Can a western be a mystery?
Why not? We American writers seem to be more obsessed with categorizing stories than our British counterparts. Genre is simply a label attached to a work to give a potential reader an idea what it might be about. But few works of fiction can really be narrowed down to a single label and even experts seem to disagree on the issue.
While we’re familiar with the usual bookstores breakdowns of mystery, romance, science fiction, fantasy and so on, the Canadian critic Northrop Frye breaks it down into four even more obtuse categories–novel, romance, anatomy and confession. In his view Moby Dick is defined as an anatomy while Pride and Prejudice is simply a novel and not a romance.
Try asking your neighborhood bookseller for a particular book in Frye’s genres and see what kind of blank look you get.
When I set out to write Geronimo Must Die I was thinking in terms of a traditional western. In strictest terms, a western is a story set in the American Old West, most likely in the 19th century. Yet, the more I got into it, the more I realized it was also a mystery, fiction relating to a crime or disclosure of secrets. There are also elements of romance, humor and action/adventure.
In fact, few novels abide by the definition of a single genre. Most are a mix of several elements. The most important aspects of a novel are characters and a story that will intrigue the reader and keep him/her reading to find out what happens next. I hope I’ve achieved that kind of interest in my novel.
Here’s the blurb for Geronimo Must Die:
Geronimo and rascally half-breed Indian scout Mickey Free have never been friends.
Yet, Mickey has already saved Geronimo’s life twice (without acknowledgement) and is the only one who can keep the great Apache leader out of the sniper’s sights now. The sniper has already murdered several tribal leaders and Mickey believes it’s all a plot to prompt a great runaway from the hated San Carlos reservation.
Mickey’s efforts are stymied by Al Sieber, head of scouts, and John Clum, reservation agent, as well as suspicion of other Indians. Adding to his problems, Mickey is in love with a girl whose name he keeps forgetting to ask and who may be allied to the plot.
Only perseverance, risk to his life and, eventually, Geronimo’s help will enable Mickey to resolve this dangerous situation.
J.R. Lindermuth, a retired newspaper editor, lives and writes in a house built by a man who rode with Buffalo Bill Cody. He has published 16 novels and a non-fiction regional history. His short stories and articles have been published in a variety of magazines. He is a member of International Thriller Writers and is a past vice president of the Short Mystery Fiction Society.
Links:
Webpage: http://www.jrlindermuth.net
Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/author/jrlindermuth
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.lindermuth
Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/John-Lindermuth-175253187537/?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jrlindermuth
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1005496.J_R_Lindermuth
In addition to Sundown Press at http://sundownpress.com and Amazon, his books are also available from Barnes & Noble and other fine bookstores.
John,
I’m reading “Geronimo Must Die” now and I’m really enjoying it! I can’t wait to see how the mystery is resolved.
Thanks, Pat.
This sounds like a book my husband would enjoy. He likes westerns and mysteries!
Two for one. Thanks for commenting, Judy.
Heck, yes! I’ve written three westerns which include a mystery theme. I took Harriette Austin’s course on writing murder mysteries and adapted it to a western theme. Look for me at America’s bookstore – Amazon.com.
That reminds me, I’ve got to catch up on your latest. If you haven’t read Dac’s Westerns you’re missing a treat.
Dac, tell us more about Harriette Austin.
GERONIMO MUST DIE certainly sounds like a terrific mystery. I think most westerns are at least part mystery because of their strong elements of good vs evil.
The problem with listing books strictly by genre is we often miss out on a read we might have enjoyed. Thanks for commenting.
John, welcome back! I hope you enjoy your visit.
Interesting post. Not much different than categorizing humans. I hope we are all multifaceted.
Yes, we’re all multifaceted—some more so than others. Or so it seems. The surprising people make for good stories.
Isn’t that the truth.
John, I completely agree. Most of my favorite westerns have been mysteries. The good guys chase the bad guys but they travel on four legs instead of four wheels and their weapons are Colt .45’s instead of Glock 9mm’s. I plan to begin reading Geronimo Must Die soon, and I know I won’t be disappointed.
Thanks, Earl.