A Mystery worth looking for + More reflections on books perhaps?

[seraphimsigrist.livejournal.com]

Friends,
I used to read a great many mystery stories. This was during
my years as a missionary in Japan chiefly, and because somehow
the english language bookstores carried them in large numbers.
Some have Christian significance in a clear and interesting way--
Agatha Christie's stories about Harley Quinn a sort
of supernatural detective related to matters of the heart
and of the Harelequinade...
Dorothy Sayers of course always has a Christian background
and theological reflection by her detectivePeter Wimsey.
G.K.Chesterton's Father Brown stories even more so...

In general if I may say so I would be interested on this forum
in reflections on books read as well as, I do not say in place
of, lists of books members have read, hope to read etc.
It would be interesting to discuss books from a Christian
point of view wouldn't it?

Anyway I used to read many mysteries but not often now...
However I read one in December which I commend to you as worth
seeking out. It is the first substantial story about a black
detective by a black writer, Rudolph Fisher's
The Conjure Man Dies. It is set in Harlem of Fisher's
time(1930) and includes a wonderful group of characters,all
black, ranging from the learned to colorful street people. He
has a fine ear for dialogue and sets up a situation which is
very intruiging of a murder from which the murdered person
apparently returns and yet wishes to have his 'murderer' found.

But let me put a page here for you which while not exactly
theological, nonetheless shows a sense of wonder at the small
worlds within worlds revealed by the microscope.

First the setting Frimbo, a sort of consulting witch doctor,
has been killed but then the body disappears and Frimbo
reappears. Dart, the police detective, and Archer the doctor,
are examining a slide with blood to determine if the
reappeared Frimbo is the dead (and resurrected) Frimbo.

The specific point that interests me most,aside the story, is
Archer's discussion of the micro worlds the microscope opens
.

I am thinking that now with more money coming to Harlem and the
gentrification of the area, it may come to be less the brightly colored
world of Fisher and the Harlem Renaissance or later of Chester Himes'
Cotton comes to Harlem. The eccentricity fade into American gray...
Yet it is good to have money and I suppose even good to have a normal
job...there is always loss with gain isnt there?
Anyway...
So this bit of a book recommended and I am yours wishing
all good reading!
+Seraphim
.

Comments

[eattheolives.livejournal.com]

I used to read a lot of mysteries (have you ever read anything by Rex Stout?), but haven't much in the last few years. Your post reminded me that I would like to read through the Lord Peter books this year - thank you!

Another of my reading goals this year is to be more thoughtful about reviewing books, at least selective ones. I'll try to make a point to post here when I do. :)

nero wolfe

[seraphimsigrist.livejournal.com]

Yes I loved Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe and Archie...
and still take one on an airplane sometimes.
Stout was not a believer and the stories do not
advance the characters ...but this last has the
advantage that whether it is an early or a late
nero wolfe, it is the same people so there is no
need to read them in any order.

wolfe also is presented as, and considerably is, a
clear thinker with a love for pure english language etc
and this is good even if not exactly theological.
also his love of orchids and food is attractive!

[everydayjoy.livejournal.com]

What a lovely post!

I have only just discovered the delights of mysteries these past few years! Some which I've enjoyed immensely have been the Brother Cadfael stories by Ellis Peters. They are centred round a retired-Crusader-turned-monk, Cadfael, and the world of the monastery he is a part of. They are gentle and thoughtful mysteries with beautiful characters and intelligent history.

[seraphimsigrist.livejournal.com]

you know I never read a brother cadfael?
I think he became popular as I was fading
from the mystery scene...a little burned out
maybe. I think I read at least 60 books by
agatha christie.
I should get one, in fact you have convinced me
I will intend to get one!