Friday, August 23, 2013

Stories From New Murder Mystery Writers

By Tara Daniels


People of all ages love to read crime novels. The plot twists of these tales fascinate many. Almost daily, new murder mystery writers surface. There are stories for all ages, from early reader chapter books to adult novels. Most genres at some point in time have some sort of criminal activity depicted.

Though authors who they have been depending on for years by publishers are their lifeblood, they also look for new talent. They constantly look for new talent to add to their stable of authors. Sometimes they launch new talent in connection with veteran authors. Using common themes, the new names are helped by the loyalty of the veteran's readers.

Though they are not exactly new, Cozy novels are considered a new genre. Similar to old British crime novels, but with a difference, these novels feature a female sleuth as the protagonist. Read mostly by women, they are also generally written by women. The female sleuth is quite good at figuring out the puzzle presented, often when others have been unsuccessful. They are able to solve the crime with what seems to be little effort.

Certain significant characteristics are common for the cozies. The biggest is the absence of violence. Though someone does get killed, the reader never sees the gory details that are often portrayed in other mysteries. There is merely the suggestion of what happens. The reader decodes the event using their experience with other crime novels.

Other traits of this genre is the fact that the sleuth is a woman, an amateur, and works independently of any organization, though they can often get help from the professionals. Often, romantic interests are developed. However, just as violence is not depicted, neither are details of sexual relationships.

A cozy novel is character-driven as opposed to being plot-driven. The characters are strong figures. The female sleuth is especially strongly developed. Settings may be exotic, or in interesting local setting. Cruise ships are popular for settings. The crime may have occurred in the sleuth's own neighborhood. However, especially if a series is planned, the local murders will of course have to be limited.

Just because characterization is paramount doesn't mean the plot is not important. On the contrary. Many authors weave strong plot lines along with the character focus. The character is the most important aspect, though the plot is also important. The protagonist is the primary focus in the whole novel, with her (or his) every action being important to advance the story. The reader follows closely as the protagonist unravels the mystery others have not been able to do. Romantic suspense novels and Gothic novels are variations of this genre.

This genre, or sub-genre of crime novels, is rapidly growing, meaning there is a need for new murder mystery writers to write them. Publishers are constantly searching for new talent who can deliver these tales. If the author can provide a character-driven tale with a strong plot, such as that delivered by Gillian B. Farrell and W. Edward Blain, they will be highly valued by these publishers. Other authors may not write exactly in this genre, however.




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