Two books, two very different takes on Christmas stories
NPR's Book of the Day
Deep Dive
Why did Benjamin Stevenson choose to set his latest murder mystery during Christmas?
Stevenson set his latest murder mystery, Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret, during Christmas to add a layer of festive suspense. The holiday setting provides a contrast to the dark plot, creating an extra level of tension as the detective must solve the crime by Christmas morning. The Christmas theme also allowed Stevenson to incorporate holiday-specific elements, such as advent calendars and secret Santas, as clues.
What are the essential rules of a classic murder mystery according to Benjamin Stevenson?
According to Benjamin Stevenson, the essential rules of a classic murder mystery include not cheating the reader, avoiding surprise identical twins, and excluding supernatural elements. The genre is known as 'fair play' because all clues must be fair and available to the reader, allowing them to solve the mystery alongside the detective.
Why does Dolly Parton emphasize the importance of being home for Christmas in her new children's book?
Dolly Parton emphasizes the importance of being home for Christmas in her new children's book, Dolly Parton's Billy the Kid Comes Home for Christmas, because she values family and the holiday spirit. The book reflects her own commitment to being with her loved ones during the holidays, a tradition she has maintained throughout her career. The story also highlights the dilemma many people face when deciding between work and family during the festive season.
What inspired Dolly Parton to start the Imagination Library?
Dolly Parton started the Imagination Library about 30 years ago because of her father, who couldn't read and write. She wanted to ensure that children, especially those in her home area, would have access to books from a young age. The program sends a book to children from birth until they start kindergarten, aiming to foster a love of reading and learning. The Imagination Library has since expanded to give away over 250 million books.
How does Benjamin Stevenson's background as a stand-up comedian influence his writing of murder mysteries?
Benjamin Stevenson's background as a stand-up comedian influences his writing of murder mysteries through the use of comedic techniques such as the rule of threes, pull back and reveal, and controlling pace and tension. These tools help him build unique and engaging mysteries, ensuring that the plot remains dynamic and surprising, much like a well-crafted joke.
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