So, I’m searching for mystery stories I might enjoy. But first I have to explain some things, because I have noticed again and again that typical “people who read this also liked that”-recommendations often didn’t work for me at all.
I always had a fascination for the past – especially, if it is mysterious. It all started with Harry Potter – yes, Harry Potter, let me explain. While Harry Potter may be first and foremost fantasy for teens and young adults, it’s also a mystery series. And there are some books in the series that rely heavily on mysteries and mysterious events in the past. Thats why I especially love books 3, 6 and 7. But all books of the series have elements of it (Voldemort’s past, the past of Harrys parents and the marauders etc.). And while I also love several other elements of the series – the magic world, the characters – I think that is mainly the case because I grew up with it and every time I read or hear the books again the nostalgia makes it feel like coming home.
Today, I’m not really interested in fantasy or magic stuff. But I still love the mysterious past. Maybe with a little bit nostalgia sprinkled in (sometimes for things I never experienced myself). So that’s the reason why I also liked some true crime podcasts like Serial S1 and Your Own Backyard. I’m ashamed to admit that, because they tell stories of people whose lives were destroyed by the events which are now presented as entertainment. To be honest I don’t need it to be real. I don’t even need it to be crime. It’s just that it was the only thing I found that was remotely similar to the “feeling” I was searching for.
I also liked “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” (and loved the David Fincher-adaption – like most of his films). Completely different, but also fascinating was “The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper”. I know, both crime, but the crime/murder part isn’t what makes it interesting for me.
Even in real life I enjoy reading old documents, protocols, journal entries or looking at old pictures and videos of places I have some kind of connection to. Just wondering how it was like back then and what these people experienced.
I know that all sounds a bit confused. I find it really hard to describe what I mean. It’s a certain feeling that most stories don’t convey – but some are, and I’m searching for them. I’m thankful for any recommendations. (And I know, this is a book sub – so I’m primarily searching for books – but podcast and show recommendations are also welcome. Just any kind of media, really.)
by tpl915