An interesting comment exchange has got me to thinking about a difficult challenge that crime fiction authors face. Murder and crime are horrible things. Any writer who doesn’t acknowledge that isn’t really writing a credible story. And some authors (I’ll bet you could name at least as many as I could, likely more) focus on that and make their stories quite bleak. But not all readers want a steady diet of bleak, noir novels. So how does an author integrate the real-life sadness and horror of crime while at the same time presenting a positive, hopeful outlook? It’s not easy. But it can be done if the story is in deft hands.
Agatha Christie for instance wrote some novels that have very sad endings and messages. But some of her work is a lot more hopeful. For instance, Death in the Clouds (AKA Death in the Air) tells of the murder of Marie Morisot, usually known as Madame Giselle. She’s a French moneylender who is poisoned while she’s en route between Paris and London. The only possible suspects are her fellow passengers, one of whom is Hercule Poirot. He works with Chief Inspector James ‘Jimmy’ Japp to find out who the killer is. Very soon after the investigation begins, Poirot discovers that a number of people benefited by Madame Giselle’s death; she used information she had about her clients as ‘collateral’ for the loans she made, and several people are highly anxious that their information shouldn’t be made public. In the end, and after another murder, Poirot discovers who the murderer is. This novel certainly acknowledges the sadness of murder and in particular how stressful it is for those caught up in the investigation. But without giving away spoilers, I think I can say that we get the sense that things will be all right. The criminal is caught and the other people involved will go on.
Alexander McCall Smith’s No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series featuring Mma. Precious Ramotswe is like that too. In fact, this is the series that was mentioned in the comments (Thanks, Kathy D.!) that inspired this post. There are lots of examples of what I mean in this series; I’ll just share one. In The Kalahari Typing School For Men, we meet successful civil engineer Mr. Molofelo. When he has a narrow escape from poachers on his ostrich farm, he decides to set some things right in his life. Years ago when he was a student, Mr. Molofelo boarded with the kind and generous Tsolamosese family. While he was there, he stole a radio from them. At the same time in his life, Mr. Molofelo was involved with a girl named Tebogo Bathopi. He got her pregnant but did little to help her. Now Mr. Molofelo wants to find both the Tsolamoseses and his former girlfriend to make things right, so he hires Mma. Ramotswe to find out where they are. She agrees to take the case and tracks down the people Mr. Molofelo wants to find. On the one hand, it’s a sad story. Mma. Ramotswe’s client can’t really undo what he did. On the other, he gets the chance to make amends and we get the strong message that everything is going to be all right. It’s a story that ends on a hopeful note.
Kerry Greenwood’s Corinna Chapman series is like that too. Chapman is a Melbourne baker who lives and works in a Roman-style building called Insula. Chapman doesn’t actively look for mysteries to solve but she frequently gets involved in them because of her loyalty to her friends and fellow residents. And some of her cases are awfully sad. For instance, in Earthly Delights, the first novel in the series, there’s a new resident in Insula Andy Holliday. A former business entrepreneur, Holliday seems to have half-drowned himself in alcohol. We soon discover that a big part of the reason is that his daughter Cherie has gone missing. We also learn that her disappearance has to do with a tragic family rift caused by a horrible incident. Chapman works with her lover Daniel Cohen and information from two other residents to find out what’s happened to Cherie. In this particular case, there is plenty of sadness and Greenwood doesn’t ‘sugarcoat’ it. But at the same time, the case is resolved in a way that gives us hope – a sense that things will be all right.
That’s also what we see in Tarquin Hall’s Vishwas ‘Vish’ Puri series. Puri is a Delhi private investigator who’s usually called in to do background checks on potential brides and grooms so that families can be certain the match will be a suitable one. But sometimes Puri is involved in more difficult cases. For instance, in The Case of the Missing Servant, Puri is hired by successful attorney Ajay Kasliwal to find out what become of the Kasliwal family servant Mary Murmu. She disappeared a few months earlier and Kasliwal has been accused of raping and murdering her. The police don’t want to be accused of being ‘bought’ by the rich and powerful so they make a show of arresting Kasliwal for the crime. Kasliwal claims that although he is hardly perfect, he is innocent of any wrongdoing when it comes to Mary Murmu. So Puri and his team begin to look into the case. The truth of the case is sad and Hall doesn’t make light of what happened to Mary Murmu. At the same time, the end of that story also gives a sense that all will work out. And the ‘feel’ of the novels in this series is more or less optimistic. Hall manages this while still acknowledging the reality of what Puri and his team investigate.
And then there’s Robert Crais’ series featuring PI Elvis Cole and his partner Joe Pike. One of the appealing things about this series is that Crais varies the novels so that they don’t get too ‘samey’ so some of the novels in this series are bleaker than others. But Lullaby Town gives a sense of hope. Famous Hollywood director Peter Alan Nelson hires Cole and Pike to find his missing ex-wife Karen Shipley and their son Toby. Nelson claims that he wants to have a relationship with Toby but he and Karen parted on very bitter terms, so she hasn’t been in contact. Cole’s reluctant at first but finally agrees to take the case. The trail leads to a small Connecticut town where Karen Shipley works in a local bank. Cole soon finds though that this isn’t going to be a simple case. Karen has gotten herself mixed up with the Mob, so some very nasty people soon take an unhealthy interest in Cole and Pike. In some ways this is a sad story and Crais doesn’t make light of the Nelson family rift. Nor does he pretend that getting mixed up with Mob types is fun and lighthearted. It’s actually quite ugly and dangerous. But the ending to this story is in many ways hopeful, and it gives us the feeling that things will work out.
Being able to send that message, while at the same time acknowledging what murder and crime are really like, is not easy. And as I said, some readers don’t want books with a hopeful message. Their taste runs to the bleak. What about you? Do you gravitate towards hopeful books? If you’re a crime writer, do you put a hopeful spin on your stories?
*NOTE: The title of this post is a line from Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds.
It’s interesting you wrote about this topic at this time, Margot. As you know, my first two mysteries were a little light-hearted in spite of the two bodies per book I allowed myself.
When I decided to change my focus and write standalones, I found myself writing darker stuff. Really evil and/or disturbed bad guys and flawed protagonists feel more realistic for today’s world, and readers are definitely not shying away from those types of novels. I still hold out for a hopeful ending though. I want my flawed protagonist to overcome obstacles and be a better person, and I want the bad guys to get what’s coming to them.
Pat – You know, you make an interesting point. Many of today’s novels are a little darker than they used to be (not all of course), and you’re not the only author I know whose work is reflecting today’s times. I also think it’s fascinating that your standalones are darker than your series novels are. I’d have to think about that and try to figure out of that’s a pattern among authors. Hmmmm….. lots of good ‘food for thought,’ for which thanks.
I know what you mean too about wanting even a darker novel to end on a hopeful note. Some people like to read/write novels where there is no nope at all, but I’ll confess to not being one of them. My preferences is for novels where there’s at least a ray, even if the ending is sad.
Another thought-provoking post, Margot. I am an optimistic person by nature, and yet my novels are quite bleak. I sometimes think crime writing allows me to exercise my ‘shadow side’, giving voice to the fears and cynicism I otherwise keep at bay.
I prefer to read and write crime fiction that reflects reality rather than romanticises it. That said, I admire writers who can leave the reader with redemptive moments, even if they occur in the context of a less-than-ideal ending — as I aspire to do in my own writing.
I tried unsuccessfully to trace a line from a novel to the effect that, ‘When it comes to murder, there is never closure’ (you’ll no doubt know it!). I guess there’s an element of that awareness, too, in crime fiction where the endings are more bleak and ambiguous.
Angela – Actually that’s one of the things I like about your novels. Your novels deal with some very sad and bleak topics and your Jayne Keeney certainly doesn’t ‘win against all odds.’ I think that gives an authentic sense of the issues you address, which are complex and deserve more than a ‘glossy’ treatment. And yet, I see some rays of hope in your novels too. I don’t want to spoil the experience for those who’ve not yet had a chance to read your work, but I think there are places in your stories where something positive comes up and the protagonist moves on.
And as for closure, let’s face it; people don’t ‘get over’ the fact of a brutal murder. They don’t ‘get over’ having been the victim of a crime. People can move on and get along, but they are not the same afterwards. Novels that don’t acknowledge that aren’t as authentic in my opinion.
Margot: I would not have guessed our comment exchange would lead you to this post. It is interesting to see what ideas come from exchanges.
With regard to hopeful books I thought of the Maisie Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear. Maisie, as she says in Messenger of Truth, strives at the end of each case to ensure that “those affected by my work are at peace with the outcome”. It is a unique approach in my crime fiction reading.
Bill – I always learn an awful lot from comment exchanges. They never fail to get me thinking actually. And you make a well-taken point about Maisie Dobbs; she does work to ensure that the people whose cases she takes can find some peace. I like that about her as a character, and I like that hopeful note in the books.
One of the joys of reading the Precious Ramotswe series is that it gives the reader the feeling that the world is a good place, and that most people are good and kind. Mms Ramotswe is quite a wonderful character, generous, smart, caring and more. It’s a pleasure to read these books and not get burdened down with the horrors of events, although the seriousness of crimes is not ignored.
And, of course, Corinna Chapman adventures are a lot of fun. There’s lightness and humor in those books — and great characters.
Even though Angela Savage’s books deal with some horrific social issues, the writing doesn’t bog a reader down with despair. I think it’s because of Jayne Keeney’s personality. There’s also sharp wit in these books. I find myself chuckling while I’m angry at the perpetrators of awful crimes. Jayne is just plain likeable. One wants to see what she’ll do and say, and then what she’ll do again.
I find myself reading a bit of Nero Wolfe books right now, where brutality and gore are not splashed on the pages, where there is lightheartedness and lots of humor. Sometimes that’s what is needed.
And, thanks for the Bob Marley reference. He was one of the world’s best musicians. Too bad we lost him at such a young age. He influenced so many other musicians, though, and his music is preserved on cd’s.
Kathy – I really like Bob Marley’s music too. He certainly had a powerful influence on music and a unique style and voice. And you’re absolutely right about Angela Savage’s Jayne Keeney. She’s likeable and a strong character and she does indeed have a great sense of humour. Yes, there’s awful sadness in her novels because the issues are awful. But the books as you say aren’t overly weighed down by that.
One thing I like very much about Kerry Greenwood’s Corinna Chapman series is the sense of community among the residents of Chapman’s building and among her other friends too. Everyone looks out for one another and I like that sense of positivity in the novels. And I couldn’t agree with you more about the #1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series. Mma. Ramotswe certainly makes mistakes, but she’s got a lot of wisdom and she is a kind and compassionate person. As you say, McCall Smith doesn’t make light of crimes or their effects, but the books don’t drag because of that.
I’ve just been reading Alexander McCall Smith’s Blue Shoes and Happiness – the Mma Ramotswe books are remarkable for their efforts to stay positive and uplifting. I’m always impressed by that aspect of them, it;s not easy to do.
Moira – Oh, I like Blue Shoes and Happiness. I hope you liked it too. I like this series too for its overall positive message about life and you’re right; that’s not easy to accomplish. I think I’m especially impressed with that aspect of the series because it isn’t a comic/caper series. McCall Smith doesn’t make light of crime. And yet the series is hopeful and uplifting.
I do like a hopeful ending and in the last two books by Alan Furst Spies of the Balkans and Spies of Warsaw I have read he miraculously provides a ray of sunshine at the end. This is in contrast to Silenced; Kristina Ohlsson and Dark Angel; Mari Jungstedt where the authors decided their characters hadn’t gone through quite enough misery and piled it on at the end.
Norman – I know what you mean. Both Ohlsson’s and Jungstedt’s work can be awfully bleak. So can Karin Alvtegen’s. And they’re by no means the only ones. Your comment actually raises another interesting question: how much are we willing to see a character have to endure? I don’t mean just physical pain (too many novels feature the sleuth-in-peril scenario). Really I mean sadness and sorrow. A character who’s had to deal with some things can be more interesting for it. But I really think there’s a limit. So I don’t blame you for liking the Furst approach, where there’s some hope.
I don’t like books to be too bleak. There is enough doom and gloom around. But as you say, you do need to believe in a book for it to resonate with you. A fine example of someone who balances this is, in my opinion, Fred Vargas. The plots are slightly preposterous, but you completely believe in them, and look for a resolution and restitution for crimes committed.
Sarah – You put that very well. Plots have to be sad enough, if I can put it that way, to be credible. But like you I also want some resolution and some sense of hope in my crime fiction. There is definitely more than enough gloom and bleakness in the real world as it is. And thanks for mentioning Vargas’ work. You’re quite right I think about the balance she achieves. And I really must put one of her books in the spotlight.
Absolutely true about Fred Vargas, an author whose works I look forward to reading and enjoy a great deal. Quirky as can be, the plots are riveting, interesting and don’t bog the reader down with despair.
And since we’re being frank here, I think that Asa Larsson put Rebecka Martinsson through too much brutality at the end of two books. One ending was so violent that she ended up being hospitalized for a long time.
I was so glad that she was fine at the end of Until Thy Wrath Be Past, an excellent book.
Kathy – I completely agree with you about Åsa Larsson. Rebecca Martinsson had so many awful things happen to her in the first few novels in that series. It was heartening to see that that didn’t happen in Until Thy Wrath Be Past. I’m looking forward to the next one in that series. And yes, Fred Vargas’ work is terrific, too.
Margot, I like all kinds of mysteries. The Nero Wolfe series is my favorite of all time, and those stories don’t get graphic or bleak, as was noted in the comments. On the other hand, I am enjoying many of the more realistic, and often bleaker, current mysteries. I really liked The Guards by Ken Bruen and boy, is that bleak.
I just finished a Miss Marple, Murder at the Vicarage, and although those stories are not bleak, Miss Marple is often very aware of the evil lying underneath and hidden. Haven’t read a Miss Marple in a long time, and that was kind of a surprise for me.
Tracy – You know, you’ve got a well-taken point about the Miss Marple mysteries. Miss Marple really is keenly aware of just how much evil there can be. Even though as you say the stories themselves don’t get horribly bleak, they do touch on darker themes. I think that makes them more well-rounded.
Like you, I like a variety of mysteries. Sometimes I like the Ken Bruen/Megan Abbott very bleak kind of story. Other times I like a ray of home. I think in general though I spend more time reading stories where there’s some redemptive thing happening – some kind of hope.