A Brief History of Women Writing in the Mystery Genre

 

A Brief History of Women Writing in the Mystery Genre

Introduction

The mystery genre, characterized by its focus on crime, investigation, and the quest for truth, has long been a favorite among readers. Women writers have played a significant role in shaping and defining this genre, bringing fresh perspectives, innovative plots, and memorable characters.

Early Influences and Pioneers

Mary Roberts Rinehart, often hailed as the "American Agatha Christie," was a pioneering figure in early mystery fiction. Her novel "The Circular Staircase" (1908) introduced the "Had I but known" trope and established her reputation as a leading mystery writer. Rinehart's works were characterized by their suspenseful plots and strong, resourceful heroines.

Agatha Christie, though British, had a profound influence on the American mystery genre and is one of the most celebrated mystery writers of all time. Her creations, including Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, became iconic in the genre. Christie's "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd" (1926) and "And Then There Were None" (1939) are seminal texts in mystery fiction, known for their ingenious plotting and complex characters.

The Golden Age of Mystery

The Golden Age of Mystery, spanning the 1920's and 1930's, saw women writers making substantial contributions to the genre. Dorothy L. Sayers was a prominent figure, known for her Lord Peter Wimsey series, which began with "Whose Body?" (1923). Sayers's writing is noted for its sophisticated plots, intellectual engagement, and strong female characters.

Ngaio Marsh was another key figure during this period. Her Inspector Roderick Alleyn series, starting with "A Man Lay Dead" (1934), combined elements of the classic detective story with intricate plotting and rich character development.

Margery Allingham also made significant contributions with her Albert Campion series, beginning with "The Crime at Black Dudley" (1929). Allingham's work is celebrated for its blend of traditional mystery elements with innovative storytelling techniques.

Post-War and Mid-20th Century Developments

The post-war era saw the mystery genre evolving and diversifying, with women writers playing a key role. P.D. James emerged as a major figure with her Adam Dalgliesh series, starting with "Cover Her Face" (1962). James's writing is known for its psychological depth and exploration of social issues within the framework of a traditional detective story.

Ruth Rendell (writing also as Barbara Vine) made significant contributions with her psychological thrillers and police procedurals. Rendell's "From Doon with Death" (1964) and "A Judgement in Stone" (1977) are notable for their intricate plots and exploration of human behavior.

Mary Stewart combined elements of romance with mystery in her popular suspense novels, starting with "Madame, Will You Talk?" (1955). Stewart's works are known for their atmospheric settings and strong, independent heroines.

The 1980's and 1990's: The Rise of Female Sleuths

The 1980's and 1990's saw the rise of female sleuths and a broadening of the genre. Sue Grafton introduced her "Alphabet Series," starting with "A is for Alibi" (1982). Grafton's Kinsey Millhone became a beloved character in the genre, known for her wit, independence, and determination.

Janet Evanovich gained popularity with her Stephanie Plum series, beginning with "One for the Money" (1994). Evanovich's novels blend mystery with humor, creating a unique and engaging reading experience.

Tana French emerged as a notable writer of psychological thrillers with her Dublin Murder Squad series, starting with "In the Woods" (2007). French's work is characterized by its complex characters, atmospheric settings, and intricate plots.

The 21st Century: Diversity and Innovation

The 21st century has seen a diverse range of women writers making significant contributions to the mystery genre. Gillian Flynn gained acclaim with her psychological thriller "Gone Girl" (2012), which explores themes of deception, media influence, and complex human relationships.

Louise Penny introduced her Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series, starting with "Still Life" (2005). Penny's novels, set in the fictional village of Three Pines, are known for their richly drawn characters, moral complexity, and exploration of social issues.

Attica Locke has gained recognition for her exploration of crime and justice within the context of racial and social issues. Her novels, such as "Bluebird, Bluebird" (2017), blend mystery with profound social commentary.

Riley Sager has made a name for herself in the thriller genre with works like "Final Girls" (2017), blending elements of suspense, mystery, and psychological drama.

The history of women writing in the mystery genre is a testament to their creativity, resilience, and impact. From early pioneers like Mary Roberts Rinehart and Agatha Christie to contemporary voices such as Gillian Flynn and Attica Locke, women have played a crucial role in shaping and expanding the boundaries of mystery fiction. Their contributions are dynamic, diverse, and engaging, while continuing to captivate readers and challenge conventions.

Intro to the Mystery Genre

A Brief History of the Mystery Genre, Its Subcategories, and Women

Introduction

The mystery genre focuses on solving a crime or unraveling a puzzle. It has captivated readers for centuries. From early detective stories to contemporary thrillers, the genre also encompasses a wide range of subcategories.

Early Beginnings

The origins of mystery can be traced back to ancient literature, where riddles and puzzles were common. The ancient Greek playwright Sophocles incorporated elements of mystery in works like Oedipus Rex. In medieval literature, mystery elements appeared in stories such as Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales.

While the modern mystery genre began to take shape in the 19th century, let’s not forget that, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1818) laid the groundwork for many thematic elements that would influence the mystery genre. Her exploration of moral and existential questions parallels the psychological depth often found in mystery fiction.

Edgar Allan Poe’s The Murders in the Rue Morgue (1841) is often cited as the first modern detective story, featuring C. Auguste Dupin, a precursor to many fictional detectives. Poe’s work established key conventions / tropes, including the use of a brilliant detective, an intricate puzzle, and a surprising resolution.

Katharine Green (1846–1935) is often regarded as one of the first female mystery writers, Green's work was influential in shaping the genre. Her novel The Leavenworth Case (1878) introduced the professional detective and a complex plot structure, two elements that have become staples of the genre.

The Golden Age of Mystery

The Golden Age of Mystery, spanning the 1920's and 1930's, saw the emergence of iconic writers and the formalization of the genre’s conventions. Agatha Christie, with her characters Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, and Dorothy L. Sayers, with her detective Lord Peter Wimsey, were central figures. Their works emphasized intricate plotting, closed settings, and clever puzzles.

Concurrently, the hard-boiled sub-genre emerged, characterized by a grittier, more realistic approach. Dashiell Hammett’s The Maltese Falcon (1931) and Raymond Chandler’s The Big Sleep (1939) introduced the archetypal private detective, often navigating a morally ambiguous world.

Post-War and Contemporary Developments

During the mid to Late 20th Century, the mystery genre continued to evolve, giving rise to psychological thrillers and police procedurals. Writers like P.D. James (1920-2014) and Ruth Rendell (1930–2015) introduced complex characters and explored deeper psychological themes. The genre also saw the diversification of detective types and settings.

Known for her detective Adam Dalgliesh, P.D. James brought a literary and psychological depth to the genre. Her novels, including Cover Her Face (1962), are noted for their exploration of character and social issues within the mystery framework.

Rendell's work often blurred the lines between psychological thriller and mystery. Her creation of Inspector Wexford and her exploration of societal issues and psychological complexities have been influential in modern mystery fiction.

Today’s mystery genre encompasses a wide range of sub-genres and styles, reflecting diverse cultural and social concerns. Modern mysteries often incorporate elements of psychological suspense, social commentary, and genre-blending.

Subcategories of the Mystery Genre

Classic Detective Fiction

Golden Age Mysteries have well-defined plots, clever clues, and amateur or professional detectives. Key figures include Agatha Christie (1890–1976) and Dorothy L. Sayers (1893–1957) .

Christie's impact on the mystery genre cannot be overstated. With her iconic characters, Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, Christie created some of the most enduring and beloved figures in detective fiction. Her novel The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (1926) is considered a classic example of the genre's intricate plotting and surprise endings.

Sayers, known for her detective Lord Peter Wimsey, was a key figure in the Golden Age of Mystery. Her work, including Whose Body? (1923), combined intellectual sophistication with engaging detective plots and complex characters.

Hard-Boiled: Features tough, cynical detectives operating in gritty urban settings. Notable authors include Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler.

Noir: A darker, more pessimistic sub-genre explores themes of corruption and moral ambiguity. Key figures include James M. Cain and Jim Thompson.

Police Procedurals: Focus on the systematic methods used by law enforcement to solve crimes. Prominent authors include Ed McBain and Michael Connelly.

Legal Thrillers: Combine elements of mystery with courtroom drama. Authors like John Grisham and Scott Turow are notable contributors.

Psychological Thrillers: Psychological Suspense: Emphasizes the psychological aspects of crime and often features unreliable narrators. Authors such as Gillian Flynn and Paula Hawkins are known for their contributions to this sub-genre.

Shirley Jackson (1916–1965) was a major contributor to psychological horror and mystery with The Haunting of Hill House (1959). Her work often explored themes of psychological terror and domestic unease, adding depth to the genre.

Margaret Millar (1915–1994) was a notable figure in the mid-20th century, recognized for her psychological depth and innovative plotting. Her novel Beast in View (1955) received acclaim for its intricate narrative and complex characterization.

Domestic Thrillers: usually center on crime and suspense within domestic settings. Examples include works by Shari Lapena and Liane Moriarty.

Historical Mysteries: are set in historical periods and combine historical detail with mystery plots. Notable authors include C.J. Sansom and Lindsey Davis.

Historical Noir: merges historical settings with noir elements, often exploring darker aspects of past eras.

Amateur Sleuths and Cozy Mysteries

Amateur Sleuths tend to feature ordinary people solving crimes. They often have a personal stake in the final outcome. Examples include Nancy Drew by Carolyn Keene and Miss Marple by Agatha Christie.

Cozy Mysteries

Cozy Mysteries tend to focus on amateur sleuths solving crimes in small communities. They focus on engaging characters and lighthearted tones. Authors like M.C. Beaton, Laura Childs, Jan Brett, and Sophie Kinsella contribute to this sub-genre.

Hybrid and Genre-Blending Mysteries

Mystery and Science Fiction/Fantasy often combine elements of mystery with speculative genres. Examples include Isaac Asimov’s Robot series and Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files.

Mystery and Romance blends romantic elements with mystery plots. Authors like Mary Stewart and Julia Quinn have explored this combination.

Modern Innovators

Sue Grafton (1940–2017) is known for her Alphabet Series, beginning with A is for Alibi (1982. She redefined the female detective genre with her protagonist Kinsey Millhone. Her work combined a strong, independent female lead with engaging, character-driven plots.

Tana French (1973–): French’s novels, such as In the Woods (2007), are known for their psychological depth and complex narratives. Her work often explores the darker aspects of human nature and the intricacies of criminal investigation.

Diverse and International Perspectives

Val McDermid (1955–) has made many contributions include the popular Tony Hill and Carol Jordan series. Her work often incorporates contemporary issues and social commentary, expanding the scope of traditional mystery narratives.

Nina George (1973–) is known for her international bestseller The Little Paris Bookshop (2015). Her work blends elements of mystery with literary and romantic themes, offering a global perspective on the genre.

Attica Locke (1974–) is known for Bluebird, Bluebird (2017) merging crime fiction with social and political commentary that reflect contemporary issues.

The Impact of Women in the Mystery Genre

Women authors have significantly shaped the mystery genre through their innovative storytelling, complex characters, and exploration of psychological and social themes. Their contributions have expanded the genre’s boundaries, introducing new perspectives and narrative styles.

Early pioneers like Anna Katharine Green to contemporary voices like Tana French and Attica Locke, female authors continue to influence and redefine the genre, ensuring its ongoing evolution and relevance.

Quick Recap:

With its numerous subcategories, the genre continues to captivate readers by offering a wide array of approaches to crime and suspense. From classic detective fiction to modern psychological thrillers, the mystery genre remains a dynamic and integral part of literary and popular culture. Female authors have played a pivotal role in shaping the genre, from early foundational works to contemporary explorations of psychological and social themes.

 

Brief History of Lesbian Authors in the Horror Genre

 

A Brief History of Lesbian Horror Writers

Introduction

Lesbian horror writers have contributed to the genre, by combining elements of fear, the supernatural, and the macabre with explorations of lesbian identity and relationships. Their work often subverts traditional horror tropes, offering fresh perspectives on both terror and sexuality.

Early Influences

Pre-20th Century

While explicit lesbian representation in horror literature was limited in earlier periods, some writers subtly incorporated themes of female desire and non-normative identities into their work.

Radclyffe Hall (1880–1943) is known for her novel "The Well of Loneliness" (1928), which, while not horror, addressed lesbian identity and relationships. Hall’s exploration of these themes set the stage for later writers to blend lesbian experiences with horror and the supernatural.

Mid-20th Century: Foundations and Innovation

1950's to 1970's

Shirley Jackson (1916–1965) is a significant figure in horror literature, though her work did not explicitly focus on lesbian themes. Her stories, including "The Haunting of Hill House" (1959) and "We Have Always Lived in the Castle" (1962), often explore themes of isolation and psychological horror, influencing later queer horror writers.

Angela Carter (1940–1992) was known for her feminist and often fantastical re-imagining of classic fairy tales and horror stories. While Carter’s work did not exclusively focus on lesbian themes, her stories frequently included subversive and queer elements that had an influence the genre’s evolution.

Late 20th Century: Establishing a Niche

1980's to 1990's

Joan Nestle (b. 1940) is primarily known for her work in memoir and queer theory, but has also contributed to horror with her exploration of lesbian relationships and desires. Her work laid a lot of the groundwork for the integration of queer themes in speculative fiction, including horror.

Catherine Lundoff (b. 1964) is an important contemporary lesbian horror writer. Her short stories and novels, including "Blood in the Rain" (2008), blend elements of horror with lesbian themes, providing a fresh perspective on both genres.

K. A. Laity (b. 1964) is known for her contributions to horror and speculative fiction. Her works, including "The Dead God’s Book" (2009), feature complex portrayals of queer characters and explore themes of terror and the supernatural within speculative contexts.

Tananarive Due (b. 1966) is a prominent figure in contemporary horror and speculative fiction. Her work, including "The Good House" (2003), explores themes of identity and history, though not explicitly focused on lesbian themes, her contributions have influenced broader horror narratives.

21st Century: Broadening Horizons

2000's to Present

Kameron Hurley (b. 1975) is a contemporary writer known for her genre-blending work, including elements of horror. Her novel "The Light Brigade" (2019) explores complex themes of identity and the supernatural, contributing to the diversity of horror fiction.

Nina Allen (b. 1983) is known for her speculative fiction and horror work, including "The Trouble With Time" (2018). Her writing often includes queer characters and explores themes of identity and existential dread.

Claire North (b. 1986) is another contemporary author whose work includes elements of horror. Her novel "The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August" (2014) blends science fiction with horror elements and features diverse representations of sexuality.

Rivers Solomon (b. 1986) is known for their speculative fiction, including "An Unkindness of Ghosts" (2017), which explores themes of identity, gender, and horror within a futuristic setting. Solomon’s work often includes queer and non-binary perspectives.

Tamsyn Muir's (b. 1985) "Locked Tomb" series combines elements of horror with science fiction and fantasy. The series, starting with "Gideon the Ninth" (2019), features a range of queer characters and explores dark, Gothic themes.

Quick Recap:

The history of lesbian horror writers is marked by their creative contributions to the genre, blending fear, the supernatural, and queer identities. Lesbian horror writers have often faced issue such as limited visibility, societal prejudice, and commercial barriers.

Despite these obstacles, their achievements have helped to expand the genre’s scope; and offer diverse portrayals of lesbian characters and relationships. The evolution from early influences to contemporary voices reflects a tentative growing acceptance and celebration of queer identities in horror literature. From early figures like Shirley Jackson and Angela Carter to contemporary voices such as Tamsyn Muir and Rivers Solomon, lesbian writers have enriched horror literature with their unique perspectives and storytelling.

Brief Histtory of Women in the Horror Genre

 

A Brief History of Women Writing in the Horror Genre

Introduction

The horror genre, known for its exploration of the macabre, the supernatural, and the psychological, has been significantly shaped by women writers. From Gothic beginnings to modern psychological thrillers, women have contributed unique perspectives and innovations to the genre.

The roots of the horror genre can be traced back to Gothic literature of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Works such as Horace Walpole’s The Castle of Otranto (1764) and Ann Radcliffe’s The Mysteries of Udolpho (1794) established key conventions of the genre, including eerie settings, psychological terror, and supernatural elements.

Early Gothic Influences

Mary Shelley is widely regarded as a foundational figure in horror literature. Her groundbreaking novel "Frankenstein" (1818) combined elements of Gothic horror with early science fiction, exploring themes of creation, responsibility, and the limits of human knowledge. Shelley's work remains a seminal text in the horror genre, influencing countless writers and adaptations.

Ann Radcliffe is another key early contributor with her novels such as "The Mysteries of Udolpho" (1794). Radcliffe's Gothic tales were characterized by their atmospheric settings and psychological tension, establishing many of the conventions of the genre.

The Victorian Era

The Victorian era continued to see contributions from women writers who expanded the boundaries of horror. Emily Bronte's "Wuthering Heights" (1847) is a dark, atmospheric novel that delves into themes of passion, vengeance, and the supernatural, combining elements of Gothic fiction with psychological depth.

These women were the contemporaries of men of horror often mentioned first. Men like Edgar Allan Poe and Wilkie Collins.

Edgar Allan Poe’s works, including The Tell-Tale Heart (1843) and The Fall of the House of Usher (1839), contributed to the development of the psychological horror sub-genre, emphasizing the inner workings of the human mind and the macabre.

Wilkie Collins’s novel The Woman in White (1859), blended Gothic and detective elements, introducing themes of mystery and suspense to the genre.

Elizabeth Gaskell's "The Old Nurse's Story" (1852) and Louisa May Alcott's "A Long Fatal Love Chase" (1995, posthumously) also contributed to the genre, blending Gothic elements with psychological and social commentary.

Early 20th Century

While male writers like H.P. Lovecraft were ushering in the horror pulp fiction era, the early 20th century also saw the rise of women writers who explored horror through diverse lenses.

Charlotte Perkins Gilman's "The Yellow Wallpaper" (1892) is a pioneering work in psychological horror, exploring themes of mental illness and female oppression through its chilling narrative.

Myrtle Reed and E. H. Young wrote Gothic and psychological horror novels that reflected the era's fascination with the macabre and the supernatural. Their works, while often overshadowed by their male counterparts, contributed to the genre's development.

The Mid-20th Century

The mid-20th century saw a surge of women writing in the horror genre, particularly in the realm of supernatural and psychological horror.

Daphne du Maurier's "Rebecca" (1938) combined elements of Gothic romance with psychological suspense, creating a haunting narrative that has influenced both literature and film.

Shirley Jackson emerged as a major figure with her works such as "The Haunting of Hill House" (1959) and "We Have Always Lived in the Castle" (1962). Jackson's exploration of psychological horror and the uncanny has had a lasting impact on the genre.

The 1970's and 1980's: Expanding the Genre

The 1970's and 1980's saw a significant expansion in the horror genre. Starting with Stephen King and continuing with women writers, the horror genre expanded its diversity and depth.

Anne Rice's "The Vampire Chronicles" series, beginning with "Interview with the Vampire" (1976), brought a new dimension to vampire fiction, blending Gothic elements with modern sensibilities and exploring themes of immortality and identity.

Susan Hill's "The Woman in Black" (1983) is a notable work of ghost fiction that has been widely adapted and praised for its chilling atmosphere and suspenseful storytelling.

Nancy A. Collins made significant contributions to the genre with her "Sonja Blue" series, combining horror with elements of urban fantasy and exploring themes of identity and transformation.

The 1990's and Early 2000's: New Voices and Innovations

The 1990's and early 2000's saw the rise of new voices in horror, with women writers bringing fresh perspectives and innovations to the genre. Poppy Z. Brite (now Billy Martin) gained recognition with works like "Lost Souls" (1992), which combined horror with explorations of sexuality and identity.

Clive Barker, though primarily male, was significantly influenced by his collaborations with female writers such as Caitlín R. Kiernan, whose works like "The Drowning Girl" (2012) blend horror with elements of dark fantasy and psychological depth.

Livia Llewellyn and Tananarive Due have also gained acclaim for their contributions to the genre, with Llewellyn's "Engines of Desire" (2013) exploring themes of horror and eroticism, and Due's works like "The Good House" (2003) blending supernatural horror with rich character development.

Contemporary Horror: Diversity and Expansion

Contemporary horror continues to see a diverse range of female voices making significant contributions to the genre. Grady Hendrix and Paul Tremblay are among those whose works, such as "The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires" (2020) and "The Cabin at the End of the World" (2018), have been shaped by the influence of female writers and collaborators.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia's "Mexican Gothic" (2020) blends Gothic horror with Mexican folklore, offering a fresh and culturally rich perspective on the genre.

Carmen Maria Machado's "Her Body and Other Parties" (2017) explores horror through the lens of feminist and queer perspectives, with stories that challenge traditional genre conventions and explore themes of identity, power, and the body.

S.A. Cosby's "Blacktop Wasteland" (2021) combines elements of crime and horror, reflecting the genre's ongoing evolution and the influence of female writers on its development.

Quick Recap:

From early Gothic pioneers like Mary Shelley and Ann Radcliffe to contemporary voices such as Silvia Moreno-Garcia and Carmen Maria Machado, women have played a crucial role in shaping and expanding the boundaries of horror literature. Their contributions inspire and challenge readers, ensuring that horror remains a dynamic and evolving genre.

intro to Horror

 

A Brief History of the Horror Genre

Introduction

The horror genre is known for its capacity to evoke fear, suspense, and the supernatural. Its history reflects societal anxieties and cultural shifts. Women have played a pivotal role in the development of the horror genre from gothic literature to contemporary, psychological, and supernatural horror, the genre.

The History of the Horror Genre

Early Beginnings

The roots of the horror genre can be traced back to Gothic literature of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Works such as Horace Walpole’s The Castle of Otranto (1764) and Ann Radcliffe’s The Mysteries of Udolpho (1794) established key conventions of the genre, including eerie settings, psychological terror, and supernatural elements.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1818) is often considered a foundational text in horror literature. Shelley’s novel combined Gothic and science fiction elements, exploring themes of creation, ethics, and isolation.

The 19th Century

Edgar Allan Poe’s works, including The Tell-Tale Heart (1843) and The Fall of the House of Usher (1839), contributed to the development of the psychological horror subgenre, emphasizing the inner workings of the human mind and the macabre.

Wilkie Collins’s novel The Woman in White (1859), blended Gothic and detective elements, introducing themes of mystery and suspense to the genre.

The 20th Century

The early 20th century saw the rise of pulp horror fiction and the influence of writers like H.P. Lovecraft, whose work inspired the cosmic horror subgenre. Lovecraft’s stories, such as The Call of Cthulhu (1928), focused on existential dread and ancient, malevolent forces.

The Mid-20th Century marks the rise of horror fiction in the mainstream, with writers like Stephen King achieving widespread popularity. King’s works, including Carrie (1974) and The Shining (1977), brought horror into the contemporary setting.

Contemporary Horror

The genre has continued to evolve, incorporating elements from psychological thrillers, speculative fiction, and social commentary. Contemporary horror often explores identity, trauma, and societal issues.

Notable Women Authors in Horror that you should know:

Early Influencers

Mary Shelley’s (1797–1851) work Frankenstein is a seminal work in the horror genre, blending Gothic and science fiction elements to explore complex themes related to creation and the human condition.

19th and Early 20th Century

Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s (1860–1935) story The Yellow Wallpaper (1892), is a classic example of psychological horror, depicting the descent into madness and highlighting issues related to mental health and gender roles.

Mid to Late 20th Century

Shirley Jackson’s (1916–1965) works, including The Haunting of Hill House (1959) and We Have Always Lived in the Castle (1962), are celebrated for their psychological depth and exploration of the human psyche within the horror context.

Anne Rice’s (1941–2021) work on The Vampire Chronicles series (1976), revolutionized vampire fiction with its rich, atmospheric storytelling and complex characters.

Contemporary Voices

Clive Barker’s (1952–) influence on the horror genre often intersects with women’s contributions, particularly through collaborations and mentorship. His works, such as Hellbound Heart (1986), have had a significant impact on modern horror.

Paul Tremblay’s (1971–) recent contributions include innovative horror narratives that often explore psychological and existential themes. His works, like The Cabin at the End of the World (2018), are recognized for their exploration of fear and human nature.

Quick Recap:

From its Gothic origins to contemporary explorations of psychological and supernatural horror, the Horror genre has been shaped by a diverse array of voices. Women have played a crucial role, from Mary Shelley’s foundational works to modern writers who continue to push the boundaries of the genre.