Do you like your mystery fresh?

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As I watch mystery series on television which is set in early 20th century England, I wonder if readers prefer their mysteries set in current times or years previous?

I've never been a fan of historical fiction but sometimes it's interesting to watch a detective solve a crime without the assistance of modern technology. Then there was the television show with Andy Griffth, Matlock. Certainly more modern but still years before DNA was available.

Do you prefer your mystery to be along the lines of a Sherlock Holmes? Sherlock Holmes has been a huge player in the world of mystery for many years and continues to dominant the market. Think about the not one but two block bluster movies starring Robert Downey, Jr. Perhaps it was his James Bond type of detective? Or maybe the way Holmes would take crazy risks and morph into someone else in disguise?

Move forward in time to Miss Marple, another very prominent character in historical mystery. Agatha Christie's iconic protagonist was an unlikely person to solve crimes. She spawned a long lasting television series in the form of Murder She Wrote.

One of my personal favorites is Stephanie Plum. The slightly wild New Jersey bail enforcer who can't make up her mind which man to pick. She has a variety of odd situations and a crazy grandmother. I loved the character through the first twelve books and then she frustrated me.

So, do you like your mystery served fresh or do you like it to have marinated a while? Which type makes your heart race and your brain hurt from trying to solve the mystery before the detective? What keeps you up late at night unable to stop turning the pages?

Happy trails,

Leslie

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