Dime novels were inexpensive fiction books popular in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Priced at ten cents, they featured thrilling stories often centered around adventure, crime, and the Wild West. These novels were mass-produced and widely accessible, appealing to a broad audience, including young readers. The genre played a significant role in shaping American popular culture, influencing later forms of entertainment such as pulp magazines and comic books. Notable authors like Edward L. Wheeler and Horatio Alger contributed to the popularity of dime novels, creating memorable characters and engaging plots that captivated readers.