Murder Mysteries and Retirement

I have always liked a good murder mystery.  Sherlock Holmes has been a favorite of mine since my first Basil Rathbone movies and when I got old enough to read the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle I was hooked.  But lately, I have become convinced that murder mysteries and retirement were made for each other.  Whether you become hopelessly involved in a crime novel or end up streaming some of the great series from England, a good mystery is something that gets even better when you don’t have to get up for work the next day.  Retirement is wonderful for giving you the time to appreciate the simple pleasures of life and a good “who-dunnit” in the hands of a gifted writer is a work of art.  I can almost hear all the English Literature majors screaming in protest, but you can’t tell me they aren’t enjoyable.

I’m a pushover for a mystery.  I used to read the Ellery Queen stories, and I will sit and watch Perry Mason in action any day of the week.  Yes, I know some of those endings seemed to be pulled out of thin air (or somewhere else we won’t mention) but it was intriguing to watch, nonetheless.  I still have about sixty of Mr. Gardner’s paperbacks and I read them whenever I get the chance.  It’s an insight into a different time period that will never return.  I appreciate having the time to return to a forgotten time and whether I watch an old show or read the original mystery, it’s fun to experience the craft of a good mystery writer.  That’s why murder mysteries and retirement were made for each other.

Murder mysteries and retirement were made for each other, especially on a dark and rainy night!

But you don’t have to be old or retired to appreciate a good mystery.  Our daughter is proof of that.  She loves a good crime, real or imagined.  We have watched Sherlock together and we compare the old and new portrayals on the screen.  Although I have a soft spot for Mr. Rathbone, I think Jeremy Brett gave the most accurate portrayal on the screen although my daughter disagrees.  We have quite a few discussions about this.  I do think her choice of Benedict Cumberbatch is a very good one but, Mr. Brett brought a little more depth to the part without any special effects that Benedict’s portrayal draws on.  We share a love for mysteries and have even purchased “mysteries in a box” which we solve together.  I have no doubt that when she reaches the appropriate age, our daughter will be in complete agreement that murder mysteries and retirement go together.

The exciting city of London seems to be the capital of murderous intrigue.  On one of our trips to the city I convinced my wife to go on a Jack the Ripper Murder Walk, and I have to say that it was outstanding.  We always seek out a professional guide when we’re in a major city and this was one of their recommendations.  A ghoulish, talented and knowledgeable guide led us through the streets of Whitechapel and described the murders and pointed out the places where the bodies were discovered.  It did give you chills.  As did our Dracula Walk in Whitby where the vampire’s visit, as recounted by Bram Stoker, was brought to life.  It was an exciting way to see this quaint English fishing village where the fish and chips were outstanding.

I do have to say that the English have a talent for drama and literature, so it doesn’t surprise me that their mysteries are first rate as well.  You cannot help being entertained by Agatha Christie whether or not Hercule Poirot is featured.  I have enjoyed every version of Ten Little Indians (or And Then There Were None, depending on which title is used) and Mr. Poirot is completely absent.  When you examine the output of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie, I’m not sure how you can come to any other conclusion than the British know how to create a good mystery and a great thriller.  And their acting is always first rate as well.  I loved Perry Mason and watched Raymond Burr take command of the screen especially during those courtroom confessions but, sometimes, the performance of the other actors was not quite up to the standard of the star.  They still make great entertainment, but the English have them beat.  We started streaming Death in Paradise a few years ago and it renewed my love of mysteries.  I confess that I had gotten out of the habit of watching them when I was working.  As I made a list of all of my past interests, as I often suggest to visitors of this website, I listed Sherlock Holmes and Perry Mason.  When my wife came across this English mystery show set in the Caribbean, I came to the very quick conclusion that murder mysteries and retirement were made for each other.  And yes, our daughter became an avid watcher as well.

On one of our longer flights, I watched another English murder mystery called Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz.  It was so good I had to get the book and my wife and daughter, and I watched the mini-series together.  I thought it was a brilliant book, and it made me re-appreciate the craft of writing because it is so cleverly presented as two mysteries in one.  I won’t give it away but, if you ever doubted that murder mysteries and retirement were made for each other, give this one a try.  Even better, why not write your own?  I have to admit that I was tempted.  I still might.  Isn’t that what retirement is all about?  Go out and get a good Agatha Christie book and then watch the movie!  It’s time to Enjoy Retired Life! 

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