The master’s thesis discusses the growing popularity of crime novels in the 21st century by examining two literary series by Spanish authors, Javier Castillo and Juan Gómez-Jurado. In order to move on to the analytical part of the thesis, it is necessary to establish a theoretical framework that serves as a base for the final analysis of the six novels: La chica de nieve (The Snow Girl, 2020b), El juego del alma (The Soul Game, 2021) and La grieta del silencio (The Fissure of Silence, 2024c) by Castillo and Reina Roja (Red Queen, 2018), Loba Negra (The Black Wolf, 2019b) and Rey Blanco (White King, 2020b) by Gómez-Jurado. The theoretical part begins by presenting general characteristics of the crime novel and its definition, showing that it faced a series of problems throughout history. This is followed by a longer and more detailed examination of the crime novel in Spanish literature and its development in the four historical periods of modern Spain: before the rise of dictator Francisco Franco, during his rule, during the Spanish transition and in the period of Spanish democracy. Since it is important for the thesis to establish a basis for the study of the two main characters, Miren Triggs and Antonia Scott, the development of the detective character is also summarized as part of the theory, with a focus on the representation of the female role. This is followed by an individual introduction of the authors mentioned, their work, the discussion of literary series and a thorough analysis of the two main heroines, combined with a detailed examination of their development in the three novels. In addition, their writing style and the adaptation of novels for the television screen is presented. Finally, a mutual comparison is made, which confirms the following hypothesis: The popularity of crime novels comes from the variety of writing styles, the detailed characterization of the main literary characters and the ability of novels to become adapted into television series.
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