The Comfort of Crime: The Appeal of Formulaic Fiction during the Pandemic

2020 was taxing, and one of the comforting ways dealing with uncertainty COVID-19 pandemic has brought reading. It seems hardly surprising that British turned to crime fiction, which they not only avidly consume but also successfully produce. Moreover, marked centenary publication The Mysterious Affair at Styles, a novel introduced Agatha Christie her first detective, Hercule Poirot. anniversary partly accounts for resurgence interest in classic detective fiction. Over last hundred years genre undergone various developments diversifications, this article offers look back its past. Acknowledging Jesper Gulddal Stewart King’s objections defining fiction as formulaic (2020), it draws on John G. Cawelti’s work mystery story formulas (1976) addresses popularity during pandemic. contends while immense appeal stems from adaptability, is oft-criticised basic formula greatest comfort such challenging times.