Why Mysteries?

Early on, the Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden mystery series were some of my favorite books. Looking back, I would guess I read them during the junior high years. They were mysteries, but they were stories for teenagers and – near as I can remember – didn’t involve murder.

As an adult, I found myself drawn to newspaper stories about crime, even murder. I always read those articles when I was alone. I didn’t want anyone to know I liked reading such stories. In fact, I didn’t want to like reading them. It seemed a little bit indecent.

But, like it or not, I liked them. Actually, I mainly wanted to know, “Why?” What in the world would make somebody act that way!?

The Hard Stuff

At least, I only read rather short articles, newspaper or magazine length. I didn’t read anything long, any of the hard stuff: novels.

Until…

It all began with audio books. First, I listened to the Nero Wolfe series (written by Rex Stout.) Then I discovered Agatha Christie. I was hooked. Okay, I was addicted!

So when I wanted to write a novel, the only kind that seemed likely to keep my interest long enough to finish was a mystery. And it did make me feel better when I read the opinion of another mystery writer. She said that mystery novels are the modern morality plays. Everybody knows the world is full of evil doers. But in most mystery novels, at the end, the good guys win, the bad guys lose, and all is right with the world. So the reader has a sense of justice accomplished.

My Promise to You

I said all that to tell you that if you avoid murder mysteries and crime stories, I understand. I’ve been there. 

But I can assure you that in my stories, there will be a satisfying conclusion. The bad guy(s) will be apprehended. And the “Why?” will be explained.