DETECTIVE STORY • FREE TRANSLATOR.ORG • Definition of Detective story

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/dɪtˈɛktɪv stˈɔri/ Listen

Detective story

noun

A narrative about someone who investigates crimes and obtains evidence leading to their resolution.

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Etymology of 'Detective story'

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"Detective story" Quotes from Famous Books

... the detective service, in addition to educational examinations carried out independently by the Civil Service Commissioners. Here is a question put at an examination for promotion to detective-sergeant which might form the skeleton of a detective story. ...

— Scotland Yard - The methods and organisation of the Metropolitan Police • George Dilnot

... "Possibly in a detective story the main object is to thrill. If so, 'That Mainwaring Affair' is all right. The thrill is there, full measure, pressed down ...

— At the Time Appointed • A. Maynard Barbour

... eventless Southern town had made me tired and listless. I remember that just before I went to bed I mentally disposed of the mysterious dollar bill (which might have formed the clew to a tremendously fine detective story of San Francisco) by saying to myself sleepily: "Seems as if a lot of people here own stock in the Hack-Driver's Trust. Pays dividends promptly, too. Wonder if—" Then I ...

— Strictly Business • O. Henry

... many characteristics not calculated to promote repose. But now she felt differently. She had grown interested in her charges, and the search for a clue to their methods, whether tribal or individual, was as exciting to her as the development of a detective story. ...

— The Glimpses of the Moon • Edith Wharton

... things!" exclaimed Stell. A book on the War, by an Englishman. A detective story of the lurid type that lulls us to sleep. His shoes ranged in a careful row in the closet, with a shoe-tree in every one of them. There was something speaking about them. They looked so human. Eva shut the door on them, quickly. Some bottles on the dresser. A jar of pomade. An ...

— Cheerful--By Request • Edna Ferber