a mystery involving murder; spec. a murder story, usually having a complicated plot which conceals the murderer's identity until the end.

a novel that has crime as its central theme.

a crime novel, esp. one characterized by detailed attention to police procedures.

A detective novel. Also (occasionally) in extended use.

a genre of writing, film, etc., in which real crimes are examined or portrayed; cf. sense A. 4c; frequently (and in earliest use) attributive.

A story or other work of fiction about the solving of a mystery, esp. a murder; a detective or murder story. Occasionally used for ‘who did it’ in…

Short for tec story, a detective story.

(a) adj. of or relating to police procedure, esp. as represented in a crime story; (b) n. a story (in a novel, film, television show, etc.)…

A novel, television programme, etc., in the procedural style. Cf. sense A. 2.

A story, play, or film in which the main interest lies in the detection of the motive for some crime or other action.