My fourth Chloe Ellefson mystery, Heritage of Darkness, is soon hitting the bookshelves. Chloe Ellefson, my curator-protagonist, has traveled to Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Iowa.
Several friends have wondered about the
Christmas theme. Have I limited my audience? Will people want to read the book
in July? Will Jewish readers be put-off?
Etc., etc.
I can’t help wondering
why I haven’t ever gotten the similar questions in reverse. The first book in
the series, Old World Murder, takes place in June; The Heirloom Murders
takes place in July; The Light Keeper’s Legacy takes
place in September. No one’s ever asked
if I’m worried that readers won’t want to read those books in winter. No one’s suggested that the series is only of
interest to Christian readers because Chloe was raised in the Lutheran church.
Perhaps it’s the specific holiday that prompts the
question. Are people in the mood for
Christmas reading while sunning on a beach?
Will people who don’t observe Christmas be interested?
Obviously, I hope so. What attracted me to this time and place is
the wealth of heritage and traditions swirling around the holiday observances.
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| Photo courtesy Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum. |
Darkness, evil, fear…all pretty good stuff for a
mystery writer! I had great fun weaving
some of the folklore into the plot.
So, what do you think? Are you careful to read books only “in
season?” Do you mind reading books that
touch on specific holidays? I’d love to
hear your thoughts!
Want to learn more? You'll find lots of resources on the Heritage of Darkness page of my website.
5 comments:
I was fortunate enough to read a galley copy of Heritage of Darkness last week. I found the book very entertaining. I did not find the Christmas setting to be an issue because I did not find the primary focus to be Christmas; however, I expect some will enjoy it more if they are reading under their Christmas tree. Finally, is Chloe being female, of Norwegian heritage, or whatever other prejudice someone may harbor enough to prevent them from reading the book? - if so, then so be it! Very good series!!!
Thanks for your comment, Mike! It's nice to get feedback from someone who's read the book already. I'd hoped that while the Christmas theme would be of interest, it wouldn't overwhelm the rest of the story. I'm so glad you're enjoying the series!
I think one of the most wonderful things about books is their ability to transport us to different places, times, and cultures. When I get involved in a story, it’s easy to imagine I’m right there with the characters, regardless of the season.
I do have favorite books that I save for particular times of the year. When I’m home for the holidays or go on vacation or go camping, I am careful to choose a book that will fit the mood. However, I certainly will not be waiting until Christmastime to enjoy Chloe’s next adventure!
Thanks, Elizabeth! I love your comment about being "right there" with the characters...that's the best that can happen when reading a book, I think. I like to disappear into the story with the characters.
I think art transcends occasion. While certainly I think that it makes sense to thematically market certain materials to coincide with a particular time of year, I don't think enjoyment is limited to a specific calendar period. Heck, I listen to lovely holiday music CDs all year long!
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