Crime has a PR component: Public relations in US mystery novels

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.

Automated summary

The qualitative content analysis of 74 novels featuring public relations characters in the United States reveals that the mystery genre does not aim to replicate reality, but rather reflects debates surrounding honesty, confidentiality, and the value of negative publicity. Public relations practitioners are portrayed in various traditional mystery character roles, particularly as sleuths, where their access to information and influential individuals allows them to solve mysteries but also presents moral dilemmas between their clients and the public interest. This study confirms the significance of understanding popular culture representations of public relations within their narrative and generic context, as argued by Fitch (2015).