Intersection Column | Why I Write Suspense
- mtlmagazine
- 3 minutes ago
- 4 min read
by Nancy Mehl
Many years ago, before I began my actual writing journey, I attended a conference for mystery writers. A successful author made a statement I never forgot. Although I can’t remember her name, her words not only resonated with me, but they also helped shape my career. She said, “A mystery novel showcases the battle of good against evil, and good always wins.” I began to understand that writing Christian mystery, suspense, and thrillers is more than entertainment. They are stories of heroes and villains—good versus evil. This truth fuels my career and stokes the fires of my passion for writing the books that I do.
Through the years I’ve heard comments from a few Christian readers who feel suspense novels contain too much violence. In fact, a woman quit a Bible study I attended because she was opposed to the kind of books I write. To be honest, it shook me. Made me question my calling. Was I really doing something wrong? Had I missed God?
The main character in book two of my Erin Delaney Mysteries series, Dark Design, asks herself the same questions when a mysterious killer copies the murders in several successful novels, including hers. Should she stop writing? Is she responsible for his actions? When another author poses the same question to Erin, she’s finally able to see the situation clearly and responds, “Writing a book isn’t a sin. He’s trying to make you feel guilty. All of us. The authors. He wants us to believe we’re responsible for his madness. But we’re not. This is on him and him alone.”
While confronting my own uncertainty, I realized something important. Let’s revisit some stories from the Bible.
One of the most famous killings in Scripture, the slaying of Goliath, seems pretty tame to begin with. A stone to the forehead. Not too bad. But then David beheads Goliath. There’s also the story of the Israelite commander, Jehu, who ordered the deaths of Ahab's seventy sons. Their heads are cut off, placed in baskets, and sent to Jehu as a show of loyalty (2 Kings 10:7). And how about Yael, a woman, who drove a tent peg through the temple of Sisera, pounding it into the ground with a hammer (Judges 4: 17-21)? Then there’s the story of a Levite’s concubine who was molested by a mob. Her husband cut her body into twelve pieces and sent a piece to each of the tribes of Israel (Judges 19: 22-30).
And in the Bible, we read all the heartbreaking details of Christ’s suffering on the cross. The Gospel writers could have glossed over it, but they didn’t. Because of that, we are able to see the depth of God’s incredible love for us. And when Jesus died, evil rejoiced, believing He’d been permanently defeated. But three days later the greatest example of good triumphing over evil emerged from a tomb, breaking the chains of sin for all mankind. It’s clear that biblical accounts share not only the darkness, but also the light so we can understand that there is always hope no matter how desperate our situation seems.
I’m grateful to be able to bring my stories to the saved and the unsaved alike. Christian writers of mystery, suspense, and thrillers may create tales that contain violence, but most importantly, they also offer the hope of redemption that comes through the message of Christ. In the end, good wins. God triumphs. The devil is defeated. And isn’t this the message of the gospel? We have the incredible opportunity to shine light into the darkness and bring hope to those who read our words.
Nothing thrills me more than an email or a letter telling me that someone has recommitted their life to God or prayed to receive Christ because of something I wrote. This is my ultimate goal—when good really wins the day. So, until God tells me to stop, I’ll keep writing books that showcase the goodness, the mercy, and the redemption God is offering to a world that desperately needs Him.
About the Author
Nancy Mehl is the author of more than fifty books, an ECPA bestseller, and the winner of an ACFW Book of the Year Award, a Carol Award, and the Daphne du Maurier Award. She has also been a finalist for the Christy Award. Nancy writes from her home in Missouri, where she lives with her husband, Norman, and their puggle, Watson.
About the Book
When Erin Delaney learns that a serial killer has mimicked the murder portrayed in her bestselling novel, she joins her friend Kaely Quinn-Hunter, a former FBI profiler, in Virginia. The FBI's team is stumped by the murderer who re-creates killings from the books of multiple authors, with only ominous notes left behind. As Erin is drawn further into the web of fear and chaos, Kaely begins to fear for Erin's safety.
Did You Know?
When faced by trials of faith and consequence, doing the right thing can be hard. Dr. Paul Jenkins suggests the challenge often comes down to a conflict between doing what’s right and doing what’s easy. We’ve all been there: time is short and we have a pile of work and life-tasks ahead of us. Doing the right thing may take too much time when there’s an easier path, even if we may pay for that choice in the long run. We’re not the first to wrestle with this dilemma. Here are three tools the experts suggest we can use when we struggle with doing what’s right, even when it’s a difficult choice:
Take time to think through and understand your values and principles. Document them in a journal as a reference during difficult times.
Select the people you interact with based on shared values and ask them to help you be accountable. A good friend can be a great sounding board when faced by the easy/right-thing conflict.
Focus on the long-term consequences of your decision. Consider how your actions may impact others and your relationship with them.
When we look back on our lives, we seldom regret the times when we did the right thing. We too often regret the times we took the easy path, missing the chance to experience the joy that accompanies doing what’s right. Here’s wishing you joy in all your right choices!
-Dave Pratt, Homesick