On Display at Odum 2023: Mystery and Adrenaline

Tropes and Themes

The Puzzle: Mystery plots are not driven by characters; they are driven by figuring out a puzzle. There is always a question to be answered, typically it is, “Who did it? Who committed the crime (generally the murder?)’” (Tapply, 2011, p.3). The audience is usually not privy to the true answer to any of the big questions at the beginning of the story.

Structure: The plot of the novel revolves entirely around the crime and the investigation. Once the “puzzle is solved, the story ends,” (Tapply, 2011, p.3). Any information revealed is typically a clue to support the crime being solved such as a character being caught in a lie over a small detail.

The Sleuth as the Hero: The main character is typically a sleuth, whether they are professionals or amateurs depends on the work. They always solve the puzzle by using, “intelligence, perseverance, courage, physical strength, moral conviction, or a combination of these qualities,” (Tapply, 2011, p. 3). This trope can be seen in mystery novels from Sherlock Holmes to Nancy Drew.

The Worthy Villain: The villain, “generally the murderer,” is the antithesis of the sleuth (Tapply, 2011, p.3). They make solving the puzzle difficult for the sleuth and the audience while consistently pushing the protagonist to their limits psychologically. This trope is the origin of the “Moriarty Principal,” defined as “the full and equal force,” opposed to Holmes (Canton, 1997, p.4).

Appeals of the Genre

Mystery novels, even those with exotic backdrops, typically begin with, “someone being killed and someone else trying to find out who the killer is,” (Dann & Cunningham, 2023, p.202). The appeal of this plot is, no matter where the story takes place there is comfort in “a predictable structure,” (Dann & Cunningham, 2023, 205). This structure rarely strays from tradition, but the stories never fail to entertain the reader.

Mysteries allow readers to experience the thrill of solving a crime while in the comfort of their homes, in a café, or on vacation. There is always action and an opportunity for the reader to investigate and take notes along with the protagonist. Beyond that, mystery novels get readers to, “question their impressions as they try to figure out who the murderer is,” usually by following a series of clues about motive, means, and opportunity uncovered by the sleuth (Dann & Cunningham, 2023, p.205). Readers can equally anticipate a tight ending, with all the questions answered and loose ends tied. If it’s a cozy mystery there’s a chance of getting a decent coconut cream pie recipe.