Occult detective fiction is a subgenre of detective fiction that combines elements of the supernatural and occult with traditional detective tropes. It often features a detective or investigator who possesses special knowledge or abilities related to the supernatural, allowing them to solve cases that involve supernatural or paranormal phenomena. The origins of occult detective fiction can be traced back to the 19th century, with works such as Edgar Allan Poe's "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" and Sheridan Le Fanu's "Green Tea." However, it gained popularity in the early 20th century with the emergence of writers such as Algernon Blackwood, Arthur Machen, and William Hope Hodgson. One of the most well-known characters in occult detective fiction is Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, who occasionally encountered cases involving the supernatural. Another popular character is Carnacki the Ghost Finder, created by William Hope Hodgson, who investigates hauntings and other supernatural occurrences.
Okay, Jessica only works with the supernatural insofar as superhero universes often have elements of magic and the supernatural bound up in them. And she’s only a detective for a little while in the comics (though her current TV show is focusing on that aspect thus far). But Jessica as a character has all the hallmarks of a grumbling private eye; she’s no-nonsense, she’s blunt, she’s sardonic. She’s a romantic deep down under that scruffy exterior. Her television incarnation’s love of Wild Turkey cannot be understated. Whether she’s working as a detective, a reporter, or as a super-person, Jessica may not always be the hero she wants to be, but she’s definitely the hero we need. —Emmet Asher-Perrin
Whether she s working as a detective, a reporter, or as a super-person, Jessica may not always be the hero she wants to be, but she s definitely the hero we need. Here the little girls and their companion secret brother Penrod investigate a house where several people, including children, have been found horribly murdered.
Another popular character is Carnacki the Ghost Finder, created by William Hope Hodgson, who investigates hauntings and other supernatural occurrences. In occult detective fiction, the detective often possesses unique abilities or knowledge that allows them to navigate the world of the supernatural. This can include skills such as mediumship, clairvoyance, or knowledge of ancient mystical texts.
The best occult detective collections
Even before I found Lovecraft and Stephen King and my world turned, I was raised on Doyle, Wells, Hodgson, and Robert Louis Stevenson which gave me both a love of the "gentleman detective" era and a deep love of the late Victorian/early Edwardian historical period in general. Once you merge that with my abiding interest in all things weird and spooky, you can see where a lot of my stories come from. There seems to be quite a burgeoning market for this kind of mixing of detection and supernatural, and I intend to write more. maybe even a lot more.
They may also have connections to secret societies or occult organizations, providing them with access to esoteric knowledge and resources. The cases in occult detective fiction often revolve around haunted houses, demonic possession, ritualistic murders, and other paranormal phenomena. The detective must use their deductive reasoning and knowledge of the supernatural to unravel the mysteries and bring the culprits to justice. It is common for these stories to have a blend of horror, mystery, and action, creating a unique and thrilling reading experience. Notable authors in the occult detective fiction genre include Manly Wade Wellman, Fritz Leiber, and Tim Powers. These authors have continued to explore the themes of the supernatural and occult in their stories, expanding the genre and keeping it relevant to modern readers. Overall, occult detective fiction offers an intriguing blend of detective fiction and the paranormal. It provides readers with a unique and thrilling reading experience, as they follow these investigators into the dark and mysterious realms of the supernatural. Whether it's battling demons, unraveling ancient curses, or solving occult murders, occult detective fiction continues to captivate audiences with its combination of mystery, horror, and the supernatural..
Reviews for "occult detectuve fiction"
1. Jenna - 2/5 stars - I really wanted to like this occult detective fiction book, but unfortunately, it just didn't do it for me. The whole concept of mixing supernatural elements with detective stories sounded intriguing, but the execution fell short. The plot was convoluted and hard to follow, with too many unnecessary details that didn't contribute to the overall story. Additionally, the characters felt flat and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect with any of them. Overall, I was left feeling disappointed and unsatisfied with this book.
2. Mark - 1/5 stars - I can honestly say that I couldn't finish this occult detective fiction book. From the start, the writing style felt disjointed and forced, making it hard to engage with the story. The author seemed more interested in showcasing their knowledge of occult symbols and rituals rather than crafting a compelling narrative. The characters were shallow and lacked any real development, making it difficult to care about their fates. I found myself quickly losing interest and unable to connect with the story, leading me to abandon it before reaching the halfway point.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - As a fan of both detective fiction and supernatural stories, I was hoping that this occult detective fiction book would be right up my alley. However, I found myself disappointed by the lackluster plot and underdeveloped characters. The mystery felt predictable and lacked any real surprises, and the resolution was rushed and unsatisfying. The main character, who was supposed to be our guide through this supernatural world, lacked any real depth or believability. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and unimpressed by this book.