Who knew that the Mother of Murder Mysteries, (detective fiction, actually), isn’t Agatha Christie or Dorothy Sayers, or any of the big names I know? And that the writer with that title is also a perfect example of the mystery of impact?
I suppose murder mystery lovers who have read more widely than I have, would know the name of Anna Katherine Green. I was pleasantly surprised to discover this “new to me” writer.
Green’s first big success, The Leavenworth Case in 1878, contained the elements that Agatha Christie and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle used to craft their famous detectives:
— An intelligent detective who scrutinizes all the clues.
— A multitude of circumstantial evidence the detective considers, but doesn’t let distract him.
— Several viable suspects because of superlative, interweaving layers and red herrings.
— And a plot that NEVER sags.
Wow! That, my friends, is the reason that Agatha Christie and other mystery writers (including me) are influenced by Green’s works.
I won’t spoil anything for you. But I highly recommend you read or listen to The Leavenworth Case. It’s in the public domain and a free audio recording can be found on librivox.org.
Unknown But Impactful
Sometimes the “mother” or best person at something, doesn’t get the short- or long-term recognition they deserve.
Green wrote over 35 books, and her legacy isn’t touted like that of other writers. She may have hoped her writing would impact others, but she couldn’t have known it would still be enjoyed and praised almost 150 years after she wrote it. I don’t know what she “thought” or “hoped”, but she kept writing. And I appreciate her talent and perseverance.
Each of us has gifts. We may not be acknowledged, or remembered, or decipher the mystery of the impact we have on others. But we do impact others — who then affect more people.
And the decisions and actions we take can have a positive, or negative, impact.
My prayer for everyone is that we choose to act in a way that values and encourages others. And recognizes their unique talents and gifts, so they can choose to positively impact the world as well.
What helps you use your talents and perseverance to help others?
The Mystery of Impact – What helps you use your talents to help others? Share on XJoni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.
May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.
Very encouraging post, Joni! It is amazing to see a woman from the late 1800’s push through the challenges of being a woman in her time period, to write those mystery books. Stories like that help me keep going:)
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts, Jane.
Thank you for this, Joni. I am eager to look into the writings of Anna Katherine Green. You are so right that things can have a big impact on others, whether big or little things, and whether they have a large or small audience.
Thanks, Phyllis. Hope you enjoy reading Green’s mysteries. I appreciate you reading and sharing.
Joni, thank you for reminding us that we impact others whether we’re “famous “ or not. May we all be found faithful serving Jesus and pointing others to Him.
Thank you for your comments, Kim. I pray we all do what God wants us to do.
We are so blessed to have those forerunners (foreauthors?) who’ve gone before us, leaving a legacy to guide our paths. Enjoyed your message, Joni.
Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts, Katherine!
The determination to find an open door when another door closes.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Tim. I appreciate your support!