Hank Phillippi Ryan: What's the funniest book you've ever read? Maybeeeee…Bridget Jones' Diary? But that can't be right. While I'm thinking, I'm also wondering why it's so easy to name funny movies. My Cousin VInny, and The Court Jester, all the Tracy/Hepburns, well, I won't go on.
But humor in a mystery is very very tough. Murder does not elicit laughter. So it takes a careful touch, and a delicate instinct, and oh, yeah, you've gotta be funny. The fabulous Debra Goldstein, who gave up being a judge to write mysteries, knows from funny. But let her tell it.
Artfully using Humor
I love to laugh.
Although I’m a reserved person, get me going and my laugh roars through the air until I gasp for air. My laugh may not be as infectious as Uncle Albert’s giggle in Mary Poppins, but it’s pretty close. Except for the fact that it leaves me choking, I truly believe laughter is the best medicine.
That’s why I think so highly of writers who artfully use humor in their books. Elaine Viets and Donna Andrews are two who do this masterfully. Isolating their plotlines into snippets– woman on run from her ex-husband ends up doing dead end jobs or decorative blacksmith sleuths in avian themed mysteries – fails to do justice to the dry lines, puns, and wicked images that add humor and dimension to their books. With a phrase or an image, both subliminally make readers chuckle and become hopelessly addicted to their writing.
The awards each have won demonstrate how well they execute their craft by making the incorporation of humor appear simple. It isn’t. One has to decide if the primary laughs will come from dry wit (Mark Twain), situations the character is put in (Diane Mott Davidson’s Goldie Shultz), or characterization (Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum, Grandma Mazur and Lula).
Even though one of these things may be stressed, a combination of them comes into play.
For example, a Stephanie Plum book would not be same without inclusion of its New Jersey “burg” setting, Stephanie’s bounty hunter interaction with characters who each have distinctive features, and the dry one liners from Grandma Mazur, Lula and romantic interests Ranger and Joe.
In the first chapter of my recent book, Should Have Played Poker: a Carrie Martin and the Mah Jongg Players Mystery, Carrie deals with heavy concepts, but they are couched in light language: Hopefully, the reader will smile at the mental image created by “The first time I thought of killing him, the two of us were having chicken sandwiches at that fast-food place with the oversized rubber bird anchored to its roof,” while understanding her mother once thought of murdering Carrie’s father.
As the book progresses, self-deprecation and inclusion of a comic foil let readers enjoy the book while digesting its serious issues. When I was trying to find a way to counterbalance Carrie’s youth and analytical lawyer nature, the most humorous contrast I could think of was a group of retired Mah jongg players who appeared in the first short story I ever had published, Legal Magic. These women have had a weekly Mah jongg game for forty years. They know and tolerate every possible thing about each other and are at the point in their lives they aren’t afraid to say exactly what they think. Their down to earth observations and comments provide a lighthearted contrast to Carrie.
Humor is subjective, but those who do it well don’t merely tell jokes or use offensive scenes for a
laugh. Rather, they incorporate elements of comedy into the story or novel instead of simply writing a routine that a comedian might deliver on a late night show.
There are many writers whose characters play off each other or the situations they find themselves in in such a way that the story twists and turns, but readers can’t help but smile.
Besides the ones already mentioned, some who immediately come to my mind because of their effective comical touch include Carolyn Haines, Carolyn Hart, Sparkle Abbey, and Terrie Moran Adams.
Can you think of others? Leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy of Should Have Played Poker.
HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: Aw. My Gramma Minnie played may-jongg. I thought it was so gorgeous, so exotic, so intricate. Anyone know how to play it? And yes, a comment wins a chance to--what is the word for victory in Mah jongg?
Should Have Played Poker: a Carrie Martin and the Mah Jongg Players Mystery:
Carrie Martin's mother appears in Carrie's corporate law office, twenty six years after abandoning her family. She leaves Carrie with a sealed envelope and the knowledge she once considered killing Carrie's father. Before Carrie can seek answers from her father, her mother is murdered at the retirement home where her father lives.
Instructed to leave the sleuthing to the police, Carrie's compulsion to discover why her mother returned and why she was murdered quickly put Carrie at odds with her former lover - the detective assigned to the case. As Carrie and her co-sleuths, the Sunshine Village Mah jongg players, attempt to unravel Wahoo, Alabama's past secrets, their efforts put Carrie in danger and show her that truth and integrity aren't always what she was taught to believe.
Judge Debra H. Goldstein is the author of Should Have Played Poker: a Carrie Martin and the Mah Jongg Players Mystery (Five Star Publishing/Cengage - April 2016) and the 2012 IPPY Award winning Maze in Blue, a mystery set on the University of Michigan’s campus. She also writes short stories and non-fiction. Debra serves on the national Sisters in Crime, Guppy Chapter and Alabama Writers Conclave boards and is a MWA member. She lives in Birmingham, Alabama with her husband, Joel, whose blood runs crimson.
Hank,
Thank you for inviting me today. Looking forward to learning the writers your readers chuckle with ....and to giving one of your readers a copy of Should Have Played Poker.
Posted by: Debra H. Goldstein | June 21, 2016 at 06:06 AM
My grandmother and her gang played Bunco. Not as elegant as Mah Jongg but those women were serious - special prizes, food, stay out of the way for "Grandma's Club.". The first time I read Janet Evanovich I thought Grandma Mazur was just like my mom, and realized what a character she must look like to the rest of the world. Diane Vallere and A. W. Hartion are two additional authors that never fail to have me laughing and snorting. And now a new series, yay!
Posted by: Sally Schmidt | June 21, 2016 at 06:31 AM
I've always thought the funniest people were also among the smartest. It's the most appealing characteristic of a person/companion, to me. And amusing writing is the best!
Posted by: Karen in Ohio | June 21, 2016 at 06:49 AM
Humor is difficult to write--and it often doesn't get the acknowledgement that it deserves. I have friends who are comedians and the same is true in Hollywood.
Posted by: Carolyn Haines | June 21, 2016 at 06:50 AM
The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency novels by Alexander McCall Smith always leave me smiling with their gentle humor.
Posted by: Antoinette Brown | June 21, 2016 at 06:56 AM
Colin Cotterill is hilarious. My husband is reading one of his books from my "read already" pile, and he keeps coming in the room to share why he's laughing.
The only time I've played Mahjongg is on a computer. It's a fascinating game.
Posted by: Karen in Ohio | June 21, 2016 at 07:28 AM
Mahjongg on the computer, Karen? I'll check it out..But don't you love the actual beautiful tiles?
And Carolyn, agreed. The line between funny and stupid is very narrow...
Posted by: Hank Phillippi Ryan | June 21, 2016 at 07:35 AM
I, too play Mah Jong on the computer. I also enjoy the humor of the writers discussed above.
Posted by: Debi Huff | June 21, 2016 at 07:54 AM
I find that it takes more in a book to make me laugh over what it takes in the TV show or movie. I think seeing the situation helps as does hearing the way the lines are delivered. But some authors and I click, and I see the humor in their situations and language.
One such author is Laura Levine, who constantly makes me laugh.
Your book sounds wonderful!
Posted by: Mark | June 21, 2016 at 08:46 AM
Debra and Hank, what a terrific blog post. Humor is so difficult to do well, yet it can provide such insight in mysteries. I'm thinking of Art Taylor's novel told in stories, On the Road with Del and Louise. Some pieces are quite seriously told, but the funny "capers" in California wine country and the Las Vegas wedding chapel are hilarious and open up so many avenues to deepen the reader's understanding of those characters. Very much enjoying Should have Player Poker. Looking forward to reading many more Goldstein novels!
Posted by: Paula Gail Benson | June 21, 2016 at 09:39 AM
Sally,
It doesn't matter what game we, our mothers, or our grandmothers play -- it's deadly serious. Thanks for stopping by and mentioning two authors I always find amusing. BTW, how many of us do you think had Grandma Mazur in our lives? (coming from Jersey originally, I met a number of them) Debra
Posted by: Debra H. Goldstein | June 21, 2016 at 10:25 AM
Karen,
If I'm amused, I'm happy. That's why I relish being with people who have the wit to make me laugh and envy those who can convey humor in their writing. Thank you for leaving a comment this morning. Debra
Posted by: Debra H. Goldstein | June 21, 2016 at 10:27 AM
Carolyn,
I mentioned you in my blog because you are definitely one of the people who deserves all the recognition in the world. From the first time I heard you speak at Birmingham Southern (Nevada Barr and you), I was intrigued by how you worked your knowledge and wit into your writing. You make it look simple, but I know you work at the craft. Your point is well made that those who do it well, work at it...... and those who do it well, often don't receive the recognition they justly deserve. Hats off... Debra
Posted by: Debra H. Goldstein | June 21, 2016 at 10:31 AM
The Lumby Line series by Gail Fraser - laugh out loud funny.
Miss Julia series by Ann B Ross - again, laugh out loud funny.
Posted by: Nancy Jo | June 21, 2016 at 10:34 AM
Antoinette,
Another good choice. I love curling up with a No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency novel. Debra
Posted by: Debra H. Goldstein | June 21, 2016 at 11:02 AM
Karen and Debi (and Hank),
Mah jongg on the computer is more like playing the game concentration. They simply can't duplicate the ivory or even slick plastic tiles nor the variety of hands one can play. It's fun on the computer but better in person. Also offers more humor playing with other live people. Debra
Posted by: Debra H. Goldstein | June 21, 2016 at 11:04 AM
Anne George's Southern Sisters books are so entertaining -- I really miss her. My grandmother taught all her grandchildren to play Mah Jongg and if we won, we'd say "Wu Mah Jongg"
Posted by: Celia Fowler | June 21, 2016 at 11:05 AM
Mark,
Thank you for leaving a comment. Another author to consider and you made me think about the different ways we all process things. One of my children, only gets the humor when he sees it on tv or hears something read aloud --- he's more of an audio learner. I tend to be word oriented and can hear the voices in my head as I read the words (we won't go there)....Debra
Posted by: Debra H. Goldstein | June 21, 2016 at 11:06 AM
Paula,
You certainly mentioned a winner - Art Taylor's book. He did a wonderful job combining humorous and serious scenes. His book deserves the accolades it has been receiving! Thanks for your kind words.. Debra
Posted by: Debra H. Goldstein | June 21, 2016 at 11:08 AM
Humor is certainly difficult to write, but it's well worth the effort. I love making people smile.
Posted by: Barb Goffman | June 21, 2016 at 11:32 AM
Barb,
...There is no question that you do it well. Your short stories are perfect examples of how to use humor effectively. Appreciate you stopping by today.
Posted by: Debra H. Goldstein | June 21, 2016 at 12:58 PM
Nancy Jo,
Only thing to say LOL
Posted by: Debra H. Goldstein | June 21, 2016 at 02:03 PM
Celia,
I agree about Anne George's books. She not only was a wonderful writer of comedy, but also Alabama's poet Laureate and the author of an excellent southern novel, This One and Magic Life. She passed way too soon.
A quick comedy tale...when I first began writing, I couldn't seem to get any character to die for at least 85 pages (which was frowned upon) so I asked Anne about this dilemma. She replied that she too had had this problem, but she solved it by dropping the body quickly and working from there. I went home that night and opened my newest Anne George book..the two cousins were at a restaurant and looked out the window as a body sailed past in the first paragraph...and then the book took off. From that point on, I've tried to sail the body by as soon as possible and keep on going. Thank you for bringing that exchange back to mind.
Posted by: Debra H. Goldstein | June 21, 2016 at 02:07 PM
Thanks for the shout out. Congratulations on your new book, Debra. I heard you speak at Malice Domestic and you were hilarious. I know your book will be a terrific read.
Posted by: Elaine Viets | June 21, 2016 at 04:03 PM
My friend had never read a mystery until I shared a couple with her. For humorous, I started her off on the Maggody series by Joan Hess. She called me the next day and told me that was the "most stupid book" she had ever read and that she had stayed up till 3:00 AM to finish it. Her daughter never forgave me, because Pam took several on the airplane trip to Montana and kept laughing out loud and reading excerpts out loud.
Posted by: Ellie Enos | June 21, 2016 at 04:31 PM
For humor in mysteries, the Amelia Peabody series by Elizabeth Peters gets my vote. I play a variety of Mah jongg games on the computer, but I know the real deal has hit the retired ladies circuit in Northern Michigan. My mother was in two different weekly groups last winter.
Posted by: Lynn Evans | June 21, 2016 at 05:26 PM
I love it when there are so many comments with more good books to read. And come to think of it, Debra, my grandkids probably think that I'm like Grandma Mazur!
Posted by: Sally Schmidt | June 21, 2016 at 06:13 PM
Elaine,
Thank you for your kind words. The shout out was on the mark - not only does your writing effectively utilize humor, but your delivery in workshops imparts knowledge while leaving us in the aisles. dhg
Posted by: Debra H. Goldstein | June 21, 2016 at 07:39 PM
Ellie,
There is a definite beauty introducing someone to a wonderful author/delightful series, but it sounds like Pam went off the deep end. Too bad for her daughter, but I bet Pam laughed all the way to the last page. dhg
Posted by: Debra H. Goldstein | June 21, 2016 at 07:43 PM
Oh, just back from my speech--and so wonderful to see you all chatting!
It's lovely how a discussion like this brings us all together--and gives us new books to read! Hurray! Thank you, dear Debra you are perfection. (ANd I want to chat with you about Mahjongg,
Is there another book in the works?
Please pick a winner!
And I love you all madly...xoxoo
Posted by: Hank Phillippi Ryan | June 21, 2016 at 08:20 PM
And the winner is Sally Schmidt....anyone who could be a deadringer for Grandma Mazur deserves a book she can take to the next viewing. Thank you all for participating and feel free to check my website, www.DebraHGoldstein.com for when the next giveaway / blog opportunity will be coming up (hint, it is only a few weeks away). Debra
Sally, please email me your mailing address at [email protected] or go through the connect page on my website.
Posted by: Debra H. Goldstein | June 22, 2016 at 08:22 AM
Thanks, Debra! Info sent to you via email.
Posted by: Sally Schmidt | June 22, 2016 at 09:29 AM
The funniest scene I've read in a mystery is in Meg Cabot's Heather Wells mystery Big Boned. After Heather's boss has been murdered, the psych decides the staff needs a "team building" exercise. Maybe it's because I've had to go through some of these myself, but every time I read this chapter I start laughing hysterically.
Merrily
Posted by: Merrily Boone | June 22, 2016 at 10:11 AM
Merrily,
What a concept. Sounds like something we would have been required to do as an exercise in trust or maybe it would have been leadership....gov't, you know.
Posted by: Debra H. Goldstein | June 22, 2016 at 03:10 PM
Merrily, was that a movie, too? SOunds hilarious..xoo
Posted by: Hank Phillippi Ryan | June 22, 2016 at 03:15 PM