The contemporary Russian criminal novel is considered as a field for ethnic stereotypes research. Hereby its value is caused by great number of printed copies and further use as a literal base for soap operas on TV. Being oriented on the greatest reading public, Russian criminal novel has become an important part of the modern book industry. Its editions are supported by reflection of mood and stereotypes proper to the society. The subject of research in this article is not stereotypes proper but justification of the choice of criminal novel as a research field.