---

"Crime Fiction throughout the World" is a comparison of Crime Fiction from the United States, Australia, England and Canada. The analysis of Crime Fiction novels from different cultural origins is based on the thought that literature cannot be separated from its origin or cultural context and therefore remains in a co-existence and mutual influence with its creators. The following thesis will analyze the differences and similarities in the portrayal and construction of 21st century Serial Murder Crime Fiction Literature. The main elements that will be analyzed are cultural, psychological, as well as social aspects of the genre. The analysis covers four Crime Fiction novels from English-speaking countries around the world: The American Chelsea Cain´s ´Evil at Heart´, the Australian author Noel Mealey and his work ´The Icon Murders´, England is represented by Mo Hayder with ´Birdman´, and Canada with Giles Blunt´s ´Forty words for Sorrow´.

---

The author, Lea Rühle, has finished her studies in 2015 with a Master of Arts in British & American Studies from the University of Konstanz. A special interest in Crime Fiction Literature has been the basis of many of her academic works so far.

---