Now, who doesn’t love a good old mystery? The classic Scooby gang adventure as they Zoinks their way from one haunted house to another, only to figure out that there was no ghost or Mummy or Frankenstein’s Monster in the first place, only the local groundsman, or the secretary, or the wife, hiding behind the mask, scaring everyone off so that they can keep everything for themselves.
We all grew up to these stories. This is why the mystery genre is generally extremely credible in pop culture. We all love a hint of nostalgia, and there is nothing more nostalgic than a classic mystery tale.
But take our word for it: nothing can replace a good old mystery fiction book. Don’t believe us? Not a huge fan of reading? Ironically, you will have to read on if you want us to change your mind…
Here are some of the reasons why mystery fiction books are an elite genre.
The Intellectual Challenge
One of the primary appeals of mystery fiction is the intellectual challenge it presents. Readers are invited to play the role of detective, piecing together clues, analyzing motives, and predicting outcomes. This interactive element transforms reading from a passive activity into an engaging mental exercise.
Want to try figuring puzzles out for yourselves? Here are some you can try…
Recommendations:
“The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” by Arthur Conan Doyle: A collection of classic short stories featuring the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend Dr. Watson. Each story presents a cleverly constructed puzzle that challenges both Holmes and the reader.
“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” by Stieg Larsson: A modern thriller that combines a gripping mystery with deep character development and social commentary. It follows journalist Mikael Blomkvist and hacker Lisbeth Salander as they investigate a decades-old disappearance.
Emotional Engagement
Mystery fiction often delves into the darker aspects of human nature, exploring themes of betrayal, revenge, and justice. This emotional depth allows readers to connect with the characters and their plights on a profound level, making the resolution of the mystery all the more satisfying.
Recommendations:
“Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn: A psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of marriage and the dark secrets that can lie beneath the surface. The book’s alternating perspectives keep readers on their toes, questioning what is real and who can be trusted.
“Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty: A compelling story that weaves together the lives of three women, each harboring their own secrets. The narrative builds up to a shocking climax that redefines their relationships and their understanding of the truth.
The Thrill of the Unknown
At its core, mystery fiction is about uncovering the unknown. The genre’s ability to create suspense and maintain intrigue keeps readers hooked from beginning to end. The anticipation of discovering the truth and the twists and turns along the way provide a thrilling reading experience.
Recommendations:
“The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown: A fast-paced thriller that combines history, art, and cryptography. The story follows symbologist Robert Langdon as he unravels a series of complex puzzles and uncovers a hidden truth.
“In the Woods” by Tana French: A beautifully written psychological mystery that explores the impact of a traumatic childhood incident on detective Rob Ryan. The novel’s rich character development and atmospheric setting add depth to the gripping plot.
Classic Versus Contemporary
Mystery fiction has evolved over time, expanding from classic tales to include subgenres like cozy mysteries, hard-boiled detective stories, and psychological thrillers. Both classic and contemporary mysteries offer unique experiences that cater to different tastes.
Recommendations:
Classic: “Murder on the Orient Express” by Agatha Christie: One of the most famous works by the “Queen of Mystery,” this novel features her iconic detective Hercule Poirot solving a murder on a luxurious train.
Contemporary: “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides: A modern psychological thriller about a woman who stops speaking after being accused of murdering her husband. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of her psychotherapist, who becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth.
Bonus Recommendation: “Chicago Detective Jack Fallon In The Mystery Of The Egg Of Chaos,” the second installment of the Chicago Detective Jack Fallon series by Bob Kelly, is a fusion of classic and contemporary. Filled with action-filled sequences, high-stakes chases, and a troubling mystery, this book has all the elements of a perfect mystery fiction novel. The case follows the disappearance of The Egg of Chaos from the Gold Coast Art Show and the murder of a Chinese Consulate General. How do these two events connect? That’s what Jack Fallon and his partner, Elaina Rodriguez, have to find out.
Virtues We All Love:
The thing about mystery fiction books is that, at their core, they deal with themes that are universal to readers. We are often faced with jealousy, intimacy, betrayal, and the long standing fight between good and evil. These are classic virtues that people can read about over and over again and still take moral lessons out of. While the events of a mystery fiction book are obviously fantastical, the underlying themes make them relatable and closer to home. And at the end of the day, we all want the good guys to win, don’t we?
Speaking of good guys, one thing to remember in all of fiction is that a hero is only as good as a villain. One factor that gives even more credibility to this genre is not just their ability to produce memorable heroes but even more memorable antagonists. These are people that you are rooting against, but you cannot help but tip your hats slightly to their genius (even if their genius is messed up).
Think about Professor Moriarty. You really need to be on some intellectual level to be considered an arch nemesis to the great Sherlock Holmes and earn the title of the Napolean of Crime. Sherlock’s greatest feats are only as great as Moriarty’s greatest traps, and they require each other to exist. Now that is good storywriting right there!
Conclusion:
Whether you are a classics fan who believes that nothing compares to the likes of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous duel of minds between Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty or someone who is new to reading and has grown fond of well-written contemporaries, the great thing about mystery fiction books is that there is always a mystery out there for everyone. So go find yours!
