The genre of private-eye fiction has a popular following today, and book readers have always enjoyed a good mystery or a "who-done-it". The future of private-eye fiction does not necessary have to to be affected by rapid changes in technology. Private eyes in the future could be of any age, and of either gender, working alone or with an assistant. They might use sophisticated electronic systems or rely on their own instincts.
A private-eye story can be set within any historical context, or in a future time. The Victorian age is probably the most popular setting for historical crime fiction, but some of the best-selling private-eye novels of the twentieth century have been set in Roman times, Medieval times and other eras.
Most of the classic private-eye stories were written in the first half of the twentieth century, but since that time there have been many new novels, movies and TV dramas featuring private eyes, some of which are set in those earlier decades.
When a private-eye novel is set in the present day, the investigator will be using the Internet, cell-phone technology and other hi-tech devices. It would be too much of a cliche to write about a contemporary private eye who works alone from a run-down office building. Today he or she would either work for an agency or be self employed. Much of the investigating would involve phone calls, spy-cams and Internet searches, rather than having a private-eye sitting in a car all night watching a property, and following suspects on foot.
The contemporary private eye does not have to be an independent wealthy genius like Sherlock Holmes, nor a down-at-heel ex-policeman with a drink problem. Those are too much of a stereotype to be convincing to a contemporary audience. A modern-day private-eye could have his or her own business offering a surveillance service for companies, or work for individuals.
The only real requirement for private-eye fiction is to supply readers with stories they find credible and convincing, while taking them on a journey into sinister situations, involving cunning criminals who almost succeed in fooling the private-eye. When a bad guy makes one mistake, this only becomes evident to a private-eye from obsessional pursuit of the truth
Private-eye fiction in future can continue to cover cases of fraud, industrial espionage and missing persons. Employers will still want to spy on activities taking place when they are not around. Couples will want surveillance on the home to spy on their domestic staff, or to check out a child carer. Any of these could lead to mysteries, murder or criminal practices requiring further investigation, and resolution by the end of the book.
Private-eye fiction can easily cross over into other genres. There is generally a love story involved, so romance can feature largely in a private-eye story. Private eyes in fiction often uncover enemy agents and double-crossing spies. There can be elements of horror and fantasy in a dark Gothic tale, with a lone figure investigating a disappearance, and discovering the presence of vampires, zombies or supernatural spirits. Alien invasion and time travelling can also be uncovered by a protagonist making enquiries into strange happenings.
The future of private eye-fiction relies on creating compelling characters and intriguing plot development, with unexpected twists in seemingly unsolvable cases, which are finally solved to the satisfaction of readers. That is why good private-eye fiction always sells, and should long continue to be a popular genre.