Fiction_L Archives Dead Boyfriend syndrome Dates: 12/17/99,2:39 PM  through  12/31/99,10:23 AM  (24 postings) Search for: Select one or more indexes to search: 2011-current     2009-2010     2004-2008    1995-2003    (Matches from each index will be displayed separately in the results page.) Return to December 1999 thread menu   |   Fiction_L Archives Menu

FROM: <[removed]@libby.rbls.lib.il.us>
REC'D: 12/17/99, 2:39 PM

Hi. I'm newly returned to the list after a 3-year absence, so don't
know if this has been addressed before but I've noticed a lot of female
mystery writers are killing off/dumping the significant other of the
heroine in series books. Most of the librarians here read mysteries as
I do and both they and patrons are commenting on the fact that this
seems to be a trend, and an undesirable one at that. Writers like
Patricia Cornwell, Dana Stabenow, Sue Henry, Martha C. Lawrence, Susan
Dunlap, Charlaine Harris, Rebecca Rothenberg, Laura Crum, and Karen
Kijewski have all eliminated the lover/husband/significant other of the
series heroine and it's depressing. Patrons have commented that they
feel betrayed by the author when she does that. Has anyone else --
librarian or mystery reader -- noticed this trend?

Meg Sarff
Public Services Manager/WebGoddess
Davenport Public Library
321 Main Street
Davenport IA 52801-1490
319-328-6848

FROM: "Viccy Kemp" <[removed]@ci.carrollton.tx.us>
REC'D: 12/17/99, 3:59 PM

There was a substantial discussion about this recently on DorothyL. The
consensus was, that as readers, they felt betrayed as well. I was horribly
upset about what happened in Dana Stabenow's latest. The authors on DorothyL
seemed to feel they were moving their characters in a new direction and not
betraying the basis of the characters. But, yes, there has been a trend
towards this end.
Viccy Kemp
The opinions are my own; the library wouldn't want 'em!

> -----Original Message-----
> [removed]@libby.rbls.lib.il.us [[removed]@libby.rbls.lib.il.us]
> Sent: Friday, December 17, 1999 2:34 PM
> [removed]@maillist.nslsilus.org
> Subject: Dead Boyfriend syndrome
>
> Hi. I'm newly returned to the list after a 3-year absence, so don't
> know if this has been addressed before but I've noticed a lot of female
> mystery writers are killing off/dumping the significant other of the
> heroine in series books. Most of the librarians here read mysteries as
> I do and both they and patrons are commenting on the fact that this
> seems to be a trend, and an undesirable one at that. Writers like
> Patricia Cornwell, Dana Stabenow, Sue Henry, Martha C. Lawrence, Susan
> Dunlap, Charlaine Harris, Rebecca Rothenberg, Laura Crum, and Karen
> Kijewski have all eliminated the lover/husband/significant other of the
> series heroine and it's depressing. Patrons have commented that they
> feel betrayed by the author when she does that. Has anyone else --
> librarian or mystery reader -- noticed this trend?
>
> Meg Sarff
> Public Services Manager/WebGoddess
> Davenport Public Library
> 321 Main Street
> Davenport IA 52801-1490
> 319-328-6848

FROM: "Jeanne Linn" <[removed]@libby.org>
REC'D: 12/17/99, 4:46 PM

This is the main thing that bummed me out on Patricia Cornwell. I really
liked her first ones, but now who's left for her gal to be with- she's
killed off about 3 main guys now! Jeanne

-----Original Message-----
From: Viccy Kemp <[removed]@ci.carrollton.tx.us>
To: [removed]@maillist.nslsilus.org' <[removed]@maillist.nslsilus.org>
Date: Friday, December 17, 1999 3:46 PM
Subject: RE: Dead Boyfriend syndrome


>There was a substantial discussion about this recently on DorothyL. The
>consensus was, that as readers, they felt betrayed as well. I was horribly
>upset about what happened in Dana Stabenow's latest. The authors on
DorothyL
>seemed to feel they were moving their characters in a new direction and not
>betraying the basis of the characters. But, yes, there has been a trend
>towards this end.
>Viccy Kemp
>The opinions are my own; the library wouldn't want 'em!
>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: [removed]@libby.rbls.lib.il.us [[removed]@libby.rbls.lib.il.us]
>> Sent: Friday, December 17, 1999 2:34 PM
>> To: [removed]@maillist.nslsilus.org
>> Subject: Dead Boyfriend syndrome
>>
>> Hi. I'm newly returned to the list after a 3-year absence, so don't
>> know if this has been addressed before but I've noticed a lot of female
>> mystery writers are killing off/dumping the significant other of the
>> heroine in series books. Most of the librarians here read mysteries as
>> I do and both they and patrons are commenting on the fact that this
>> seems to be a trend, and an undesirable one at that. Writers like
>> Patricia Cornwell, Dana Stabenow, Sue Henry, Martha C. Lawrence, Susan
>> Dunlap, Charlaine Harris, Rebecca Rothenberg, Laura Crum, and Karen
>> Kijewski have all eliminated the lover/husband/significant other of the
>> series heroine and it's depressing. Patrons have commented that they
>> feel betrayed by the author when she does that. Has anyone else --
>> librarian or mystery reader -- noticed this trend?
>>
>> Meg Sarff
>> Public Services Manager/WebGoddess
>> Davenport Public Library
>> 321 Main Street
>> Davenport IA 52801-1490
>> 319-328-6848
>

FROM: <[removed]@carmel.lib.in.us>
REC'D: 12/18/99, 10:00 AM

I agree with what others have said about Patricia Cornwell. Her books have gotten too depressing. I guess what I read that feels "guilty" to me is reading a book, like Black Notice, when I know I won't like it. (I also do this with the Cat Who. . . books.) I suppose I read them because I have read all the others. Perhaps it is hope. . .

I was really mad when Benton got killed in Point of Origin. Maybe Kay would be a nicer person and kinder to herself if she had someone to love. Why not let him live?

This October I attended Magna Cum Mystery, a fan event in Muncie, IN. I asked Anne Perry why she had Hester and Monk get married. She said, My publisher told me that I had to do something about the relationship. Apparently, the publishers are telling the authors to get these relationships off the fence and most authors choose to kill off the boy or girl friend. So much for love. Guess I'll have to read a Danielle Steel to feel better. (Well, maybe not. . .)

To add to the CD discussion, I listened to one while painting my bedroom. It was better than a cassette because I didn't have to keep getting off the ladder and washing my hands to flip the tape over.

Chris Prescott
>
>From: [removed]@libby.rbls.lib.il.us
>Date: Fri, 17 Dec 1999 14:33:30 -0600
>To: [removed]@maillist.nslsilus.org
>Subject: Dead Boyfriend syndrome
>
>Hi. I'm newly returned to the list after a 3-year absence, so don't
>know if this has been addressed before but I've noticed a lot of female
>mystery writers are killing off/dumping the significant other of the
>heroine in series books. Most of the librarians here read mysteries as
>I do and both they and patrons are commenting on the fact that this
>seems to be a trend, and an undesirable one at that. Writers like
>Patricia Cornwell, Dana Stabenow, Sue Henry, Martha C. Lawrence, Susan
>Dunlap, Charlaine Harris, Rebecca Rothenberg, Laura Crum, and Karen
>Kijewski have all eliminated the lover/husband/significant other of the
>series heroine and it's depressing. Patrons have commented that they
>feel betrayed by the author when she does that. Has anyone else --
>librarian or mystery reader -- noticed this trend?
>
>Meg Sarff
>Public Services Manager/WebGoddess
>Davenport Public Library
>321 Main Street
>Davenport IA 52801-1490
>319-328-6848
>
>

FROM: "Jean Meadors" <[removed]@ccpl.ci.corpus-christi.tx.us>
REC'D: 12/18/99, 10:18 AM

Okay
this is going to sound dumb, but this is the second time I've read someone
mention DorothyL. Can anyone tell me what is discussed on this and their
address. And of course being a children's librarian, I immediately jump
to Dorothy of the Wizard of Oz.
thanks
Jean


On Fri, 17 Dec 1999, Viccy Kemp wrote:

> There was a substantial discussion about this recently on DorothyL. The
> consensus was, that as readers, they felt betrayed as well. I was horribly
> upset about what happened in Dana Stabenow's latest. The authors on DorothyL
> seemed to feel they were moving their characters in a new direction and not
> betraying the basis of the characters. But, yes, there has been a trend
> towards this end.
> Viccy Kemp
> The opinions are my own; the library wouldn't want 'em!
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > [removed]@libby.rbls.lib.il.us [[removed]@libby.rbls.lib.il.us]
> > Sent: Friday, December 17, 1999 2:34 PM
> > [removed]@maillist.nslsilus.org
> > Subject: Dead Boyfriend syndrome
> >
> > Hi. I'm newly returned to the list after a 3-year absence, so don't
> > know if this has been addressed before but I've noticed a lot of female
> > mystery writers are killing off/dumping the significant other of the
> > heroine in series books. Most of the librarians here read mysteries as
> > I do and both they and patrons are commenting on the fact that this
> > seems to be a trend, and an undesirable one at that. Writers like
> > Patricia Cornwell, Dana Stabenow, Sue Henry, Martha C. Lawrence, Susan
> > Dunlap, Charlaine Harris, Rebecca Rothenberg, Laura Crum, and Karen
> > Kijewski have all eliminated the lover/husband/significant other of the
> > series heroine and it's depressing. Patrons have commented that they
> > feel betrayed by the author when she does that. Has anyone else --
> > librarian or mystery reader -- noticed this trend?
> >
> > Meg Sarff
> > Public Services Manager/WebGoddess
> > Davenport Public Library
> > 321 Main Street
> > Davenport IA 52801-1490
> > 319-328-6848
>

FROM: <[removed]@mpl.on.ca>
REC'D: 12/18/99, 10:34 AM

>From: [removed]@libby.rbls.lib.il.us
>Date: Fri, 17 Dec 1999 14:33:30 -0600
>X-Mailer: Mozilla 4.08 [en] (Win95; U)
>To: [removed]@maillist.nslsilus.org
>Subject: Dead Boyfriend syndrome
>Sender: [removed]@maillist.nslsilus.org
>Reply-To: [removed]@maillist.nslsilus.org
>Comment: To get off of this list, mail an "unsubscribe" command to
>Comment: [removed]@maillist.nslsilus.org
>

Yes yes yes!!!! I've noticed this trend too as have several of my
patrons, and we are all appalled. It's fun (or a least expected)when a
bad guy (or gal) get bumped off, but awful when it is a character you have
come to know and love. My patrons have also felt betrayed, and afraid
to pick up the latest of any given series. How can we stop this carnage????

Mary

>Hi. I'm newly returned to the list after a 3-year absence, so don't
>know if this has been addressed before but I've noticed a lot of female
>mystery writers are killing off/dumping the significant other of the
>heroine in series books. Most of the librarians here read mysteries as
>I do and both they and patrons are commenting on the fact that this
>seems to be a trend, and an undesirable one at that. Writers like
>Patricia Cornwell, Dana Stabenow, Sue Henry, Martha C. Lawrence, Susan
>Dunlap, Charlaine Harris, Rebecca Rothenberg, Laura Crum, and Karen
>Kijewski have all eliminated the lover/husband/significant other of the
>series heroine and it's depressing. Patrons have commented that they
>feel betrayed by the author when she does that. Has anyone else --
>librarian or mystery reader -- noticed this trend?
>
>Meg Sarff
>Public Services Manager/WebGoddess
>Davenport Public Library
>321 Main Street
>Davenport IA 52801-1490
>319-328-6848
>
>
Mary Zadow
Milton Public Library
45 Bruce St
Milton, Ontario
L9T 2L5

FROM: "Jean Brown" <[removed]@mindspring.com>
REC'D: 12/18/99, 11:18 AM

I'm not on the DorothyL list so someone else can give you much more
information but I do recall it refers to Dorothy L Sayers (sp) anyway the
mystery writer so I assume they discuss mysteries...

[removed]@mindspring.com

FROM: "Jane Jorgenson" <[removed]@scls.lib.wi.us>
REC'D: 12/20/99, 10:19 AM

I've noticed this too. I've wondered if these authors got together and
decided the trend this year would be to get rid of those pesky partners. I
was very upset that Kijewski got rid of the partner between books. Many
authors cite the need for dramatic tension, telling us that the
relationship becomes boring if it lasts for too many books. But authors
like Jan Burke have proved this isn't so.

Just some thoughts,
Jane

At 02:33 PM 12/17/99 -0600, you wrote:
>Hi. I'm newly returned to the list after a 3-year absence, so don't
>know if this has been addressed before but I've noticed a lot of female
>mystery writers are killing off/dumping the significant other of the
>heroine in series books. Most of the librarians here read mysteries as
>I do and both they and patrons are commenting on the fact that this
>seems to be a trend, and an undesirable one at that. Writers like
>Patricia Cornwell, Dana Stabenow, Sue Henry, Martha C. Lawrence, Susan
>Dunlap, Charlaine Harris, Rebecca Rothenberg, Laura Crum, and Karen
>Kijewski have all eliminated the lover/husband/significant other of the
>series heroine and it's depressing. Patrons have commented that they
>feel betrayed by the author when she does that. Has anyone else --
>librarian or mystery reader -- noticed this trend?
>
>Meg Sarff
>Public Services Manager/WebGoddess
>Davenport Public Library
>321 Main Street
>Davenport IA 52801-1490
>319-328-6848
>
>
>

FROM: "Paula Hale" <[removed]@lib.ci.phoenix.az.us>
REC'D: 12/20/99, 11:06 AM

Another mystery author I love as much for the good mysteries as for the
fantastic relationship that turns marriage is Nancy Pickard. If she kills
off her husband, I think I will quit reading!

Paula Hale Tel: (602) 534-5276
Desert Sage Branch Fax: (602) 534-4367
Phoenix Public Library email: [removed]@lib.ci.phoenix.az.us
7602 W. Encanto Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85035

On Mon, 20 Dec 1999, Jane Jorgenson wrote:

> I've noticed this too. I've wondered if these authors got together and
> decided the trend this year would be to get rid of those pesky partners. I
> was very upset that Kijewski got rid of the partner between books. Many
> authors cite the need for dramatic tension, telling us that the
> relationship becomes boring if it lasts for too many books. But authors
> like Jan Burke have proved this isn't so.
>
> Just some thoughts,
> Jane
>
> At 02:33 PM 12/17/99 -0600, you wrote:
> >Hi. I'm newly returned to the list after a 3-year absence, so don't
> >know if this has been addressed before but I've noticed a lot of female
> >mystery writers are killing off/dumping the significant other of the
> >heroine in series books. Most of the librarians here read mysteries as
> >I do and both they and patrons are commenting on the fact that this
> >seems to be a trend, and an undesirable one at that. Writers like
> >Patricia Cornwell, Dana Stabenow, Sue Henry, Martha C. Lawrence, Susan
> >Dunlap, Charlaine Harris, Rebecca Rothenberg, Laura Crum, and Karen
> >Kijewski have all eliminated the lover/husband/significant other of the
> >series heroine and it's depressing. Patrons have commented that they
> >feel betrayed by the author when she does that. Has anyone else --
> >librarian or mystery reader -- noticed this trend?
> >
> >Meg Sarff
> >Public Services Manager/WebGoddess
> >Davenport Public Library
> >321 Main Street
> >Davenport IA 52801-1490
> >319-328-6848
> >
> >
> >
>

FROM: "Fiction_L" <[removed]@nslsilus.ORG>
REC'D: 12/20/99, 11:21 AM

From: "Ron Asher" <[removed]@imail.slcl.lib.mo.us>

Hi,
I've always called this trend the Captain Kirk curse. Any woman he fell
in love with was usually killed while he looked on helplessly.
Charlaine Harris just killed off her characters husband. Perhaps, the
authors forget that the majority of readers like the happily ever after
dream.

FROM: "Fiction_L" <[removed]@nslsilus.ORG>
REC'D: 12/20/99, 11:21 AM

From: "Ron Asher" <[removed]@imail.slcl.lib.mo.us>

Hi,
I've always called this trend the Captain Kirk curse. Any woman he fell
in love with was usually killed while he looked on helplessly.
Charlaine Harris just killed off her characters husband. Perhaps, the
authors forget that the majority of readers like the happily ever after
dream.

FROM: "Fiction_L" <[removed]@nslsilus.ORG>
REC'D: 12/20/99, 11:23 AM

Hello:
On Sat, 18 Dec 1999, Mary Zadow wrote:
> Yes yes yes!!!! I've noticed this trend too as have several of my
> patrons, and we are all appalled. It's fun (or a least expected)when a
> bad guy (or gal) get bumped off, but awful when it is a character you have
> come to know and love. My patrons have also felt betrayed, and afraid
> to pick up the latest of any given series. How can we stop this carnage????
As a writer who (though never published) has bumped off several characters
people have "come to know and love", I have to say that I understand the
fan's reaction but I also understand the writer. Let's face it, for some
characters, life would become too boring if they were happy and secure in
a permanent relationship. I read the latest Stabenow and, while I wasn't
exactly pleased with what happened--or even the way it happened--I give
the author credit for recognizing when there is too much of a good thing.
If the _publisher_ is responsible, then that's a shame that the author
can't/won't stand up to the publisher on such an important issue. If it's
the author's responsibility, though, I just want to find out what he/she
has in mind for the next book in the series.
Just my thoughts.

Alicia C. Graybill
[removed]@inetnebr.com
Volunteer Web Site Coordinator
Capital Humane Society of Lincoln, Nebraska
<A HREF="http://chs.inetnebr.com">http://chs.inetnebr.com</A>
[removed]@juno.com
Ringmaster, Humane Society and Animal Welfare Ring
<A HREF="http://hsawring.htmlplanet.com">http://hsawring.htmlplanet.com</A>
Proud Dog-Mom of U-AGI U-CD Eatinrock's Timberline CGC
All-American Pet Therapy Dog
Founder of IN-Style, Musical Freestyle in Iowa, Nebraska and Beyond
<A HREF="http://www.angelfire.com/ne/INStyle/">http://www.angelfire.com/ne/INStyle/</A>

FROM: "Fiction_L" <[removed]@nslsilus.ORG>
REC'D: 12/20/99, 11:23 AM

Hello:
On Sat, 18 Dec 1999, Mary Zadow wrote:
> Yes yes yes!!!! I've noticed this trend too as have several of my
> patrons, and we are all appalled. It's fun (or a least expected)when a
> bad guy (or gal) get bumped off, but awful when it is a character you have
> come to know and love. My patrons have also felt betrayed, and afraid
> to pick up the latest of any given series. How can we stop this carnage????
As a writer who (though never published) has bumped off several characters
people have "come to know and love", I have to say that I understand the
fan's reaction but I also understand the writer. Let's face it, for some
characters, life would become too boring if they were happy and secure in
a permanent relationship. I read the latest Stabenow and, while I wasn't
exactly pleased with what happened--or even the way it happened--I give
the author credit for recognizing when there is too much of a good thing.
If the _publisher_ is responsible, then that's a shame that the author
can't/won't stand up to the publisher on such an important issue. If it's
the author's responsibility, though, I just want to find out what he/she
has in mind for the next book in the series.
Just my thoughts.

Alicia C. Graybill
[removed]@inetnebr.com
Volunteer Web Site Coordinator
Capital Humane Society of Lincoln, Nebraska
<A HREF="http://chs.inetnebr.com">http://chs.inetnebr.com</A>
[removed]@juno.com
Ringmaster, Humane Society and Animal Welfare Ring
<A HREF="http://hsawring.htmlplanet.com">http://hsawring.htmlplanet.com</A>
Proud Dog-Mom of U-AGI U-CD Eatinrock's Timberline CGC
All-American Pet Therapy Dog
Founder of IN-Style, Musical Freestyle in Iowa, Nebraska and Beyond
<A HREF="http://www.angelfire.com/ne/INStyle/">http://www.angelfire.com/ne/INStyle/</A>

FROM: <[removed]@DAYTON.LIB.OH.US>
REC'D: 12/20/99, 9:29 PM

I first noticed this trend about 2 or three years ago. I had read the 10 book
mystery series by T. G. MacGregor featuring the married detectives of Quin
St. James and Mike McCready. I was finishing the 10th book late one Monday
night when one of the main characters was killed. I could barely get to
sleep. After investing so much in a series I felt really betrayed. I don't
know why the author did it since it was the last book in the series anyway.
I told my boss that I felt like asking for bereavement leave. I really
hate it now when I read a series where this happens. I heard Jan Burke at
a book signing say she would never kill Frank off. She said her fans
write her asking where they can find a guy like him so she certainly could
not kill him off.

I sometimes think an author can't think of more plots with the person so they
kill them off. As bad as I feel as a reader, I know if I ever wrote a book
I could never kill off one of the main characters. I think I would need
therapy.

Had to give my thoughts on this one.
Jan

Mon, 20 Dec 1999, Jane Jorgenson wrote:
>
>> I've noticed this too. I've wondered if these authors got together and
>> decided the trend this year would be to get rid of those pesky partners. I
>> was very upset that Kijewski got rid of the partner between books. Many
>> authors cite the need for dramatic tension, telling us that the
>> relationship becomes boring if it lasts for too many books. But authors
>> like Jan Burke have proved this isn't so.
>>
>> Just some thoughts,
>> Jane
>>
>> At 02:33 PM 12/17/99 -0600, you wrote:
>> >Hi. I'm newly returned to the list after a 3-year absence, so don't
>> >know if this has been addressed before but I've noticed a lot of female
>> >mystery writers are killing off/dumping the significant other of the
>> >heroine in series books. Most of the librarians here read mysteries as
>> >I do and both they and patrons are commenting on the fact that this
>> >seems to be a trend, and an undesirable one at that. Writers like
>> >Patricia Cornwell, Dana Stabenow, Sue Henry, Martha C. Lawrence, Susan
>> >Dunlap, Charlaine Harris, Rebecca Rothenberg, Laura Crum, and Karen
>> >Kijewski have all eliminated the lover/husband/significant other of the
>> >series heroine and it's depressing. Patrons have commented that they
>> >feel betrayed by the author when she does that. Has anyone else --
>> >librarian or mystery reader -- noticed this trend?
>> >
>> >Meg Sarff
>> >Public Services Manager/WebGoddess
>> >Davenport Public Library
>> >321 Main Street
>> >Davenport IA 52801-1490
>> >319-328-6848
>> >
>> >
>> >
>>
>
Janet Nottingham, Branch [removed]@dayton.lib.oh.us
Miami Twp. Branch (opening June, 2000) 937-227-9567
Dayton & Montgomery County Public Library

FROM: <[removed]@ci.mesa.az.us>
REC'D: 12/21/99, 2:25 PM

I see this as a reflection of relationship longevity in the real world as
much as a device to relieve author boredom or the need for creative
tension. Talk about fiction reflecting what's going on in the culture at
large. As much as we would like to have relationships last forever, how
often does it happen? More to the point, readers who have lost someone
need characters to relate to, survivors who move on in their lives. Just my
opinion.
Andrea Greenslade
Fiction Specialist
East Mesa Public Library, Mesa, AZ

FROM: "Jeanne Linn" <[removed]@libby.org>
REC'D: 12/21/99, 3:11 PM

I agree that relationships don't last but how often are people killed in
real life? Kay Scarpetta has lost how many now? I guess maybe authors
should just move them along, but give the people a new love interest. I
guess some of us are just showing our need to be in a relationship- or
something. I mean is Kay going to end up with that cop- I doubt it. Or
maybe she is going to be like Lucy. But give her somebody!! I think she
seems lonely is all......Jeanne

P.S. I haven't read the last book either so don't know what direction her
love life has gone if any.

-----Original Message-----
From: [removed]@ci.mesa.az.us <[removed]@ci.mesa.az.us>
To: [removed]@maillist.nslsilus.org <[removed]@maillist.nslsilus.org>
Date: Tuesday, December 21, 1999 2:07 PM
Subject: re: dead boyfriend syndrome


>
>
>
>I see this as a reflection of relationship longevity in the real world as
>much as a device to relieve author boredom or the need for creative
>tension. Talk about fiction reflecting what's going on in the culture at
>large. As much as we would like to have relationships last forever, how
>often does it happen? More to the point, readers who have lost someone
>need characters to relate to, survivors who move on in their lives. Just my
>opinion.
>Andrea Greenslade
>Fiction Specialist
>East Mesa Public Library, Mesa, AZ
>
>
>

FROM: "Cynthia Orr" <[removed]@cpl.org>
REC'D: 12/21/99, 3:43 PM

This thread reminds me a bit of my son's take on reading. He's 10 now, but has
been asking these same questions for years. I've always read to him (of
course), and when we pick a title he always asks the same questions.

Tommy's Guidelines for a Good Book:

Are there good guys and bad guys? (The answer must be yes.)
Is there a lot of adventure? (The answer must be yes.)
Does it have a happy ending? (The answer must be yes.)
Do any of the good guys get killed? (The answer must be no.)

I guess maybe we're all a bit like that, huh? <g>

Of course, now that he's almost 11 and a bit cynical, he has realized that
there are other cliches that often happen that he doesn't necessarily agree
with--like the fact that the best friend often dies--as well as the hero or
heroine's transitory love interest!
--
**********************************************************************
Cynthia Orr Email: [removed]@cpl.org
Branch Collection Manager Phone: 216-623-2822
Cleveland Public Library Fax: 216-623-2920
17133 Lake Shore Blvd.
Cleveland, OH 44110 <A HREF="http://www.cpl.org">http://www.cpl.org</A>
**********************************************************************

FROM: "Ridgefield Library Fiction Room" <[removed]@biblio.org>
REC'D: 12/21/99, 5:08 PM

Actually, I had noticed sort of the reverse syndrome amongst many of the
female sleuths I follow (authors including Nancy Pickard, Julie Smith,
Marcia Muller, Jan Burke). They have all pretty much eliminated the romance
element in favor of marrying their heroines off (or the functional
equivalent). While this settling down makes for an opportunity to muse on
long-term human relationships, I find this tactic takes some of the surprise
and anticipation out of it. I really would rather read eagerly to find out
whether girl gets boy than to listen to the heroine having a mid-life
crisis. I guess the authors feel that these women characters must suddenly
feel old and alone and have to do something about it at all costs -- some
end unproductive relationships by killing off the man, others get almost
boringly domestic.

Mary Rindfleisch
Adult Services/Reader's Advisory Librarian
Ridgefield Library
Ridgefield, CT
[removed]@biblio.org

FROM: "Karen A.K. Keller" <[removed]@tln.lib.mi.us>
REC'D: 12/22/99, 8:51 AM

On Tue, 21 Dec 1999, Ridgefield Library Fiction Room wrote:

> Marcia Muller, Jan Burke). They have all pretty much eliminated the romance
> element in favor of marrying their heroines off (or the functional
> equivalent). While this settling down makes for an opportunity to muse on
> long-term human relationships, I find this tactic takes some of the surprise
> and anticipation out of it. I really would rather read eagerly to find out
> whether girl gets boy than to listen to the heroine having a mid-life
> crisis. I guess the authors feel that these women characters must suddenly
>
Do those of you who read mystery feel this way about male characters, too?


Karen Keller
Brighton (MI) District Library

FROM: "Deb Warner" <[removed]@co.durham.nc.us>
REC'D: 12/22/99, 10:22 AM

FROM: <[removed]@ci.mesa.az.us>
REC'D: 12/22/99, 11:03 AM

I see this as a reflection of relationship longevity in the real world as
much as a device to relieve author boredom or the need for creative
tension. Talk about fiction reflecting what's going on in the culture at
large. As much as we would like to have relationships last forever, how
often does it happen? More to the point, readers who have lost someone
need characters to relate to, survivors who move on in their lives. Just my
opinion.
Andrea Greenslade
Fiction Specialist
East Mesa Public Library, Mesa, AZ

FROM: "Carol Elmore" <[removed]@westga.edu>
REC'D: 12/22/99, 1:11 PM

Welll, both my sister and i have been happily married for 31 years each,
and most of our friends are still on their first marriage so I see
relationships as lasting, if one is willing to work on it! ;-)
Carole Elmore

On Wed, 22 Dec 1999 [removed]@ci.mesa.az.us wrote:

>
>
>
> I see this as a reflection of relationship longevity in the real world as
> much as a device to relieve author boredom or the need for creative
> tension. Talk about fiction reflecting what's going on in the culture at
> large. As much as we would like to have relationships last forever, how
> often does it happen? More to the point, readers who have lost someone
> need characters to relate to, survivors who move on in their lives. Just my
> opinion.
> Andrea Greenslade
> Fiction Specialist
> East Mesa Public Library, Mesa, AZ
>
>
>
>

FROM: "Donna Jo Atwood" <[removed]@JCL.LIB.KS.US>
REC'D: 12/23/99, 12:17 PM

More to the point, readers who have lost someone
need characters to relate to, survivors who move on in their lives.

As an original ostrich, may I just say that some of us readers prefer,
when disaster strikes, to have our reading lives stay in its own little rut.
There can be something comforting in the fact that something has remained
the same. (I reread a ton of Georgette Heyer when my husband was ill.)
Like Andrea, though, this is my only personal bias. If we could only get
us stick-in-the-muds to read the same authors, and convinces those authors
to leave everything the same...Never mind!

> -----Original Message-----
> From: [removed]@maillist.nslsilus.org
> [<A HREF="mailto:owner-fiction_l@maillist.nslsilus.org]On">mailto:owner-fiction_l@maillist.nslsilus.org]On</A> Behalf Of
> [removed]@ci.mesa.az.us
> Sent: Wednesday, December 22, 1999 11:05 AM
> To: [removed]@maillist.nslsilus.org
> Subject: re: Dead boyfriend syndrome
>
>
>
>
>
> I see this as a reflection of relationship longevity in the real world as
> much as a device to relieve author boredom or the need for creative
> tension. Talk about fiction reflecting what's going on in the culture at
> large. As much as we would like to have relationships last forever, how
> often does it happen? More to the point, readers who have lost someone
> need characters to relate to, survivors who move on in their
> lives. Just my
> opinion.
> Andrea Greenslade
> Fiction Specialist
> East Mesa Public Library, Mesa, AZ
>
>
>

FROM: "ROBIN BEERBOWER" <[removed]@OPENGOVT.OPEN.ORG>
REC'D: 12/31/99, 10:23 AM

Thought you all might be interested in the message I just received
from Jan Burke re: the Dead Partner Syndrome that seems to be plaguing
mystery writers:

>I can assure you that Frank is not
only alive and well, the next book is told in third person, primarily
from
his point of view. Irene is in the book, but more in the way that
he's in
the previous books.
No plans to kill him off or for the two of them to split up. I have
too
much fun with them just as they are.

Yours,
Jan>

Have a safe, prosperous, and healthy New Year everyone!

Robin Beerbower
Salem (OR) Public Library
[removed]@open.org

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