In a post on CrimeReads, A.G. Riddle examines why impossible, locked-room murders are impossible to put down. “At the heart is a murder that, based on what the reader knows coming into the novel and at least in the early pages, seems utterly impossible based on the known laws of science and first impressions of the characters,” he explains.
But why are they so popular?
- They blend genres. Impossible murder novels often incorporate other genre elements, like advanced technology, magic, or psychological secrets, which makes the story feel fresh. The X-Files did this masterfully and developed a cult following.
- They surprise. “By its very nature, a story featuring an impossible murder must introduce something the reader doesn’t see coming – typically a new technology or a character reveal,” Riddle notes. As readers, we love these mind-blowing twists.”
- They educate. Because your murdered has invented some innovative way of disposing of his victim, the method will prove educational.
- They make us turn the pages. Of course, when readers are intrigued, they keep turning pages. “Impossible murders have the advantage of keeping the reader guessing and hanging on every page for clues until the final reveal,” Riddle says. “It makes the reader work – and part of the fun of a great murder mystery is trying to figure it out along with the hero.”
