Galveston Author Saralyn Richard
Saralyn Richard is the author of award-winning mysteries that pull back the curtain on people in settings as diverse as elite country manor houses and disadvantaged urban high schools. An active member of International Thriller Writers and Mystery Writers of America, Saralyn teaches creative writing and literature.
Her favorite thing about being an author is connecting with readers like you.
Detective fiction, also known as police procedurals or crime fiction, began in the English-language literature in the mid-nineteenth century with Edgar Allan Poe’s C. Auguste Dupin, a brilliant thinker who used “rationcination” to solve crimes. (The word detective hadn’t been invented yet, but Dupin’s name has its roots in “duping” or “deception.”) The enormously popular Dupin was followed by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot.
All three of these fictional detectives became larger-than-life and inspired generations of mystery authors. Thus, a subgenre of mystery fiction was born and has grown into one of the most preferred types of novels today. I’ve enjoyed detective fiction since I was a young girl (Nancy Drew), so I’ve had plenty of opportunities to analyze what makes it so engaging.
1. First, we have the age-old concept of good vs. evil. The detective is the force for good, seeking truth, determined to restore order by bringing evildoers to justice. How can the reader help rooting for that kind of hero?
2. A well-written detective novel invites the reader to follow the clues to join in solving the intellectual and emotional puzzle of the mystery. This participatory involvement brings readers close to writers who have laid out the puzzle for them. Whether I’m able to figure out the puzzle before the big reveal at the end or not, I’m thoroughly in sync with the author as I read along.
3. Detective novels reaffirm certain principles of culture and life. They underscore that bad things happen; that sometimes people fall prey to sin, corruption, and inhumanity; but also that when injustices occur, there are those who will work hard to right the wrongs. Crime doesn’t pay.
Detective Oliver Parrott, the righter of wrongs in my Detective Parrott Mystery Series, (whose last name is a nod to Poirot), carries all the charm of a good guy up against extremely difficult odds. Young, African American, and raised by a single mother in an impoverished neighborhood, Parrott is an outsider in the opulent Brandywine Valley, where many of America’s wealthiest and most powerful live. Parrott’s intelligence, ambition, and strong moral compass give him the power to see beyond the glitz and secrecy and dare to challenge it.
Unlike Poirot and the traditional detectives, Parrott shares much of his life’s experience as he goes after criminals. His fiancée is doing a tour of duty in Afghanistan with the Navy. His cousin has recently been killed as an innocent bystander by police fire. Parrott’s struggles are woven into the mystery in a way that makes him authentic and relatable. In each of the three books in the series (and a fourth coming before year’s end), the reader comes to know Parrott in a deeper way—he becomes as close as a neighbor, a relative, a friend. Like many other readers, I can’t wait to go along on Parrott’s next adventure. How about you?
Follow Saralyn and subscribe to her monthly newsletter at http://saralynrichard.com.
Many thanks to the incredible George Cramer for hosting me today. The vast community of mystery writers is made small and cozy by writers and readers like George and you. Thank you for reading, and I look forward to your comments.
In some ways your Detective Parrott makes me think of the Sidney Poitier role in In The Heat of the Night. Love your books
Thanks for the comparison and the compliment, Debra. In some ways, Mr. Tibbs charted the course for detectives like Parrott, who are smart, morally grounded, and dedicated to finding truth and justice, no matter what.
I’ve been watching Lupin, and am tempted to check out the books created by Maurice Leblanc beginning in 1905. Even though Lupin is certainly not a detective, I feel there might be some crossover characteristics. Very nice post. Thank you Saralyn and George!
I like your thinking, Peg. We can learn so much from authors, characters, and books.
There are also Wilkie Collins’ books The Woman in White and The Moonstone. I like your point about righting wrongs. That does make a mystery pay off.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Anne. I need to read Collins’ books. I’ve meant to for a long time.
Saralyn, you’ll enjoy Wilkie Collins. The Moonstone (1868) is considered the first full-length mystery novel! There are two competing detectives: Sgt. Cuff of Scotland Yard, and Franklin Blake, an amateur sleuth.
It sounds like you’re well-versed in the history of the mystery, Saralyn. Good luck with your series.
Thanks for the compliment and good wishes, Michael.
Great blog post, Saralyn, I love all the Parrott comparisons, especially Debra’s.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Kathleen. Your journey with Parrott is almost as long as mine!
I’m really looking forward to the next Parrot!