The trend I've noticed most in the mystery/crime fiction book world in 2007 is the proliferation of the hastily written bestseller. Dare I call this genre a McNovel?
You know what I'm talking about: those authors that churn out five or six novels a year, with two and three-page (or less) chapters, lots of white space, and often predictable plots and characters. Gone--or at least going--are the days when a prolific author wrote a novel every four or five years, pondering at length each phrase and character. Thriller author, Ira Levin, who passed away this week, produced just seven novels in his 78 years. Yet most of his books, such as "Rosemary's Baby" and "Stepford Wives," are household names. Are authors such as he a dying breed?
Still, many of these McNovel authors, such as James Patterson, are loved by thousands and regularly hit the bestseller list. Presumably, they are introducing new readers to the joy of the novel, never a bad thing. Patterson, on his Web site, explains that he developed his style for readers that have only a few minutes at the end of the day to read a novel and who want the satisfaction of finishing a chapter.
I long for the well-considered novel that is formed after months and years of contemplation, but, perhaps, in this fast-paced society, such a work is just not commercially viable. Do you lament the advent of the McNovel or do you enjoy the fast action and short chapters of the McNovels? Vote in the poll below or join in the discussion.
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