Reading Jane Harper’s The Survivors not only had me wanting to solve a mystery but it challenged me to be a better person.

What is it about crime novels that keep readers coming back – book after book?

Some answers easily come to mind – comfort, certainty, courageous characters, and confirmation of the belief that “justice prevails”. However, it was only when reading Jane Harper’s latest crime novel, The Survivors, that another deeper possibility emerged: Crime novels can make us better people.

Crime novels make us wrestle with moral ambiguity. And, if given the chance, if we go down the “what would I do?” rabbit hole, crime novels can challenge us intellectually, emotionally and existentially.

The Survivors takes us on a mystery ride, juggling the facts, assessing the red herrings and putting all the puzzle pieces together before the author’s big reveal. There are complex relationships between characters, dubious actions of the protagonist (“don’t go into the caves!”) and exploration of some of life’s more difficult experiences – guilt, blame, secrets, loss, anger and rage.

To read a crime novel is an exercise in analysis and synthesis of information. This is brain food. Move over Sudoku, crime novels could be our next go-to dementia-prevention activity.

Crime novels may be good for our brains but can they really make us better people? Well, that depends on your definition of “better” but for me, part of being a better human means being more thoughtful and kinder to others (and critters and the planet).

The Survivors delivers in this respect, upping my empathy for those who have made mistakes with terrible consequences. The conversation between the main character, Kieran, and his mum where they are discussing his brother’s death is a beautiful demonstration of forgiveness and love. It illustrates the pain behind harsh words and how important it is to come back and say, “I’m sorry”. It shows the power of trust.

As we continue to move in a world that is in much pain, its important to be reminded that these values are not only possible but also desired – in our homes, our workplaces, and our communities.

Jane Harper’s portrayal of a small community in turmoil in The Survivors asks us to question how we want to be treated and treat others. Much goes on beyond the ‘news’ of the local paper or the community noticeboard. Is it just a given that a close-knit community will squirm with gossip, secrets and jealousies? How could it be different? How do we make it different?

I find the best crime fiction moves beyond the cliches of the genre – the flawed life-beaten investigator, the meddling older person, the murderer-as-anomaly – and weaves a story that challenges us to think, feel and do things differently.

We learn through stories. Jane Harper’s The Survivors will not only scoop you up in its story and give your brain a workout, but it will dare you to care. It will dare you to be a better person. 

If you’d like conversations like these that enhance your reading – and your life – the join us at this month’s Rise & Shine or Lit Up Book Club.

BiblioCoach