Books Quote by Carter Dickson
![“...both Tom and I adore detective stories. Isn't that so, Tom?" [Lady Brace] "Right!" agreed her husband…"But they've got to be proper detective stories. They've got to present a tricky, highly sophisticated problem, which you're given fair opportunity to solve." "And," amplified Virginia, "no…” quote by Carter Dickson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ae8/carter-dickson-39142_books_both-tom-and-i-adore-detective-stories-i_1313467.jpg)
““...both Tom and I adore detective stories. Isn't that so, Tom?" [Lady Brace] "Right!" agreed her husband…"But they've got to be proper detective stories. They've got to present a tricky, highly sophisticated problem, which you're given fair opportunity to solve." "And," amplified Virginia, "no saying they're psychological studies when the author can't write for beans." "Correct!" her husband agreed again. "Couldn't care less when you're supposed to get all excited as to whether the innocent man will be hanged or the innocent heroine will be seduced. Heroine ought to be seduced; what's she there for? The thing is the mystery. It's not worth reading if the mystery is simple or easy or no mystery at all.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Mystery of the Double Crown by Carter Dickson, 1935
Detective stories should present complex, sophisticated puzzles that challenge readers, not simple or sentimental plots.
In simple terms: Good mysteries are complex and challenging.
Key Takeaway
Seek stories with intricate puzzles.
Themes
detective fiction
complexity
reader engagement
Mood
intrigued
critical
Type
literary
analytical
When to use this quote
- reading clubs
- writing workshops
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
plot intricacy
psychological depth
Questions to Reflect On
- What makes a mystery truly compelling?
- How do you balance complexity and readability?
A Different Perspective
Simple mysteries may feel unsatisfying.
![“But the curator said nothing mattered so long as it looked all right to the ignorant." [Lady Brace] "Sort of government motto. I see." [Sir Henry Merrivale]” quote by Carter Dickson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/78d/carter-dickson-39142_politics_but-the-curator-said-nothing-mattered-so_1194978.jpg)
