Historical Mysteries - Just Curious

[EDWARD C MORGAN]

I am writing a story - originally planned as a longish short story but it seems to be trying to grow on me - set in a "displaced persons" camp in Europe immediately following World War II.

It just got me to wondering .... where is the cut off for a mystery to become a "historical" mystery?

Not an earth-shattering discussion, but I'd appreciate your thoughts.

[I. J. Parker]

Apparently WWII counts as historical.

[Dana King]

Sincerely not meaning to be argumentative, but why does it matter? Or are you curious about how it will be marketed?

I'm sincerely curious, not nit picking.

[EDWARD C MORGAN]

No real reason. It popped in my head while doing some research on the subject.

[I. J. Parker]

This is a vital issue on web sites like CTC (Crime Thru Time). Readers want to know.

[John Dishon]

I don't know, but I guess it depends on how much the setting is a part of the story? If it reads like a tour guide or documentary then it will probably feel more historical. If you take for granted the reader knows about the setting and time period and just focus on the story, then maybe it won't feel historical. As far as marketing, I don't know how that works.

[Sam Plaxton]

I would describe anything set in the past as a historical mystery to be perfectly honest. It is my favourite form of literature though.

Something set in WWII is what I'd certainly call historical, but then if the story fits well to the setting its no different to it being set nowadays.