In the realm of mystery literature, there are several intriguing tales that have faced scrutiny, censorship, or outright banning. This includes such renowned works as A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle, The Tell Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe, and Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. According to the American Library Association’s Office of Intellectual Freedom, these titles have all been challenged at some point. In recognition of Banned Books Week (October 1-7, 2023), MASTERPIECE Mystery! is shining a spotlight on these controversial mystery titles that we now have the liberty to read and enjoy.
Edgar Allan Poe’s thrilling 1843 short story, The Tell Tale Heart, is narrated by an anonymous character who confesses to murdering an elderly man. The narrator attempts to rationalize his crime, but his guilt ultimately drives him insane. In Poe’s era, the story stirred controversy due to its exploration of partial insanity as a defense. In more recent times, it has been banned by a school district for its violent content and offense to religious sensitivities.
Arthur Conan Doyle’s A Study in Scarlet, the first Sherlock Holmes novel, was published in 1887. It introduces readers to the world’s only consulting detective and his sidekick, Dr. John Watson. Their first case involves a crime scene with the German word RACHE (revenge) written in blood near the victim. The novel has been challenged and banned in certain US regions due to a flashback Holmes has of 1847 Utah, which some regard as derogatory towards The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Oscar Wilde’s gothic novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, is a captivating mystery about a handsome yet immature man who trades his soul for eternal youth. His outward beauty remains intact while his inner soul is corrupted by selfishness and hedonism. The state of his soul is only revealed in a painted portrait of Gray. The novel, published in 1890, faced numerous challenges for its “indecent content” but has gradually earned its place in the literary canon.
David Guterson’s Snow Falling on Cedars is set in 1954 Washington state and revolves around the murder trial of Kabuo Miyamoto, a fisherman accused of killing a fellow fisherman. The narrative also delves into the impact of the WW2 internment of Japanese Americans on the local community. Despite winning several awards, the novel has been frequently challenged, banned, or restricted in several school systems in the US and Canada for profanity and sexual content.
Mystic River by Dennis Lehane, a 2001 thriller, follows three childhood friends who suffered a traumatic event. Many years later, they must confront each other again when one of their daughters is found dead. The book was involved in a censorship case where hundreds of titles were withdrawn or restricted for being sexually explicit, profane, violent, LGBTQIA, addressing suicide or including Equity Diversity Inclusion (EDI) content.
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown is a gripping tale about the murder of the Louvre Museum’s curator. The investigation leads a local cryptologist and a Harvard University professor of symbology to uncover an ancient conspiracy about Jesus and Mary Magdalene. Despite winning several awards, The Da Vinci Code was banned in many countries and parts of the US for exploring an alternative to religious history.
Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a touching story about a mathematically gifted teen with autism who investigates a neighbor’s dead dog. Despite winning several awards, the book has been challenged or banned in several school districts due to profanity and religious viewpoint.
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn is a psychological thriller about the disappearance of Amy Dunne on her fifth wedding anniversary and her husband Nick’s subsequent search for her. The novel was included in multi-title challenges in two states where people objected to sexually explicit, LGBTQIA, drugs, violence, profanity, suicide, and/or Equity Diversity Inclusion (EDI) content. It was banned in a few localities.
These intriguing cozy murder mystery books, despite their controversy, have significantly contributed to the mystery genre. They not only entertain but also challenge readers to question societal norms and explore diverse perspectives. In the spirit of Banned Books Week, let’s celebrate our freedom to read these masterpieces.