Very good insights. I’d like to recommend Emily Hanlon as an author with a wonderful modern spin on the God-like Catholic detective—not a priest but a quirky old church lady who always wears purple. The first book is called Who Am I to Judge?, and the series is the Martha and Marya Mysteries.
As always, I so enjoy your thoughts in your newsletters. What a great “Part III” on Order and Chaos and the murder mystery! As I am currently reading the Cormoran Strike mysteries (by Robert Galbraith/J.K. Rowling), I have been wondering about the flawed detective who restores order in a chaotic world. Strike is definitely the “hero or the investigator [who] crosses London with something of the loneliness and liberty of a prince in a tale of elfland.” It would not surprise me to know Galbraith/Rowling knows these words by Chesterton.
Wondering if you have read The Cormoran Strike mysteries and if you think it a series that revolves around his flaws (at times, perhaps), or would you consider him a just and ordered detective? I am inclined to think the latter, especially as the series continues into its recently published 7th installment, however thought I would pose that question about a modern detective at the forefront of my reading.
Since you’re a Janeite like me, have you read Stephanie Barron’s Jane Austen Mystery Series. It’s one of the first mystery series that I have read. I really enjoyed it!
Still just absolutely loving this series. This post does such an excellent job of putting into words why I find old school detective fiction (Conan Doyle, Peters, Sayers, Chesterton) comforting and cozy. They also don’t roll around in and go into great detail about the muck and darkness they deal with (I used to watch Criminal Minds and just kept finding it was too disturbing and bleak for example). I think the lack of redemptive hope in modern fiction in general is why I tend to dislike so much of it. I do want order and hope restored and problems resolved at the end of the book, even if there’s a cost (Lord of the Rings is a perfect example, in my mind, of a modern book that takes sin/brokenness/wounds that can’t be healed in this lifetime seriously, but also knows good can win victories despite there being a ‘cost.’)
Such a great series Haley, thanks so much! This is one of my favorite genres and it's nice to be reminded that it's not just easy reading or a guilty pleasure - good detective fiction is also morally instructive! I loved Lucy Worsley's "A Very British Murder" on this topic as well.
Very good insights. I’d like to recommend Emily Hanlon as an author with a wonderful modern spin on the God-like Catholic detective—not a priest but a quirky old church lady who always wears purple. The first book is called Who Am I to Judge?, and the series is the Martha and Marya Mysteries.
I have heard good things about this series! Thanks for the rec, Karen!
Haley,
As always, I so enjoy your thoughts in your newsletters. What a great “Part III” on Order and Chaos and the murder mystery! As I am currently reading the Cormoran Strike mysteries (by Robert Galbraith/J.K. Rowling), I have been wondering about the flawed detective who restores order in a chaotic world. Strike is definitely the “hero or the investigator [who] crosses London with something of the loneliness and liberty of a prince in a tale of elfland.” It would not surprise me to know Galbraith/Rowling knows these words by Chesterton.
Wondering if you have read The Cormoran Strike mysteries and if you think it a series that revolves around his flaws (at times, perhaps), or would you consider him a just and ordered detective? I am inclined to think the latter, especially as the series continues into its recently published 7th installment, however thought I would pose that question about a modern detective at the forefront of my reading.
I have not, but I've always wanted to! I need to make it happen.
I had the same thought! Strike is a strange one because he's personally flawed but not morally compromised. Same with Robin, I'd argue.
That latest one was a tough read though - lots more child abuse than I needed.
Since you’re a Janeite like me, have you read Stephanie Barron’s Jane Austen Mystery Series. It’s one of the first mystery series that I have read. I really enjoyed it!
I have not read them! I'll check them out!
Still just absolutely loving this series. This post does such an excellent job of putting into words why I find old school detective fiction (Conan Doyle, Peters, Sayers, Chesterton) comforting and cozy. They also don’t roll around in and go into great detail about the muck and darkness they deal with (I used to watch Criminal Minds and just kept finding it was too disturbing and bleak for example). I think the lack of redemptive hope in modern fiction in general is why I tend to dislike so much of it. I do want order and hope restored and problems resolved at the end of the book, even if there’s a cost (Lord of the Rings is a perfect example, in my mind, of a modern book that takes sin/brokenness/wounds that can’t be healed in this lifetime seriously, but also knows good can win victories despite there being a ‘cost.’)
Thank you, Elise! And yes. Totally agree about LOTR. You can take brokenness and suffering seriously and still have eucatastrophe!
Such a great series Haley, thanks so much! This is one of my favorite genres and it's nice to be reminded that it's not just easy reading or a guilty pleasure - good detective fiction is also morally instructive! I loved Lucy Worsley's "A Very British Murder" on this topic as well.
Thanks, Elizabeth!