I’m a huge fan of crime fiction set in closed societies. I love mysteries, thrillers—series and standalone novels alike—and I consume them with the unabashed passion of a bona fide crime-fiction-aholic. It’s an added bonus when my genre of choice transports me to an unfamiliar world and I have the opportunity to learn something new about a little known culture.
When I conceived the idea for a mystery series set among the Ohio Amish, I wanted to create a protagonist who could immerse us in that unique world, yet is apart from it. I love the internal conflict of a character knowing her roots, understanding her heritage, and yet not fully accepting it. That ambiguity is intimate and powerful.
Crime fiction is a terrific medium for going beyond the topical and digging into all those mysterious places that simply aren’t talked about or shared openly—especially with outsiders. That sense of secrecy, the knowledge that much remains unspoken or concealed, certainly adds to the difficulty of an investigation. In addition, uncovering the answers can reveal unexpected particulars about the culture.
Here are six mysteries set in closed societies that use the crime fiction form to explore little-known worlds.
Invisible City, Julia Dahl
Hasidic Community, Brooklyn, New York
Invisible City is a gripping introduction to a series set among the Hasidic Jewish community of Brooklyn, New York. Not only is it a compelling murder mystery, but a fascinating glimpse into a secretive and little-known society. The story is told through the eyes of aspiring young journalist, Rebekah Roberts, who is living in New York, trying to make her mark in the world, and searching for her Hasidic mother, who abandoned her and her father years ago. Everything changes when Rebekah is assigned a story about the brutal murder of a Hasidic woman. At first it’s just an assignment, but when the powerful ultra Orthodox community to which the victim belonged tries to have the deceased buried without an autopsy, Rebekah follows her gut and starts digging. Dahl skillfully peels away the intricate layers of a closed society, exposing the beliefs, attitudes—and misdeeds—of its inhabitants.
Blessed Be The Wicked, D.A. Bartley
Setting: Mormon Community, Salt Lake City, Utah
Blessed Be The Wicked is the debut of a mystery series set among the Mormon community in Salt Lake City, Utah. Protagonist Abish Taylor is likeable, capable, and ambiguous about her Mormon heritage. Having just lost her husband, she has returned to her hometown to reconnect with her family and assumes a position as detective with a small police force. Things get interesting when a respected member of the Mormon community is found dead in what appears to be a ritualistic murder with historical implications that date back to the days of Brigham Young. One of the things I loved about the book is learning about some of the lesser-known rituals, traditions, and inner workings of the Mormon religion. D A Bartley also includes many historical references that added another layer of credibility and made the book an absolutely fascinating read.
The Bishop’s Wife, Mette Ivie Harrison
Setting: Mormon Community, Utah
Speaking of the Mormon religion, author Mette Ivie Harrison—who is a practicing Mormon—pens a fascinating mystery in her critically acclaimed The Bishop’s Wife. This novel begins with the disappearance of a Mormon woman that captures the attention of the bishop’s wife, our protagonist Linda Wellheim. This story delves into the Mormon culture with razor sharp insights from Harrison who writes with courage and tackles serious issues with unflinching candor.
Hearts of the Missing, Carol Potenza
Setting: Native American Pueblo, New Mexico
Tony Hillerman Prize recipient Carol Potenza strikes gold with her upcoming police procedural debut Hearts of the Missing. The book is set on a fictional Native American Pueblo in New Mexico and introduces us to Police Sergeant Nicky Matthews. While Nicky isn’t Native American, she is a solid part of the community which gives her—and the reader—some keen insights into a fascinating and little known culture. The story unfolds with a suicide that leads Nicky to a list of missing Fire-Sky tribal members. As she digs into the case, she discovers not only murder but a stunning and disturbing motive that strikes at the very core of what it means to be a member of the Fire-Sky people.
Reconstructing Amelia, Kimberly McCreight
Setting: Private Girls School, Brooklyn, New York
From a slightly different perspective we have Reconstructing Amelia, Kimberly McCreight’s exquisitely plotted debut. This thriller is set in an exclusive private girls school in Brooklyn. The story is told through the eyes of successful attorney Kate when she receives word that her daughter, Amelia, has jumped to her death. Later Kate receives a note telling her that wasn’t the case, and she begins digging—via her daughter’s writings and social media. She soon finds herself shut out by a student body filled with cliques and a popularity class system in a sort of “underground society” inside the school. As Kate probes, she learns Amelia was involved in some toxic social circles. The story explores the dangers of hazing, the power of friendship, and the difficulties a young person can face separating friend from foe.
Longmire Series, Craig Johnson
Setting: Rural Wyoming
Finally, we have Craig Johnson’s beloved Longmire series. While Longmire is on, overall, fairly good terms with the Cheyenne, there is definitely a tension and uneasiness that arises throughout the series. If you’re interested in the traditions, the daily life, history, and intricacies of this fascinating Native American culture, you won’t want to miss this series.
