Key Concepts in Contemporary Popular Fiction r provides an accessible, concise and reliable overview of core critical terminology, key theoretical approaches, and the major genres and sub-genres within popular fiction.

'Bernice M. Murphy's excellent guide to the rapidly changing field of contemporary popular fiction explores every nook and cranny from "Aga Sagas" to Zombie fiction, leaving no stone unturned. Theoretically acute, historically informed and written with immense verve, this is an indispensable and, above all, accessible introduction that is certain to reach a wide and diverse readership.' David Glover, University of Southampton A jargon-free guide to the key terms, concepts and theoretical approaches to contemporary popular fiction Key Concepts in Contemporary Popular Fiction represents an invaluable starting point for students wishing to familiarise themselves with this exciting and rapidly evolving area of literary studies. It provides an accessible, concise and reliable overview of core critical terminology, key theoretical approaches, and the major genres and sub-genres within popular fiction. Because popular fiction is significantly shaped by commercial forces, the book also provides critical and historical contexts for terminology related to e-books, e-publishing and self-publishing platforms. By focusing in particular on post-2000 trends in popular fiction, the book provides a truly up-to-date snapshot of the subject area and its critical contexts. Key Features . Provides an engaging and knowledgeable overview of critical terminology and theoretical approaches used by critics working within the field . Introduces readers to the most recent trends and newest terms, including 'Nordic Noir', 'New Adult Fiction', 'Cli-Fi' (Climate Change Fiction), 'Domestic Noir' and 'Flash Fiction' as well as significant terms related to fanfiction and web-publishing platforms such as WattPad . Includes an annotated further reading list to entries on crime, horror, romance, fantasy, the thriller, science fiction and comic books/graphic novels . Supplies a chronology, providing readers with a historical overview of the major popular novels, critical approaches and technological innovations Bernice M. Murphy is lecturer in Popular Literature and director of the M.Phil in Popular Literature at the School of English, Trinity College, Dublin. She has published extensively on topics related to popular fiction. Recent books include The Highway Horror Film (2014) and The Rural Gothic in American Popular Culture (2013). Cover image: © Shutterstock.com Cover design: [EUP logo] edinburghuniversitypress.com ISBN (cover): 978-1-4744-1105-9 ISBN (PPC): 978-1-4744-1103-5 Barcode