Here's why:
* Focus on the Detective: Poe's stories, particularly those featuring C. Auguste Dupin, emphasized the detective figure and their deductive reasoning. This established a crucial element of the modern mystery.
* Atmosphere and Suspense: Poe mastered creating a sense of atmosphere and suspense, key components of the mystery genre.
* Psychological Depth: Poe explored the psychology of his characters, adding layers of intrigue and complexity to his stories.
* Influence on Later Writers: His works inspired countless writers who followed, shaping the evolution of the mystery genre.
While Poe laid the foundation, other authors, like Arthur Conan Doyle with Sherlock Holmes and Wilkie Collins with "The Woman in White," further developed the conventions of the modern mystery, adding elements like the "locked-room mystery" and more complex plots.
So, while Poe isn't the sole father, he's undeniably a significant figure who paved the way for the modern mystery genre we know and love today.