Every single book we read is different. Whether it’s part of a series, a similar genre, by the same authors or with the same characters, variation is always inevitable. Isn’t that amazing? To have the knowledge that all books will involve a different structure, stepping into a new world, is just one of the reasons why they are my main passion and hobby.
Recently, I have begun to weave myself specifically into the world of crime fiction. Always a dominant part of the bookshop, similar authors frequently appearing, it was something I had never properly got into. Sure, I read spy books as a youngster, Enid Blyton mysteries but adult crime fiction had surpassed me. Not anymore. Last week, I read Val McDermid’s ‘The Mermaids Singing’, the first in the hit Tony Hill and Carol Jordan series. Every word was gripping, the story keeping me on tenterhooks throughout. All the elements were there for the perfect read: the dual narrative, excellent characters, suspense, humour even. McDermid had clearly done much research and knew lots, yet made the reading process smooth for all. Her books alone have sold over 15 million copies. Given the crime genre had existed for decades, why it is so popular, as the interests, desires and fortunes of generations change? You may think I am contradicting my earlier point, but all crime novels seem to follow a similar pattern: a crime, suspects, detectives, reading herrings along the way before the problem is resolved and criminal faces repercussions. Despite these generic features, writers manage to craft such a mixture of plots, endless new ideas for how a crime could be committed, different solutions and endless diversions to keep reading suspecting right to the last page. Reading crime does force the human brain to think in a different way from normal work. Unlike throwaway romantic literature or repetitive soap operas, where we observers can passively watch events as they unfold, crime requires some thinking and deduction, the reader becoming an amateur detective, if you like. The sort of person that didn’t wish to think about the case and made a, perhaps incorrect but logical, prediction as to ‘’whodunit’ is the sort who doesn't enjoy reading crime. It is the very fact we are thinking that allows crime fiction to take the ordinary person away from the normal world, provide the perfect form of escapism without creating a brain drain. Compared to the situations faced by characters, the lives of most of us are fine, even if there are difficulties. Issues such as murder, crimes performed by the worst of humanity are frequent, allowing individuals to put their own problems in perspective. Often the main characters, the protagonists trying to solve the crimes are themselves damaged, a backstory of history and issues waiting to be revealed through multiple publications. The crime genre, especially psychological thrillers, all boil down to one of my biggest interests: human nature. As we naturally good, bad, selfish, a mixture of positive and negative traits? Or can such a factor never properly be determined, our individual characteristics, despite humans sharing 99.9% of DNA, too broad to be categorized. Human nature couldn't be more displayed in crime, as the actions of psychopaths desperate not to lose their liberty are explored. Detectives, again, are frequently flawed yet retain a sense of purpose, the desire to do good. Well done, Val McDermid. You have made me want to learn far more about your detectives, along with other series. I also want to explore more crime writers, see how they tackle the pressing issues of the day and come up with more ways to shock me. The desire to read Robert Galbraith’s next crime novel springs to mind. Thankfully, my frequent visits to bookshops, scouring the bookshops should mean many more hours of pleasure are not far away.
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Author:Noah enjoys writing a blog and drinking tea Archives
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