Welcome to the latest edition of “Only Murders in My Mind,” a blog dedicated to diving into the intriguing world of crime fiction. This week, we delve into a fascinating discussion from our recent podcast episode, where we explored the unique intersection of humour and crime. This blend of light and dark elements is essential in creating a compelling narrative that both entertains and engages readers. Join us as we uncover why humour plays a crucial role in crime stories, drawing from insights shared by crime writer Carol Bissett and her co-presenters, Liz Hedgecock and Mike Jackson.
The Balancing Act of Humour in Crime
Crime fiction often delves into the darkest corners of human nature, exploring themes of murder, deception, and justice. However, as Carol highlighted, these stories also benefit from a touch of humour to provide balance. The inclusion of comedic elements can prevent the narrative from becoming overwhelmingly bleak and offer readers a reprieve from the tension.
Humour in crime fiction serves multiple purposes. It can lighten the mood, making the darker aspects of the story more impactful by contrast. As Liz noted, “If you’ve got bright white next to black, that black looks so much blacker.” This visual metaphor perfectly captures the essence of how a well-placed joke or humorous situation can make the subsequent sinister events feel even more intense.
Quirky Characters and Unexpected Situations
One of the most effective ways to introduce humour into crime fiction is through quirky characters and unexpected situations. Richard Osman’s “Thursday Murder Club” series is a prime example. Set in a retirement community, the series features a group of elderly sleuths who defy the stereotypes of their age, bringing both wit and wisdom to their amateur detective work. The characters’ interactions and the absurdity of their situations provide a rich vein of humour that complements the mystery at the heart of the story.
Mike shared his admiration for Caimh McDonnell‘s “Dublin Trilogy,” where the character Bunny, a violent yet endearing detective, uses his hurley stick as a weapon. The over-the-top nature of Bunny’s actions and his outrageous personality add a layer of comedy to the otherwise grim narrative. These larger-than-life characters, with their exaggerated flaws and idiosyncrasies, help to humanise the story and make it more relatable to readers.
Humour as a Coping Mechanism
Humour is not just a tool for balancing the narrative; it also reflects a fundamental aspect of human nature. In real life, people often use humour as a coping mechanism in the face of adversity. This is especially true in high-stress professions like nursing, where gallows humour can provide a much-needed release from the pressures of the job. Carol shared an anecdote about a nurse who laughed at a man’s comically frantic search for his daughter, only to find she had been left behind at a traffic light. This blend of tension and relief is a common experience, making it a powerful narrative device.
Humour in Visual and Literary Media
The use of humour in crime fiction is not limited to books. TV shows like “Death in Paradise” and “Midsomer Murders” are beloved not just for their intricate plots but also for their charming characters and picturesque settings. These shows often use humour to make the murders and mysteries more palatable, ensuring that the audience remains engaged and entertained.
Similarly, the podcast discussed the TV show “Only Murders in the Building,” which combines elements of cosy murder mysteries with comedic performances by Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez. The show’s success lies in its ability to weave humour into the fabric of its narrative, making the investigation of murder feel accessible and enjoyable.
Conclusion
Incorporating humour into crime fiction is a delicate balancing act, but when done well, it can enhance the story’s impact and depth. By juxtaposing light-hearted moments with dark themes, writers and creators can craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences on multiple levels. Whether through quirky characters, absurd situations, or the natural use of humour as a coping mechanism, the fusion of comedy and crime remains a powerful and enduring element of storytelling.
As we continue to explore this fascinating genre, we invite you to join us each week on “Only Murders in My Mind,” where we delve into the darkest and most delightful corners of crime fiction. Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share our podcast with fellow crime enthusiasts. Until next time, keep your sense of humour sharp and your detective instincts sharper.
Only Murders In My Mind 
After listening to all of the podcasts to date, I thought I’d have a go at writing a short story as a thank you for the entertainment you provide through the podcast and books and also in anticipation of Mike’s upcoming novella 🙂
Feel free to read it out and/or pull it to pieces – it’s my first attempt so be gentle…
Anyway, for what it’s worth, here it is
_______
I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve got a lot of enemies in Chicago. It comes with the territory.
You can’t be a mafia boss without everyone wanting a piece of you.
On this particular warm June day, I’d sent my bodyguard Giacomo down to the local bakery for cannoli, nobody makes them like Luigi apart from my Grandma back in Sicily.
I got up to retrieve the bottle of 15-year-old single malt from the drinks cabinet when the inner door to my office burst inwards and three masked goons in tailor made Italian suits spilled through the doorway clutching Chicago Typewriters.
My gun was in the top drawer of my desk and too far away to be of any use, so I raised my hands.
“Come in gentlemen, what can I do for you today? I’m sure we can settle any
misunderstanding without this getting violent”.
“Put this on” snarled the taller of the men “and shut up, capiche”. He threw an old grain sack at me and jerked the muzzle of his Tommy Gun to indicate I should put it over my head. I complied and was instantly plunged into darkness and my nose filled with an unpleasant musty smell.
Two of the goons grabbed my arms and pushed me out of the door and down the narrow stairs to the street entrance and then out into the roadway. I heard the soft purr of an expensive engine and a hand pressed down on my head to force me into a vehicle parked at the kerb.
Two of my abductors eased into the seat either side of me and one pushed the barrel of a handgun into my side.
I heard the front door slam shut and the car pulled away. From the noise of the engine and the feel of the seats I guessed this was a real upmarket ride, so this wasn’t some group of random wise guys on the make.
Was this payback for dropping Luca Giordano in the footings of the Union Station? Or a straight take over bid from the Capone gang, although I thought we were tight, Al and me.
Fifteen minutes later the car drew to a stop, and I was roughly manhandled out on to the sidewalk.
“Keep quiet and don’t try any funny business” growled Goon No.1 “The boss wants you delivered in one piece”.
I stumbled up a short flight of steps and into a building, still with a gun barrel pressed into my back. I could sense there was somebody else in the room, multiple somebodies judging by the low hum of whispered voices.
The sack was carefully removed from my head, and as my eyes reaccustomed themselves to the light, I saw a large group of people in front of me, most of which I recognised.
Someone coughed and then I heard the unexpected sound of a piano as the entire group broke into a chant.
“Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Marco, Happy Birthday to you!”
“Youse guys” I laughed, I just love a surprise party.
“Hey Boss” called Giacomo, “ I got the Cannoli just like you asked”
THE END
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