It’s elementary, my dear Watson!
Everybody loves a good mystery. From classic whodunnits to modern thrillers and real-world heists, we can’t help but be intrigued by the unknown. As a kid, I was obsessed with Nancy Drew and Scooby-Doo. I loved how easily I could solve the case alongside the protagonists, following a cookie-crumb trail of clues straight to an easily unmasked culprit. Now, I binge episodes of “Only Murders in the Building” with my mom, eagerly watching each case unfold. Consumed by curiosity, I can't help but crave the gratification of watching the puzzle pieces come together to create a full picture. To me, there are few moments in life better than being the first to shout, “I have an accusation to make!” at the end of a game of Clue.
While they can range from silly and fun to dark and disturbing, something about a mystery has always been comforting to me, like a warm cup of tea or sitting in an armchair next to a crackling fire. A good mystery can make time blur. Although it’s easy to establish the initial puzzle, it’s far more difficult to create a satisfying conclusion. Maybe some cases are better left unsolved.
In the Mystery B-Side, Daily Arts writers investigate the puzzles that captivate our imaginations. Grab your magnifying glasses and join them in exploring the mysteries within and surrounding art.
Senior Arts Editor Isabelle Perraut can be reached at iperraut@umich.edu.
