What is Classic Crime?
I think it is considered to be set between the 1920s and 60s, be less graphic or dark than some modern crime, and focus on an intricate plot and the intellectual solving of the ‘whodunit’ puzzle.
Authors of this genre include Arthur Conan Doyle, Dorothy L. Sayers, and, of course, Agatha Christie, who died fifty years ago last month.
I was first introduced to Christie through the 1980s Miss Marple television series. We rewatched these as a family last month, and everything from the theme tune, the locations and the cast gave a wonderfully warm and nostalgic feeling.
Watching this series again gave me a nudge to re-read the books. But, as you can see from my sparse bookshelf in the photo below, I don’t seem to own that many. I think it is because we always borrowed books from the library, rather than buying them, a practice that I just don’t do anymore.
For me, Joan Hickson is Miss Marple. Her voice, her mannerisms, and the intensity behind her blue eyes are perfect for the physically delicate but fearless old lady. It is as if she thinks as Miss Marple, and holds the same moral beliefs in right and wrong. As I read the pages now, I can hear her voice saying: ‘Dear me. I wonder who that can be?’ or, ‘Well, of course, my dear.’
In those days the police didn’t wear protective clothing; there isn’t an overall or shoe covering in sight. Anybody seemed to be able to wander around a crime scene, including inquisitive old ladies. The key is often who is married to whom, as people are not always who they say they are. And all upstanding members of the community, particularly doctors, need to be looked at with suspicion.
Agatha Christie is certainly influencing the modern viewer and reader with Seven Dials now out on Netflix. And there has always been a debate about which version of Murder on the Orient Express was better. When I think of Poirot, I see David Suchet.
Which books do you think are well adapted for television or the big screen? Have you usually read the book first, and then watched the film? Or do you, like me on this occasion, get drawn in by the adaptation, and then search for the book?
Thank you
January has seen both my highest monthly sales and page reads. Thank you. It is energising for a self-published author to know people are starting the series and getting to know the characters. I’ve had some correspondence about Tom; I know readers are intrigued to see how he develops. There is plenty in store for him.
Reviews:
“An impressive debut and a highly enjoyable read. Fans of intelligent, character-driven crime fiction will be eager to follow Detective Tom Robertson into his next case. Highly recommended.”
Full version on Goodreads for Wrath of Revenge
“Tom Robertson continues to shine as a lead character. His motivation to “make a difference” is tested harder than ever, as he comes face to face with a killer who believes he is justice. The moral conflict between lawful policing and vigilante brutality is handled intelligently, giving the story depth beyond the murders themselves.”
Full version on Goodreads for Deadly Justice
Reviews like these give me even more encouragement to get on and finish book 4, Body in the Thames.
Book 4 – Body in The Thames
Tom’s character is developing and, although he has come to London and the Met with the aim of making a difference, in book 4 he ponders whether to chuck it in and go back to Scotland, or to stay and apply for the DI job at Merran Road.
His colleagues DS Greg Hawthorn and DI Sean Bishop have main roles in this book, and their explosive behaviour leads to trouble. As I write, I have decided there is not enough DC Teddy Bearing, so book 5 will include plenty of him, and possibly Tom and DCI John Walters going in search of the escapee from book 1. I hope both books 4 and 5 will be out this year, with Murder on the Beach and Darkness to Light to follow in 2027.