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Quote for the week:
"Mystery spread its cloak across the sky.
We lost our way.
Shadows fell from trees.
They knew why."
~From "House of Four Doors" by the Moody Blues
Science is basically detective work. Scientists piece together clues from the world around us to solve the mysteries of nature.
Doctors use the clues given by our symptoms to decode the mysteries of our health. Chemists use clues provided by laboratory tests to determine the chemical makeup of samples. Geologists and engineers use technology and knowledge of rock layers to determine where oil might be found.
Scientific detective work can be a great subject for mystery stories, because we still have so much to learn about our planet and the universe.
The scientific mystery might be the main mystery itself, or it might be the backdrop for a wider mystery which might include murder, theft, or unexplained disappearances.
The Nora Kelly and Corrie Swanson series by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child is an example of mysteries written against the backdrop of a scientific investigation. The stories usually involve archaeological excavations and other mysteries that turn up in the course of the scientific investigation.
Other examples include novels such as Coma by Robin Cook and Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton.
Since forensic science is an important part of criminal investigation, most modern mysteries and crime thrillers include characters such as forensic investigators and medical examiners. These characters might be main characters on their own or might be part of an investigating team that helps to solve the mystery.
If you include forensic detectives or medical examiners in your story, it is a good idea to do research on what they actually do. Many TV shows and movies show these characters doing tasks they don't actually do, such as interviewing suspects or making arrests.
Something to try: Write a mystery story that involves science.
STATIC
Buckle Up! (13+) "Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations." —Zig Ziglar #2341752 by Jeremy
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Question for next time: What subjects would you like to see discussed in future mystery newsletters?
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Mystery: July 23, 2025 Issue [#13258]
