have emulated Blyton and others have created stories that thankfully lack the “lashings of ginger beer”. Common plots do see children mixing with the adult world and encountering evil-doers there (whom of course the children overcome). Danger and risk are also an element of such plots. The children may be taken hostage by the baddies only to escape. In the Alex Rider books, violence includes the young hero using a gun as an adult would.
Mystery/ Spy thriller
Often peppered with humour, this subgenre is popular with boys. As with adult books, the kids’ versions must be fast-paced and action-packed. Like in regular mysteries, children will enjoy reading as the unknown slowly becomes known and the excitement of a character they can identify with doing super-kid stuff. The Alex Rider series by Anthnoy Horowitz has been described as James Bond for kids.
Mystery / Fantasy
Fantasy makes a great background for a compelling mystery. As suspension of belief is often required, this setting allows the author’s imagination to run wild. The Lemony Snicket series involves orphans looking into the mystery of their parents’ deaths, possibly at the hands of their evil relative, Olaf. The fantasy angle adds an exciting twist, as the children encounter some fantastic adventures while learning about bravery and the importance of family.
Mystery/ humour
If it’s not already hard enough to compartmentalise the subgenres, humorous stories may also cross over with any of the other subgenres mentioned above. Some children’s fiction satires the adult “hard-boiled” plots which are far too grim to be suitable for youngsters. In adult “hard-boiled” novels, detectives encounter violent situations and the gory details are not spared. Whether kids “get” the satire or not is another question. The Humpty Dumpty Jr: Hardboiled Detective series is actually quite “egg-citing” and fun. Similarly the cute observations of David in the Walk Right In Detective Agency poke fun at the seriousness of the adult genre.
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