Or tell us something you like.
Or, you can agree with what someone else says.
Mine is:
I like mysteries that are character driven, rather than plot based. I love to get into someone's head and experience that person's emotions. If an author does it right, it doesn't matter to me if the plot is simple or intricate.
Okay, your turn. Please share.
Morgan Mandel writes thrillers, mysteries and romances.
Find excerpts and buy links to her novels at http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com/
Amazon Central Page: http://amazon.com/author/morganmandel
14 comments:
I never write character that are black or white. Moral complexity makes for a far more interesting story.
Good point, John. I don't know one person who is absolutely good or absolutely evil in real life, and characters that reflect that are more compelling.
Morgan Mandel
http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com
Morgan - I agree with your post - I like mysteries that transcend whodunnit. Stories that show us the affects that a crime has on the people involved. Imagine, if a murder were to happen in your family or town, would you be able to go back to life as normal just because the perp was caught?
Very true, Susan.
Just seeing how murder affects people watching TV, I can't imagine how it would affect someone when it happens in their own family.
Morgan Mandel
http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com
The one person who seems like the perfect culprit, never is. My other observation is you never know what will be a clue, so you have to pay close attention. Sometimes, it's not until the mystery is solved that you realize something was a clue.
Very true, Cheryl. I usually try to figure out the least likely person to have done it, then I see if I'm right.
Morgan Mandel
http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com
I like mysteries because justice is usually done. I worked in TV news for many years and saw cases where it seemed to me that justice wasn't done, where someone got off, or got only a light sentence, or plea bargained. I started writing mysteries so I could create characters and make them suffer for their crimes.
Carolyn,
Excellent reason! You are so right. Almost all the mystery authors make sure that justice is dispensed correctly! It does leave a satisfying feeling for the reader, actually, the author as well!
Morgan Mandel
http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com
Well-written characters are essential, but I'm more interested in the story. Even if I love the characters, I'll close the book if the plot is weak, predictable or potholed. When a character has major problems unrelated to the main story and they overshadow the plot, I want to scream, "Get over it, get a life, and gimme a good story." When I want screwed-up people, I'll watch Dr. Phil. I know I'm different from most people in this regard, but I'm happy in my own world. They take good care of me here and make sure I take my meds. ;-)
True, a mystery with realistic characters that I can get to know are a MUST, but having the plot/mystery be really good and unique is also a MUST for me. :-)
Yes, there is a limit. If the story doesn't make sense, the author is acting like the readers have no brains.
Morgan Mandel
I realized tonight driving home that I like the amateur sleuth better than the police procedural.
Lynn, I do, too! With the amateur sleuth you get more of the character's feelings.
Morgan Mandel
http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com
hi,
to me, a mystery has to be character-driven. (which is also what I write) if not, it loses my interest pretty fast. I also like period mysteries -- caleb carr, etc.
Sandy Gardner
sgardner2@hvc.rr.com
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