The genre of crime mystery has captivated readers for centuries. These reads have transfixed audiences, pulling them into intrigue, deception, and suspense. From Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes to Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot, the genre has given readers gems that have made them pick up the magnifying glass and tobacco pipe, wear a trench coat, and solve perplexing mysteries alongside the protagonist.
But what about crime-mystery novels sets the genre apart from the other genres? What makes it so resonant among audiences?
Let’s dissect.
Problem-Solving
Inherently, crime mystery novels present a puzzle. As readers, we are wired to enjoy problem-solving. We don’t want to participate as a bystander when witnessing a story. Instead, we want to feel involved and indulge in critical thinking and the high stakes (without the consequences). Crime mysteries offer an opportunity to solve a structured problem and answer the question, “Who committed the crime and why?” Moreover, crime mysteries also mirror real-life challenges, an intellectual simulation that adds depth to the plight.
The Comfort of Justice
Moreover, crime mystery novels also play into our innate need for justice and order. In a chaotic world, with crime in every dark alley, we are all urged to become the hero and restore morality. Whether it is by playing the detective, protagonist, or amateur sleuth, we want to fight for truth and look for a resolution. This offers emotional reassurance and closure, reinforcing the belief that good will eventually triumph over evil.
Thrill, without the Consequences
Humans are infatuated with fear and danger, which inherently stems from our survival instincts. Crime mystery novels allow readers to experience thrills without bearing any consequences. As we dive into the stories, engaging in violent crimes, high-stake investigations, and kidnappings, we feel the urge to step forward into the fire more. In contrast, we wouldn’t have it in real-life scenarios for obvious reasons.
As a result, we can learn a lot, from humanity’s dark psychology to the peril of investigating murders. Crime mysteries are like a gritty amusement park.
Understanding the Human Psyche
As much as we are intrigued by the thrill of high stakes, the smell of gunpowder, and fighting criminals, we humans like to know more about our psyche. Crime mysteries portray a chess game, a cat-and-mouse chase between the detective and the criminal. This exploration of human nature also persuades the reader to ask uncomfortable questions such as, “What would I do in this situation?” or “Could I be capable of such things?”
The Power of the Unknown
Lastly, the most fantastic draw to a crime mystery book is the opportunity to embrace the unknown. We love the ambiguity that comes with crime-mystery storylines. A good book strikes conversations and doesn’t show everything at the surface; it causes the reader to peer in until they are fully immersed in the world the author is trying to make.
Encapsulating the ethos of crime and mystery, author Tom Greco presents the Jamaica Biltmore series. The story revolves around the private eye Jamaica Biltmore as he goes through high-stakes encounters. The first installment of the series Jamaica Biltmore; Cash Guns & Fly Rods sees the protagonist attempting to convince his son to be a private eye rather than go to college. Joe reluctantly agrees to join his father on a case to make his decision. The “test case” takes the duo from the streets of New York to the Caribbean, Las Vegas, and Key West. However, the case soon takes a rather deadly turn.
Get your copies now. The series is now available on Amazon.
