Mitchell Morris Authors Unveil Writing Mystery Novels

Oct. 22, 2012 - PRLog -- Mystery, an event that remains unclear or unknown to arouse curiosity for the reader. In murder mystery novels, the event for the reader is the progressive revelation of who committed the murder. In earlier years, the most popular mystery books surrounded detective stories like Sherlock Holmes, written by Sir Author Conan Doyle, which first appeared in publication in 1887. Holmes, with his brim hat and smoking pipe always solved the most integrate crimes. Then moving forward, we see Agatha Christie, who had been a fan of detective novels like Sherlock Holmes decided to write her own detective novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles written in 1916 and published in 1921. Christie’s novels were widely known for suspense, mystery and surprise plot twists, which kept the readers on the edge of their seats and glued to each page as they eagerly awaited the unveiling of the killer at large.

In modern day mystery, Mike Ashley describes in his The Mammoth Encyclopedia of Modern Crime Fiction, published in 2002,  crime fiction where there are breakdowns in law enforcement, or stories that surround supernatural events.  Ashley begins with the private detective, and then describes in detail, police procedures and lists categories in which detectives that specialize in fields of legal, academic, ecclesiastic, journalistic, business and finance, sports, stage, and screen. He also mentions the humor, and charming settings of traditional cozy mysteries.

After a decade or so, the mystery genre has expanded to include medical and crime dramas. A few of those highly rated and popular mystery authors and books today are; Janet Evanovich-One For The Money, Steg Larsson-The Girl With The Dragon Tatto,  and Dan Brown – The Da Vinci Code.

What makes this genre, even after a decade, popular among readers? Two Mitchell Morris Publishing authors share their opinion.

“I’m all about the little twists or shocks,’” says Kiki Howell, author of Hidden Salem, “As you read the novel, the story happens, but there’s that little surprise you didn’t expect. If I can predict the whole mystery, then the book wasn’t suspenseful. Although I'm usually a dark, paranormal type reader and love books by Heather Graham. I have just fallen in love with Annette Blair's Vintage Mystery series. I would have to say Heather Graham is my favorite author.”

Paul McNabb, author of the upcoming detective novel, The Jaguar Conspiracy states, “I look for mysteries that start with gripping action, laced with contradictory facts from the first page. What is going on? Nothing makes sense! Someone must figure this out! I like contemporary mysteries set in Los Angeles or San Francisco, but I also like noir settings from the thirties to the fifties. Finally, the characters and environment must provide a tapestry to stimulate the imagination of the reader. The plot must be thrilling, as well as believable.”

“As a young teenager,” McNabb continues, “ I discovered Ian Fleming and James Bond. Fleming spun a web covering exotic cities with a debonair protagonist weaving his way through the locales and characters. I liked each mystery taking place after the previous and the main character aging in the process. Much later, I discovered Raymond Chandler. His command of the English language, sometimes in almost antique terms, was astonishing. His descriptions of characters and locales were beyond compare. I actually wanted to live near Los Angeles after reading his books. Finally, I discovered Michael Connelly. Obviously, I like the locales he uses and his protagonist, Harry Bosch. He spins intricate plots with believable characters and clues.  Kiss the Girls-James Patterson-such a complex plot. The Silence of the Lambs-Thomas Harris-again, such a complex story with a tremendous cast of well-developed characters.”

Kiki Howell is the author of the new paranormal mystery/suspense novel Hidden Salem, released this month. The story involves Makayla, a woman with an interesting gift of empathy who takes a trip to Salem Massachusetts in this modern day tale of mystery and witchcraft. While immersed in situations she never expected like residual hauntings and necromancy, she finds herself running from a dark witch coven while trying to protect her heart from a sexy cop. Yet, it is Lauri, a witch who owns a local shop that teaches Makayla about who she is and what she can do. Howell’s previous works create the intensity, drama, and suspense you’d expect to see in a romantic novel. Hidden Salem is Kiki Howell’s the first mystery novel, and empowers her talented writing into a suspenseful, dark mystery as well as dramatic love triangle. As always, her compelling stories leave readers on the edge of their seat.

Paul McNabb, a writer and Jaguar enthusiast, writes for Letter From American for XK Gazette, a classic car magazine published in England which is distributed to fifty-five different countries around the world. McNabb’s debut mystery novel, The Jaguar Conspiracy, follows a retired detective Michael McAllister as he is suddenly drawn out from retirement to solve a hideous murder in San Francisco. The Jaguar Conspiracy is the first book in the new Michael McAllister Mystery series. The series, much like its predecessors, follows detective McAllister through modern day technology and just plain good old common sense for crime solving. Of course, as any great detective has a side kick, his all faithful antique Jaguar, Lucille is there to help solve the case. The Michael McAllister Mysteries are a unique series that will delight, thrill, and charm the many Jaguar enthusiasts for many years to come.

Visit: www.mitchellmorrispublishing.com