The American crime novel has a central place in our literary culture, providing authors with a form that almost inevitably confronts questions basic to a democratic society devoted to ideals of equality and justice. The conflict between these ideals and the realities of race, class, and gender in American culture forms the foundation for much of our best crime fiction. The four novels we will explore demonstrate both the variety and power of this genre.
Our exploration begins with Barbara Neely’s Blanche on the Lam, the first of four novels featuring the vibrant and feisty African American detective, Blanche White, as she assumes the role of a housekeeper to a wealthy North Carolina family and finds herself a potential suspect in a murder case. Neely’s satiric humor and vivid characterization distinguishes this novel’s treatment of crime and detection. We then shift to rural Minnesota of William Kent Krueger’s Edgar award winning Ordinary Grace, which transforms the usual murder mystery into a remarkably poignant coming of age story. The novel provides a loving but thoughtful portrayal of American life in the late 20th century. Lyndsay Faye’s Seven for a Secret plunges us into 1846 New York City where the young Copper Star, Timothy Wilde, confronts slave catchers, thieves, and murderers. The book demonstrates the special power of the historical detective novel. It is the middle and strongest volume of a trilogy. Although it works as a standalone novel, some may wish to read The Gods of Gotham (2012), which introduces the main characters, before starting this one. Finally, we end with No Country for Old Men, Cormac McCarthy’s powerful inquiry into the meaning of honor and violence in the American landscape. The book is recognized as one of the major works by one of the most highly regarded writers of his time.
Our discussion of the themes and techniques of these works will pay appropriate tribute to the literary artistry that marks these novels, emphasizing the ways that crime fiction relies on the creation of memorable characters and a strongly defined sense of time and place as well as on plots based on revelation and surprise.
Books: Barbara Neely - Blanche on the Lam
William Kent Krueger - Ordinary Grace
Lyndsay Faye - Seven for a Secret
Cormac McCarthy - No Country for Old Men
