Archaeology mysteries > Likes and Comments

While searching for archaeology-themed novels for the book club I realised that about 95% of all archaeological fiction involves murder mysteries or crime thrillers. I was just curious whether people think that this might effect how people view archaeology? Or is it just considered a fun side note beside the central story?

I think I would say Archaeology as a topic is all about mystery and thrills, (err not so much crime...) i dont think these type of novels diminish the technical appreciation for Archaeology they compliment each other.. just like the forensic/pathology crime novels.

We read a book by Mary Anna Evans called Artifacts. It has a bit of mystery and crime in it, but in speaking with the author (and reading the book), we realized that she put in a ton of research to make sure the archaeology was accurate. Of course, not all authors probably do this, but as popular as true crime and mystery is, perhaps this genre helps get more people interested in reading about archaeology. We just wish that all the authors would put in the effort to ensure it is accurate as possible.

I’m late to the discussion… but I would guess that it’s a long running connection. The first that comes to mind is Agatha Christie’s Murder in Mesopotamia. In a certain level archaeology and murder mysteries intersect in forensic procedures, so it may scratch the same itch for the readers.
I don’t think it harms the science’s image. There was a time when horror stories used a lot the archaeologists waking up ancient curses trope. It always sparked curiosity about the science behind it and I think it usually is a good thing.

I write both historical fiction and ancient non-fiction. I did have an idea for a book once. No murders of curses though. It went something like this...

An archaeologist gets onto the tour bus, perhaps in Turkiye or it could be Greece. Most of the tourists are older couples. The only spare seat is beside another single traveler and of course they talk. One is an archaeologist, but this is a holiday break, aiming to tour a certain area which is not normally part of their work. The other is an author, with an idea, almost a fixation about one particular story. So on one level the book would reflect their growing friendship - possibly romance - while on another level they would be using the archaeologists knowledge to explore relevant sites as the writer theorised and re-imagined the mysteries of the past. Then we add in that one or both of them have their own little mysteries in their everyday lives back home. So, at the end of the book there has to be an outcome of the research and also an outcome of their relationship.
Now, I must confess I never wrote it - due to having other projects to complete - but one day, perhaps, I will.

We are intrigued! Barbara always jokes that when on vacation when someone asks her what she does it becomes work because, as public archaeologists, our job is to literally talk about our job. LOL

Sorry for not replying before now! I somehow completely missed all of these notifications...

It's been really interesting as we read more books through the book club to see a definite patterns in the archaeological experience of the author and the representation of archaeology in the books. Or indeed as was mentioned above, you can really tell when an author has actually done their research!

That's a really interesting point about even inaccurate representations at least bringing archaeology to the fore in some way, and hopefully encouraging readers to learn the reality. (I mean, I feel like a large percentage of current archaeologists were heavily inspired by franchises like Indiana Jones and The Mummy :D)

Also that book idea sounds great!