Ideas

As a reader, I devour mysteries and thrillers. I love the twists and turns, the quirky characters, the surprise endings. But as a science writer, I am often dismayed by certain genre tendencies. Scientists are often dweeby stereotypes. Wild animals show up thousands of miles outside their range, and behave in ways they never would in real life.

I’m happy to suspend disbelief in novels, but not when vultures are circling the protagonist at midnight.

Mysteries don’t have to be nature-illiterate, as the novels and mystery series demonstrate. All the writers featured in this blog have field experience and an understanding of research and natural history. Conservation issues, and the clashes caused by differing values towards natural resources, often plays a central role. And the stories are page-turners. I hope you enjoy these picks – even if they mean you have some sleepless nights ahead.

As always, I welcome your own suggestions in the comments section.