THE PECULIARITIES AND PRINCIPLES OF THE DETECTIVE GENRE

The detective genre, a cornerstone of modern literature, is characterized by its intricate puzzles, rational investigations, and moral resolutions, yet it defies simple categorization due to its evolution across subgenres. This article examines the key principles—such as the centrality of detection, fair play in clue presentation, and reader participation—and peculiarities, including structural alienation effects, archetypal characters, and ideological underpinnings. Drawing on historical developments from Edgar Allan Poe's foundational tales to the Golden Age of Agatha Christie, the analysis highlights how these elements sustain the genre's enduring appeal. Theoretical frameworks like the family resemblance model underscore the genre's flexibility, while structural features emphasize active reader engagement