Crime has a PR component: Public relations in U.S. mystery novels

• Published in: Public relations review 2024-03, Vol.50 (1), p.102396, Article 102396
• Main Author: Russell, Karen Miller
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Crime fiction; Fiction and representation; Mystery genre; Popular culture; Public relations
• ISSN: 0363-8111; 1873-4537
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pubrev.2023.102396

Qualitative content analysis of 74 novels featuring public relations characters distributed in the United States demonstrates that, rather than attempting to replicate reality, the mystery genre reflects debates about such issues as honesty, confidentiality, and the relative value of negative publicity. PR practitioners fit into all of the conventional mystery character roles, but particularly the role of sleuth, where access to information and powerful people allows them to solve the mystery but also sometimes forces them to choose between the client/employer and the public interest. The study confirms Fitch’s (2015) contention that popular culture representations of public relations are best understood in their narrative and generic context. •Proximity to power makes public relations characters relevant to the mystery genre.•PR characters must balance client confidentiality with the public interest.•Fictional representations reveal that public relations is a contested field.•Mystery novels reveal a deep distrust of powerful institutions and people.•Fictional representations do not attempt to reflect the field accurately.