If you’re looking for mystery novels without harsh language or graphic violence, published faith-based author Betty Johansen has recommendations for you in the Christian mystery sub-genre.
Daily life is stressful enough, even if you don't consume lewd or graphically violent content. But that kind of content is everywhere now, especially when it comes to entertainment. If your recreation of choice is mystery novels, but you could really do without the hard-hitting stuff, faith-based author Betty Johansen might be able to help you out with her Christian mystery reading guide.
>>> Have a look here: https://bettyjohansen.com/2023/08/02/christian-mysteries-why-i-love-them/
The guide was written for readers 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, you're better able to enjoy the fun of the narrative chase as you attempt to solve the mysteries alongside the characters.
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 Johansen's guide, you'll find a list of recommended Christian mystery novels. Each entry is hyperlinked to Johansen’s review of the novel, where you'll also find a downloadable list of characters. These are intended to help you remind yourself of the role each character plays in the narrative, especially if you're listening to an audiobook version of the novel.
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."
If you would agree with Betty Johansen on that point, then her guide will strengthen your appreciation for wholesome, values-oriented entertainment, and you'll no doubt find some new favorites in her list of recommendations.
>>> Read the full guide at: https://bettyjohansen.com/2023/08/02/christian-mysteries-why-i-love-them/
