Criminal Activities in Tranquil Environments: Delving into Lucy Burdette's Perspective on the Allure of Small Towns as a Backdrop for Mystery Novels

Article: Mystery Novels and the Allure of Small Towns

Small towns, with their intimate settings and potential for secrets, have long been a popular backdrop for mystery novels. From the remote Shetland islands of Scotland to the tropical paradise of Key West, Florida, these close-knit communities provide a unique opportunity for exploring the effects of crime on a tight-knit society.

In Ann Cleeves' Shetland series, detective Jimmy Perez, who grew up on Fair Isle, one of the Shetland islands, navigates an enclosed community with a chilling Nordic atmosphere. After eight books, Cleeves felt she had written all she wanted about Shetland, but recently returned to the series with a new story, The Killing Stones, set in Orkney. The author who brought detective Jimmy Perez back to the Orkney Islands is Ann Cleeves.

Similarly, the town of Briar Creek, CT, reminiscent of the Connecticut villages where Jenn McKinlay spent her formative years, serves as the setting for her Library Lover's Mysteries. In this series, the intimacy of small towns makes every twist in a mystery more personal and every reveal more satisfying.

Julia Spencer-Fleming's Miller's Kill series explores the darker edges of a seemingly quiet Adirondack village through the eyes of an Episcopal priest and a police chief. Meanwhile, Sarah Stewart Taylor's Bethany, Vermont is used to explore community, character, and secrets during a time of significant change, including the Cold War, Vietnam, civil rights, and changes to farming practices and state government.

Key West, located on an exposed coral reef at the end of the keys and resembling a Caribbean island, is another ideal setting for a murder mystery series. The town's charm, tight-knit community, and potential for secrets and conflicts make it a captivating location. However, its delicate balance between development and environment, and the clashes between old-time Conchs (natives) and newcomers, add an extra layer of complexity to the mysteries that unfold.

Key West's police chief and sheriff are well-known in the community, and any nefarious activities are quickly disseminated on the Key West locals' Facebook page. This intimacy, combined with the town's unique geographical location – there is only one way out of Key West, a 120-mile long two-lane highway and a series of bridges – creates a sense of isolation that can heighten the tension in a mystery.

Small towns, such as Briar Creek and the settings in Ann Cleeves' Shetland series, are often used in mystery novels due to their intimate settings and potential for secrets. These communities, with their close-knit nature, can breed secrets and grudges, providing a unique opportunity for exploring the effects of crime on a community. Whether it's the rugged landscapes of the Shetland islands, the picturesque charm of Briar Creek, or the tropical allure of Key West, the mystery genre continues to find inspiration in the unique characteristics of small towns.

Criminal Activities in Tranquil Environments: Delving into Lucy Burdette's Perspective on the Allure of Small Towns as a Backdrop for Mystery Novels