Topic: Is this an uncommon type of mystery? (Read 2013 times)

Teslas Pigeon · « **on:** March 06, 2021, 04:03:42 PM »

Hello, new here and looking for advice. Being a bit older than some here, I am a fan of the old Columbia tv mysteries and came up with what I believe is a good plot and interesting story, but from looking at the current stock of mysteries at my local B&N, I didn’t see any of what I have seen described as a “howcatchem” rather than a “who doneit” that seem to predominate on the shelves.

Is there any market for that type of mystery at the present time? I also noticed that very few have a police detective as the protagonist but instead favor the “amateur sleuth”. Is there a reason for this? Is the police detective as protagonist a poor choice for some reason?

I hope the professionals on this site can offer some guidance.

Thank you!

Teslas Pigeon · « **Reply #1 on:** March 06, 2021, 04:05:18 PM »

Am I on the wrong thread for this question?

Dave Freas · « **Reply #2 on:** March 06, 2021, 05:08:55 PM »

No, Teslas, you're not on the wrong thread.

There is a market for police procedurals - check out Stephen Booth's Cooper and Fry (English), James Lee Burke's Robicheaux, Jeff Carson's Dave Wolf, Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch and Renee Ballard, Deborah Crombie's Kincaid and James (English), J. A. Jance's J. P. Beaumont, and Johanna Brady, Craig Johnson's Walt Longmire, Archer Mayor's Joe Gunther, Toby Neal's Lei Crime, Robert B. Parker's Jesse Stone, and John Sandford's Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers.
Those are just from my 'Books Read' list.

Teslas Pigeon · « **Reply #3 on:** March 07, 2021, 07:49:05 AM »

Thanks Dave! What about the other question- are there any Columbo style mysteries out there where the protagonist thinks he or she knows who did it but needs to prove they did and also how they did it?