CRIME fiction readers are drawn to human relationships and psychological depth.
That’s according to new research from the University of Bradford, which found that fans of murder mysteries are less interested in the act of murder itself and more engaged by the exploration of people, motives and the search for meaning.
The study suggests that crime fiction offers readers a sense of order and certainty in a chaotic world—while also promoting wellbeing and escapism.
Dr Min Yong, who led the research, said: "People often assume readers are attracted to crime fiction because of the crime itself.
"What we found was something rather different.
"Readers were far more interested in the people, the relationships and understanding why individuals behave the way they do.
"Many participants described crime fiction as a way of making sense of a complicated world.
"The murder may begin the story, but what keeps readers engaged is the search for meaning, understanding and, ultimately, resolution."
The study involved in-depth interviews with readers aged 46 to 81 and explored how crime fiction affects their sense of wellbeing.
Participants said the genre helps them make sense of the world, escape from daily pressures and examine danger from a safe distance.
One reader told researchers: "I can't remember who did it in half of these crime stories, but the things I remember are the people and the relationships they had."
The research identified five themes that underpin the appeal of crime fiction: Understanding people and society; Finding order, certainty and resolution; Exploring danger and uncertainty from a position of safety; Becoming immersed in believable worlds and characters; Using reading as a source of pleasure, escapism and wellbeing.
It also builds on earlier studies showing that older adults who regularly read fiction perform better on some measures of social understanding than those who engaged less frequently with fiction.
Researchers believe the findings could inform reading-based wellbeing programmes and social prescribing, especially for older adults experiencing loneliness.
The researchers say the benefits of reading may be strongest when people are encouraged to engage with genres they genuinely enjoy, rather than being prescribed specific books.
Dr Min Yong, from the University of Bradford (Image: Kiran Mehta/University of Bradford)
While the study focused on crime fiction, researchers believe its popularity speaks to a broader human desire to understand others and create order from complexity.
Dr Yong also shared her top 10 murder mystery and crime fiction novels as part of the study.
Her recommendations include The Guest List by Lucy Foley, Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q Sutanto, The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith, The Honjin Murders by Seishi Yokomizo and Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie.