A detective novel is a genre of fiction that focuses on the investigation of a crime, typically a murder. The story usually follows a detective, either professional or amateur, as they gather clues, interview suspects, and solve the mystery. The plot often includes red herrings and twists to keep readers engaged. These novels often feature a clear structure, beginning with the crime, followed by the investigation, and culminating in the resolution. Famous examples include works by authors like Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle, whose characters, such as Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes, have become iconic in the genre.