Betty Johansen shares her recommendations for the best Christian mystery novels and why she loves to read these faith-based tales.
The Christian mystery genre is going through dramatic – and perhaps, divine – shifts. More and more people are looking to read books that have an underlying theme of faith and trust without being excessive. Most importantly, people want mystery books that are not peppered with graphic scenes, cuss words, and sex scenes. If this sounds like you, here’s a guide that will help.
Check it out at https://bettyjohansen.com/2023/08/02/christian-mysteries-why-i-love-them/
Popular self-published author Betty Johansen is here with her recommendations for Christian mystery novels, reminiscent of the classics such as those written by Agatha Christie.
Johansen describes this sub-genre as “cozy mystery,” where book lovers like yourself can focus on the thrill of the journey without senseless violence or expletives.
Christian mystery is the balm to modern-day news. With headlines fighting each other to be the most provocative, it’s wonderful to read books that strike the perfect balance between faith and felony.
Johansen’s top picks all reflect Bible-based values and include a thoughtful description of why a believer may want to support each Christian author. Arguably, this genre offers a unique perspective on the Scriptures and how God remains steadfast even in the darkest times. It allows book lovers to experience the ups and downs of classic mystery without being bombarded by profanity or sex scenes, and always with the knowledge that the “bad guy” is caught and that good always triumphs over evil.
While it may seem oxymoronic to read Christian novels that have murders or other crimes in them, they bring to the forefront the never-ending battle between good and evil, darkness and light. While bad things will always happen to people, it’s important that we remain faithful and trust in God.
Johansen shares that gathering the materials for this guide reminded her of why she began writing her own whodunit tales. For example, her latest novel, Lilli’s Song, describes a missing child case of a beautiful and vibrant 14-year-old girl in Skyport, Texas, called Lilli. While the locals believe Lilli was abducted by aliens, the real culprit is yet to be revealed. Playing on the themes of faith and patience, Johansen weaves a thrilling story of how a teenage girl could suddenly disappear in a closely-knit town.
An earlier title, Hawaiian Wildflower, is also set in Texas but instead focuses on the themes of marriage and temptation from a Christian perspective. Similar to how Satan tests Jesus in the wilderness, the protagonist in Hawaiian Wildflower must evaluate his basic needs with his values as a man, husband, and father. How does a man see the hidden ugliness that may hide behind a beautiful face?
"In a murder mystery, the characters have serious problems. Their world may be caving in. A Christian mystery writer doesn’t have to preach to show how the characters lean into their God to deepen their faith and work through their difficulties," Johansen writes. "As the readers live through the process with the fictional characters, they have the opportunity to learn and grow too. This is the difference: Christian mysteries are fun. They’re entertaining. And enigmatic. But they’re not fluff."
Go to https://bettyjohansen.com/2023/08/02/christian-mysteries-why-i-love-them/ so you can learn more.
