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Originally Posted by Bookpossum
And I think that is just as valid as any other way of finding books to enjoy. I think it was PD James who said that people who like order enjoy mysteries because although they start with chaos, order is restored.
I have read a lot of mysteries in my time, and remember I used to enjoy a good murder mystery especially at the end of doing exams. I don’t read them often these days - maybe I have given up on trying to bring order to chaos!
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Yes, the function of the detective in the classic mysteries is generally to restore order and the status quo. And while that's satisfying, I've mostly given up on them--these days I tend to pass up anything with an actual detective, professional or amateur. I like the stories where an apparently average person becomes enmeshed in a suspenseful and/or dangerous situation. The victory over chaos is less clear-cut, especially since there's often some last-minute disruptive twist.
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it’s such a joy when I discover a new to me author and realise he or she already has quite a number of books published. Sometimes early ones aren’t so enjoyable, but it’s interesting to follow an author’s development.
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That's how I felt upon discovering Chris Bohjalian, whose books I am reading in reverse order. I don't know exactly why I decided to be so strict with myself about the order, but I did. I've been spacing out the titles instead of binge-reading his books--contrary to my usual approach.