The Art of Inverted Mysteries: From DCI Banks to An Obscure Grave

It seems that you have an interest in inverted mysteries, stories where the audience is privy to the crime committed and follows the detective's battle of wits to uncover the culprit. This unique literary and filmic form has persisted for over a century, showcasing the minds of brilliant writers and their sustained engagement with this intriguing narrative style.

Introduction to Inverted Mysteries

Perhaps you have read the DCI Banks books, a series of novels known for their suspense and complex plotlines. However, during my own reading experience, I found DCI Banks stories to be tolerable but ultimately, the plot fizzled out. If you're looking for a more satisfying exploration of inverted mysteries, there are many great examples worth considering.

The Origins of Inverted Stories

The earliest and perhaps one of the most important pioneers of inverted mysteries was the writer R. Austin Freeman, whose 1908 short story collection, The Singing Bone, features his forensic investigator character, Dr. John Thorndyke. In Freeman's stories, the reader sees the crime committed first and then follows the detective's analysis of clues to identify the culprit.

Freeman's work is regarded as one of the most crucial in mystery fiction due to its innovative use of the inverted form. You can read The Singing Bone online for free, making it accessible to any curious reader. This early form established a template that would be expanded upon by later authors.

Evolution of Inverted Mysteries

One of the key figures who built upon Freeman's work was Roy Vickers, who created a fictional "cold case" squad at Scotland Yard called the Department of Dead Ends. In each short story, Vickers presents a crime committed and then follows how a single error leads to the solution, involving DDE detectives. One of the first stories in this series was titled "The Rubber Trumpet."

Vickers' work showcases the evolution of the inverted mystery into a more intricate form, where the crime is not only a central element but also a driving force for the narrative. This form of storytelling continues to captivate readers and enthusiasts of mystery fiction.

Modern Examples of Inverted Mysteries

Over the years, a number of novels have adopted the inverted mystery form, including The Suspect by L.R. Wright, which won an Edgar for Best Mystery Novel; Francis Iles’s Malice Aforethought; A Kiss Before Dying by Ira Levin, another Edgar-winner in the First Novel category; and Cornell Woolrich’s The Bride Wore Black, which manages to maintain the inverted perspective throughout most of the book before revealing its true whodunit ending. These novels demonstrate the versatility and enduring appeal of the inverted mystery.

A Personal Exploration

My own first novel, An Obscure Grave, was initially structured as an inverted mystery. After my editor pointed out the waning market appeal of inverted stories, I was advised to move the "reveal" to a later point in the book. While I did not transform it into a traditional whodunit, An Obscure Grave still reads more like an inverted book than a conventional mystery. This experience highlighted the importance of narrative structure in engaging readers and maintaining their interest throughout the story.

In summary, the inverted mystery form, while challenging in terms of market appeal, remains a captivating and beloved genre. Whether you're looking for classics like The Singing Bone or modern takes like An Obscure Grave, there's a wealth of content that showcases the artistry and ingenuity of inverted mystery writing.