Published Christian author Betty Johansen has released an online guide for fans of Christian mysteries, offering her reflections on what gives this sub-genre its unique appeal as well as her top reading recommendations.
—
The new Christian mystery reading guide was written for individuals who prefer what Johansen calls “cozy mysteries” that eschew explicit language and graphic depictions of violence or lewd behavior. When a mystery novel is free of these distractions, Johansen points out, readers are better able to enjoy the fun of the narrative chase as they attempt to solve the mysteries alongside the characters.
The guide can be found at https://bettyjohansen.com/2023/08/02/christian-mysteries-why-i-love-them/
Johansen points to a fellow mystery author’s observation that, in some ways, the genre serves as a modern substitute for medieval morality plays, as mystery novels typically seek to satisfy the reader’s sense of justice. In both types of narratives, the “good guy” almost always triumphs over the “bad guy,” reflecting a cosmic balance of good and evil. Such a resolution reinforces Christian readers’ inherent sense of order and justice within the world of the story and the real world.
Building on this observation, Johansen discusses how Christian mysteries recognize and honor God’s order. In the worldview supporting the narrative, all phases of human life are honored and physical intimacy is not a frivolous recreational activity but a sacred aspect of married life.
Summing up the significance of Christian mystery novels, Johansen says, “A Christian mystery writer doesn’t have to preach in order to show how the characters lean into their God in order to deepen their faith and work through their difficulties. As the readers live through the process with the fictional characters, they have the opportunity to learn and grow, too.”
At the end of the guide, Johansen includes a list of recommended Christian mystery novels. Each entry is hyperlinked to Johansen’s review of the novel, where readers will also find a list of characters. These are intended to help readers remind themselves of the role each character plays in the narrative, especially if they are listening to an audiobook version of the novel.
About Betty Johansen
Betty Johansen is a West Texan who held a career as a middle-school science teacher before becoming an author. Her passion for storytelling was rekindled when Sunday school classmates showed an interest in her novels. Johansen’s published novels include Hawaiian Wildflower, Darkness under His Feet, and Lilli’s Song.
"Christian mysteries feed your heart and mind," Johansen says. "Christian mysteries are fun. They’re entertaining. And enigmatic. But they’re not fluff."
Read the full guide at https://bettyjohansen.com/2023/08/02/christian-mysteries-why-i-love-them/
Contact Info:
Name: Betty Johansen
Email: Send Email
Organization: Wordsmith World
Address: Texas, Big Spring, Texas 79720, United States
Website: https://bettyjohansen.com/
Source: NewsNetwork
Release ID: 89144035
In case of identifying any problems, concerns, or inaccuracies in the content shared in this press release, or if a press release needs to be taken down, we urge you to notify us immediately by contacting error@releasecontact.com (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our dedicated team will be readily accessible to address your concerns and take swift action within 8 hours to rectify any issues identified or assist with the removal process. We are committed to delivering high-quality content and ensuring accuracy for our valued readers.
