Is X-Files agent a real job?

Jan 20, 2023 6:09 pm

Supernatural journalist

The conventional wisdom for fantasy authors is that while fantasy readers often enjoy mystery, the reverse is not true. But I was once one such reader. When I lived overseas, my reading choices were limited to what my family would ship me. We had a family friend who owned a bookstore, and they'd send me a giant box of stripped books, which I anticipated as much as an arctic explorer would anticipate new rations. But one box had only mysteries in them, not fantasy. After I read sixty or seventy mystery novels, they started to grow on me.

Mysteries appeal to the desire to find out secrets. Amateur sleuths are especially satisfying because frequently what you don't know CAN hurt you. In my experience, when people don't tell you things it's usually to protect them, not you. So Jessica Fletcher or Nancy Drew or Susan Stillwater do a little investigating to find out who has hidden murderous intentions.

The problem with writing amateur sleuths is that you have to get around the fact that this is generally considered a police job and the police generally do not like civilians mucking about at crime scenes. I'm pretty sure "but I'm trying to find the real killer!" will not look great at the arraignment for your B&E arrest. Kit gets around this in Faerie's Killer by having the Guild smooth things over.

Journalism is another career that's about uncovering the truth, but I don't see this as often in fiction. Except for Lois Lane, do we have a lot of journalists? Maybe there's an untapped demand for a investigative journalist podcaster who is finding out the truth behind cryptids. Wait, there is. I already listen to them.

Faerie's Killer

The Guild thinks human justice is too merciful for those who kill vampires.

Did you read this book? I'd love your reviews and recommendations!

This week's question: What real-life job would you like seen in a fantasy setting?

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