Sunday, August 4, 2024

Sex Equals Death: The Mystery of Romance and the Romance of Mystery

I was recently reading a post on The Big Hair Diaries about the romance of books and reading -- in other words, the magic of imagination and transportation that comes from losing yourself in a story.  And that got me thinking about my two favorite genres: romance and mystery.  Or, more specifically, romcoms and cozies.  Sure, these gentler subgenres are softened by comedy.  But they still center around sex and violence.  Which makes me wonder how such turmoil can be comforting, not just to me, but to countless readers.  Yet maybe it's not the turmoil that's soothing.  Maybe it's the resolution of the turmoil, and with it, the reaffirmation of love and life.  

Or maybe there's no deep explanation at all.  Maybe people are just animals.

Either way, when I find a romance with mystery or a mystery with romance, I know I've hit the genre jackpot.  Which is the case with most of the books I read, including Christina Lauren's Dating You/Hating You and Lee Hollis's Death of a Bacon Heiress.  

Because office romance burns hotter when sparked by a scheme, and finding out whodunit is more fun with flirtation.

5 comments:

gluten Free A_Z Blog said...

For some reason, I have never found much interest novels. I do like historical fiction because it seems more realistic . Any way I'm doing some heavy reading about WWII . It's fiction but based on real events. I'll have to give one of your recommendations a try . Who knows maybe I'll like it.. Thanks.

ellie said...

I think the essences of a good book is a little mystery! My favorite was always Anne Tyler who could give a suspense of ordinary things. She could certainly create a page-turner..although, it didn't always mean you'd find the truth. Of course, I can't say I'm truly romantic either, but life gives different avenues, sometimes. ☀️🌈☀️🌈 Thank you so much for your comments! Oh, we have had a bad storm recently. Major power outage....so its been some crazy times.

Caitlin'nMegan said...

Such an interesting post! Hmmm..we all have mysteries we are trying to figure out. Of course, it's nice when someone comes along and takes your mind off of it..or maybe they are the key....hahahaha.. Fiction is a reflection..of course...Meanshile, I have found "Jade" on pacsun..and Weezer's real name.. Carrington Bornstein! Some real investigating report..hahahahaa..Hope you are staying cool this August!

Ivy's Closet said...

So great to see your post. Hmmm..mixing it up! I am afraid my mystery reading isn't all about big mysteries..but the little ones. I like the authors you choose too. So great to see this! Oh, I am trying to keep Ren and Wade going..I guess I need to get more written. All the best to a fantastic August!

Samantha said...

Eeeeee!! I was so pleasantly surprised to see my blog referenced in your post! I'm so happy to hear that it inspired you and got you thinking about these two genres; your reflection on them is fascinatingly put! A romance with mystery/a mystery with romance definitely sounds like you've hit the genre jackpot! πŸ’— And these two books look like the perfect picks. 🍿πŸ₯“