Do you have a preference re point of view? Do you like the sidekick to tell the tale or do you like it when the detector takes centre stage? (I'm plotting a book and can't decide on perspective).
I prefer third-person omniscient because you the narration can go wherever and doesn't always need to follow the detective around. I sometimes find first-person narration distracting especially if the author tries to get the reader to chum up with the him or her. First-person can be done very well but I think that is a riskier approach in my opinion.
SPOILERS In an Agatha Christie story, always suspect a (newly introduced) lawyer/doctor/policeman or other functionary character with a lot of "character" development, dialogue or exposition outside the norm for their jobs. Functionary types are over-developed for a good reason. The Greek doctor in Orient Express had a vital function in explaining the forensics of the wounds. Although he couldn't be disposed of conveniently from the isolated scene of the story as most forensic experts are, he was surplus to the plot afterward. More typically, the Medical Examiner in The Body In The Library delivers his lines and isn't seen again. Step forward a new local doctor in "4-50 From Paddington," and we see a definitive outlier - just as with this policeman. I agree that the mechanics of the actual murder were quite far-fetched.
I really enjoyed your insights on this one. Happy new year to you, SG.
Thanks! Happy New Year!
Do you have a preference re point of view? Do you like the sidekick to tell the tale or do you like it when the detector takes centre stage? (I'm plotting a book and can't decide on perspective).
I prefer third-person omniscient because you the narration can go wherever and doesn't always need to follow the detective around. I sometimes find first-person narration distracting especially if the author tries to get the reader to chum up with the him or her. First-person can be done very well but I think that is a riskier approach in my opinion.
SPOILERS
In an Agatha Christie story, always suspect a (newly introduced) lawyer/doctor/policeman or other functionary character with a lot of "character" development, dialogue or exposition outside the norm for their jobs. Functionary types are over-developed for a good reason.
The Greek doctor in Orient Express had a vital function in explaining the forensics of the wounds. Although he couldn't be disposed of conveniently from the isolated scene of the story as most forensic experts are, he was surplus to the plot afterward. More typically, the Medical Examiner in The Body In The Library delivers his lines and isn't seen again. Step forward a new local doctor in "4-50 From Paddington," and we see a definitive outlier - just as with this policeman.
I agree that the mechanics of the actual murder were quite far-fetched.
It's always the functionary character when they are given any bit of characterization beyond the perfunctory... except when it's not.