by Julie, pondering the mystery author brain in Somerville

Curiosity is necessary for a mystery writer. How does this work? What does that forensic evidence mean? How would an investigator figure out the type of shoe worn in mud?

The problem is, not only are we curious, we do deep dives into subjects. We watch true crime dramas and take notes. We listen to podcasts about investigations and question everything while doing frantic Google searches about the case. We watch Dateline like it’s our job. Because it sort of is.

No matter what genre we write, we need to know the mechanics of crime. But lately I’ve been wondering–does that make enjoying the genre more difficult?

When I hear about a coffee cup or piece of gum being tossed, I roll my eyes. OF COURSE that will come up later for DNA or for prints. Please, oh please, surprise me and let that be a MacGuffin, and not criminal or investigative oversight. (A MacGuffin is a plot device in a story or film that drives the plot and motivates characters, but is usually unimportant or irrelevant in itself.)

Since my job is to create puzzles and snares, it is difficult to surprise me. Instead I see the plot holes that the denouement leaves open. I expect the worst of people. I long for the “old” days when I’d be delighted by a plot, or a surprise. Now I either expect them, or dissect them, or both.

Do you find that you aren’t surprised any more? That the twist doen’t twist as much?

I do have some hope for my holiday TBR pile, but I won’t be surprised if I’m not surprised.

Mystery lovers, do you worry that you know too much?