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How Important is Setting in Crime Novels?
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Hmm, I would say it's very important. Usually Crime Novels are set in big locations such as New York, Los Angeles,Miami, Chicago, London, Paris,etc. Such locations usually create a broad and unique understanding while other remote and small town locations for a setting tend to seem less catching.
Nothing happens in a vacuum. Everything is related to its environment. It isn't just a background: it's a clue; it can provide the weapon; it gives rise to the characters.
Amsterdam always comes off to me the same way as Vegas does, What happens there stays there.
I knew someone would bring up Fargo. The Coen Brother's took that small town to a whole other level.
The more accurate and authentic the setting, the more realistic and believable the story. I think setting is essential.
Justin wrote: "Amsterdam always comes off to me the same way as Vegas does, What happens there stays there."It's not all legalized weed and legalized prostitution.
A.J. wrote: "Morse without Oxford? Rankin without Edinburgh? How Important is Setting in a Crime Novel? Latest post at the Crime Readers' Association/The Crime Writers' Association http://www.thecra.co.uk/2014/..."I think the setting might be very important for quite a few readers who enjoy regional mysteries and crime books. Think of Sharyn McCrumb, Tony Hillerman, Craig Johnson, and Margaret Maron. Each writes in a different region, and the setting is (to me) an integral part of the story.
AJ, when I read your work I'm transported back to England, where I spent three lovely years a long time ago. To me, the setting anchors the book.
I agree with A.J. I particularly like books set in Florida because I graduated from the U of F.
For example Hiaasen, Dorsey, Lawrence Shames, even the person who writes the dead end job series--sorry I am at a loss for a name on that one.
I also like books set in old Hollywood.
Richard Brawer
www.silklegacy.com
For example Hiaasen, Dorsey, Lawrence Shames, even the person who writes the dead end job series--sorry I am at a loss for a name on that one.
I also like books set in old Hollywood.
Richard Brawer
www.silklegacy.com
In Murder in the Rockies, the setting Denver 1890, is as important as the mystery plot. More than half of the reviews comment on the details of the setting. I get bored with big city settings in New York. G.Eldon Smith, author.
Susan wrote: "A.J. wrote: "Morse without Oxford? Rankin without Edinburgh? How Important is Setting in a Crime Novel? Latest post at the Crime Readers' Association/The Crime Writers' Association http://www.thecr..."Thanks, Susan!
A.J., what are you working on now, and where is it set?
Whether it's a small town or a big city, the characteristics you choose to describe can set the mood for the story or a particular scene. I'd throw the weather into the mix as it can play an important role in the setting too.
Sandra wrote: "Whether it's a small town or a big city, the characteristics you choose to describe can set the mood for the story or a particular scene. I'd throw the weather into the mix as it can play an import..."Sandra, that's an excellent point. Weather is indeed part of the setting! Nevada Barr has used weather as a plot element in her park ranger series.
When I was working on my most recent book we were suffering through a drought and there were new wildfires every week. I wrote that into the story line and realized it added a new layer of conflict.
Right now I'm struggling to pretend it's warm and sunny, even though my feet are freezing!
Even the small, rural places can provide great settings. Remember the Agatha Raisin series, set in a fictitious part ofThe Cotswolds. That has an appeal for me. And the Hamish Macbeth series, set in the fictional (I think) region of Loch Dhub. Even though those areas are fictitious and rural they really add to the stories.
A.J. asked what are you working on now, and where is it set? But didn't address it to anyone in particular, so I will jump right in with Leadville, CO a town located at an elevation of over 10,000 feet. In 1896 the town built a huge Ice Palace to attract tourist. I picked that time an place for Two Miles High and Six Feet Under, a historical mystery.
G. Eldon wrote: "A.J. asked what are you working on now, and where is it set? But didn't address it to anyone in particular, so I will jump right in with Leadville, CO a town located at an elevation of over 10,000 ..."Actually, I asked A.J. that question. But glad to learn what you're working on! I think it's interesting to learn how others are using setting as an element in their novels.
Susan wrote: "Sandra wrote: "Whether it's a small town or a big city, the characteristics you choose to describe can set the mood for the story or a particular scene. I'd throw the weather into the mix as it can..."How ironic! I'm working on my next mystery novel where the setting is an ice storm. Outdoors right now, the snow is melting away and we're finally seeing sunnier days and other signs of spring. I agree, Susan. Sometimes it's so hard to "pretend" to get the mood of the story right!
I'm of the opinion that setting is as important as characters in a story. If you set your story in Charleston, but it can just as easily be transported to San Diego without any noticeable change; if you set it in Los Angeles, but it works just as well in Lizard Sweat, Arizona, then you aren't making the setting work for you.
The setting is one of the characters. It can be used to subliminally describe mood and meaning otherwise unavailable in ordinary exposition.
Susan wrote: "A.J. wrote: "Morse without Oxford? Rankin without Edinburgh? How Important is Setting in a Crime Novel? Latest post at the Crime Readers' Association/The Crime Writers' Association http://www.thecr..."How lovely Susan, thank you!
Susan wrote: "A.J., what are you working on now, and where is it set?"Susan wrote: "A.J. wrote: "Morse without Oxford? Rankin without Edinburgh? How Important is Setting in a Crime Novel? Latest post at the Crime Readers' Association/The Crime Writers' Association http://www.thecr..."
My current one is set in the Highlands of Scotland in a remote cottage in the snow!
How lovely Susan, thank you!
A.J. wrote: "Susan wrote: "A.J., what are you working on now, and where is it set?"Susan wrote: "A.J. wrote: "Morse without Oxford? Rankin without Edinburgh? How Important is Setting in a Crime Novel? Latest ..."
Sounds lovely, A.J. Is that out yet? I'll have to go search for it.
Goodreads Authors/Readers
Books mentioned in this topic
Girl on a Train (other topics)The Evil Beneath (other topics)
Authors mentioned in this topic
Sharyn McCrumb (other topics)Tony Hillerman (other topics)
Craig Johnson (other topics)
Margaret Maron (other topics)
The Blog of A J Waines: author of Girl on a Train and The Evil Beneath: http://www.amzn.to/14M9mSw
Both reached No 1 in 'Murder' and 'Psychological Thrillers' in UK Kindle charts.