The Compelling Appeal Of Crime Fiction Books

By Deanne Shepard


Why is it that a certain genre has such appeal that it always appears on best seller lists? The reason for the popularity of crime fiction books has been pondered over for years. Some attribute this to the vicarious exposure to mystery and suspense. Others propose that the fact that justice prevails is appealing in a world where this often does not happen. Whatever the reason, the fact is undeniable. People love these novels.

The elements of suspense and mystery have definite appeal. Other novels without this element seem to pale in comparison. The reader experiences the adrenalin rush of being right in the middle of pulse-racing events drawing to a climactic conclusion. The fact that such novels are often referred to as page turners bears this out with the reader feeling compelled to find out what happens next.

Another aspect that draws readers in, is the exposure to the mind of the perpetrator. People are always fascinated by the behavior of other humans. We are interested in what motivates them and makes them do the things they do, even if this is perverse and twisted. We find out what could have contributed to making them into what they have become.

We can often identify with the protagonist who is attempting to unmask the murderer. They are usually well drawn characters with their own flaws and demons who persevere despite the odds. When reading these novels, we enjoy following the thought processes of these protagonists as they begin to connect the dots and we even pit our wits against them to see if we can connect them before they do.

These novels are often set in interesting times or places. These are often described in such a way as to make the reader feel that they are actually living in that particular century or place in the world. Italy, Istanbul or Sweden are just some of these places and the action may even take place in the past or in the future.

In these novels the villain either gets caught or suffers the consequences of his or her behavior. It gives readers a sense of resolution and the reassurance that evil is punished and justice is upheld. Too often in the real world this does not happen and the guilty go unpunished.

From the classic whodunit to gruesome modern thrillers, there is something to appeal to every taste. There are those who enjoy solving a puzzle and unraveling a mystery without too much exposure to violence. Others enjoy the thrill of feeling exposed to all the action although they are not actually in any danger. They even experience the adrenaline rush that usually comes when exposed to real danger.

These type of novels cover many facets of human nature and themes that have always held fascination. In them justice is usually served and the mystery is unraveled. The popularity of these novels means that they are widely available and now they can even be bought from internet stores. Readers now have so many options available to them that it can help to read book reviews written by other customers before deciding what to purchase.




About the Author: