The appeal of mysteries
Last week marked the anniversary of the publication of the first
detective story in 1841. It was Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Murders in the
Rue Morgue,” featuring the Chevalier Dupin, who appeared in five
other stories by Poe.
On a more contemporary note, this week marks the birthday of Sue
Grafton, one of the more recent stars on the mystery scene -- author
of the “A is for Alibi” series, which has now reached “R is for
Ricochet.” Grafton’s series features private eye Kinsey Milhone.
People who don’t read mysteries are often mystified by their
appeal, and it isn’t easy to explain. They appeal to many different
people for many different reasons.
Some like the obvious fun of guessing who-dun-it before the final
chapter. Others get hooked on one character(s), be they police
detective, detective inspector (if you are in the U.K.), private eye
or amateur sleuth, and like a television series, the reader looks
forward to encountering an old friend in yet another adventure.
Because they are often written in series, some people like to read
them as something of a travelogue that has a ripping good yarn
attached to it. For example, Colin Dexter’s Inspector Morse
investigates incidents that occur in Oxford; Stuart Kaminsky’s
Inspector Porfiry Rostnikov operates in Moscow, while Elizabeth
Peters’ archeologist/amateur sleuth takes the reader to Egypt in the
‘20s.
Mysteries are also classified by different categories that appeal
to different sensibilities. There are the amateur detectives who
stumble upon an alarming number of dead bodies as they lead “normal”
lives. There are the cozies that are full of charm and an array of
eccentric characters in a small town (think Miss Marple).
Historical mysteries are self-explanatory and cover the historical
spectrum, from Lindsey Davis’ Marcus Didius Falco in ancient Rome to
Bruce Alexander’s Sir John Fielding in 18th century London to Terence
Faherty’s Scott Elliott who lived in 1940s Hollywood. Like the
travelogue aspect of mysteries set in foreign places, the historical
mystery offers insight into the past in pleasurable doses.
There are the more technically oriented series that appeal to the
CSI/forensics hounds. These can feature police procedurals, private
investigators or professional sleuths, such as investigative
reporters, lawyers, medical examiners or psychologists.
Mysteries can be on the light to downright comical side (Janet
Evanovich’s wise-cracking Stephanie Plum), or so seriously written
that they are often referred to as “crossovers” in the trade because
they stand as mysteries and also as just, plain well-written novels
(Ian Rankin’s Scottish D.I. John Rebus).
In recent years, the mystery genre has seen the creation of all
kinds of sub-genres of the form.
Culinary mysteries where foods, and often recipes, are featured
would be an example. There are also series that feature cats, dogs,
ghosts, vampires, robots, bumblers, burglars and assassins.
If you are interested in escaping into this popular genre and
don’t know where to begin, or if you are already a fan and need
advice on finding a new series with the characteristics you love,
just call or visit the reference desk at the library.
Anyone you reach will be happy to assist you in finding just the
bloody crime or baffling mystery that will suit your fancy.
* CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public
Library. This week’s column is by Sara Barnicle. All titles may be
reserved from home or office computers by accessing the catalog at
https://www.newport beachlibrary.org. For more information on the
Central Library or any of the branch locations, please contact the
Newport Beach Public Library at (949) 717-3800, option 2.
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