The mystery genre involves clues to solve a mystery, puzzle or crime. The mysterious event should keep the reader in suspense until the end of the story. The main character is often a professional or an armchair detective who eventually finds the killer or solves the puzzle or crime. Sometimes, the main character is a sleuth who feels he needs to solve the mystery out of curiosity. A few well-known mystery writers include Agatha Christie, Raymond Chandler and Mary Higgins Clark.
Horror stories often elicit fear from the reader. The stories can include monsters, grotesque creatures or hideous people. The setting for the genre can be in the real world with people doing horrific things. Or sometimes, it is set in make-believe world with supernatural beings committing gruesome acts. A few well-known horror authors include Stephen King, Edgar Allan Poe, Clive Barker, Dean Koontz and Peter Straub.
The fantasy genre fiction often contains elements of magic and supernatural abilities or beings. Fantasies are set in 'what if' situations such as invented worlds or alternate universes. Sometimes, the fantasy is a based on myth or others legend. There are sub-genres that include folktales, romantic, Celtic, juvenile and prehistoric fantasies. A few well-known authors of fantasy fiction include J.R.R. Tolkien, Michael Moorcock, Terry Brooks and Raymond Feist.
The romance is the best selling fiction genre in North America. The stories deal with a man and woman falling in love. The reader follows the couple as they struggle maintain that love against unseen obstacles. Sub-genres of romance include Gothic, historical and romantic suspense. A few well-know authors of romance fiction are Jude Deveraux, LaVyrle Spencer and Julie Garwood.