The space fiction in detective literature, examination of mystery and suspense elements in a spatial framework

This study aims to trace the elements of mystery and suspense in the setting and to explore these elements through the spaces depicted in the selected detective novel. In this context, the detective fiction genre, also known as mystery and suspense literature, has been determined as the starting point of the study. Initially, the concepts of space in the novel and detective fiction are discussed separately, and the concept of space in the detective fiction was analyzed by synthesizing the information obtained from these examinations. Before tracing mystery and suspense in space, these fundamental elements of the detective fiction were discussed independently of space. Raymond Chandler has been selected as the exemplary author for his detailed descriptions of space and his success in creating mystery and suspense. Through the author's perspective on detective fiction, the ways he uses space in his novels has been determined. The author's novel "The Lady in the Lake" was chosen to be analyzed and constituted the case study of the thesis since it takes place in more than one place, including the built and natural environment. The relationship between the spaces in the selected novel and the elements of mystery and suspense has been examined, and the findings obtained from this examination, constituted the conclusion section of the study. Given the limited number of studies that focus on the examination of space in detective fiction in our country, this thesis is expected to provide a methodological framework that can guide similar future studies.