Mystery Stories, Print Or Audio Books, Are Timeless In Suspense

In 1819, author E.T.A Hoffmann wrote a brilliant novel "Das Fraulein von Scuderi" a highly suspenseful, well written plot of twists and turns with believable characters and descriptive terrains, which became a back drop for many authors to emulate. It is widely thought that Edgar Allen Poe's novel, "The Murders in the Rue Morgue," was influenced by Hoffmann's work. Writers of all genres can usually agree that they have been influenced by earlier works. Arthur Conan Doyle was one such writer. His "Sherlock Holmes" books inspired not only future writers but Hollywood as well.

It was during this time, (the 1920s), that the dime novels were in full swing. These novels were printed on cheap pulp paper (hence the name "pulp fiction") and were affordable to all. Mystery and suspense became a huge favorite and continued to inspire authors such as Agatha Christie and juvenile mystery writers, Edward Statemeyer , "Hardy Boys" Harriet Stratemeyer Adams, "Nancy Drew."

The pulp fiction mysteries were massively popular and by the 1930s and 40s, many more authors were added to the writing circuit, writers such as Dashiell Hammett "The Maltese Falcon" and "Red Harvest", Lester Dent, "Doc Savage", L. Ron Hubbard "Dead Men Kill, Carnival of Death and Brass Keys to Murder."

Mystery stories evolved to include detective or crime stories, supernatural mystery, hard-boiled detective, thriller mystery, suspense or murder mystery and even horror. There is a basic element of "whodunit" in most of the stories.

Man is a curious creature that has a need to know the "how, what, when, who or why" and mystery writers can play on this need. A good writer can lead you slowly to the shower curtain where one knows something bad stands behind it, but still, we must pull it back and see who stands there, all while the heart is pounding with anticipation.

Our love affair with mystery was not lost on Hollywood. Many great television shows have been solving mysteries. Shows like Ellery Queen or the highly popular Alfred Hitchcock mystery suspense series. Perry Mason was a character created by Erle Stanley Gardner in the 1930s and his early novels created a power house attorney played by actor Raymond Burr. His portrayal of Perry Mason was extraordinarily popular and although attempts were made to recreate his character with other actors, no one could play the part successfully.

During the hay day of radio theater, mystery stories were hugely popular. Compellingly crafted stories could keep one riveted and involved with the characters. Fast forward to today and we have modern technology in the form of ipods and mp3 players upon which audio books can be enjoyed of which there are many stories to choose from.

Mystery stories will never go out of style, and as long as there are writers, there will be audiences that will enjoy them.