Mystery, History, and Social Issues: The True Crime Behind Great Fiction

Published: Wed, 08/06/25

What makes a mystery novel linger in your mind long after you’ve closed the book? For me, it’s the way stories draw power from real historical events and contemporary social issues—those undercurrents that both shape and haunt the detective’s journey.

The Power of History in Crime Fiction

In writing mysteries, I’m always struck by how the shadows of the past and the flames of current events bleed seamlessly into the present. Think of City Of Stones—set in 1950 Minneapolis against the true story of the dismantling of the Twin City Rapid Transit system, financial corruption, and the city’s history of anti-Semitism. Minneapolis, at the time, was known as the most anti-Semitic city in the country—a fact that deeply influenced the city’s culture and the dangers my characters face. By weaving these historical threads into the fabric of the mystery, the novel not only delivers suspense, but also shines a light on the forces that shaped an era.The drama and the mystery are all the more riveting because they echo real struggles. Darkness in fiction feels sharper when it resonates with something lived, something raw.

Why History and Social Issues Matter in Mysteries

When mysteries tackle issues like corruption, racial prejudice, or the unintended consequences of technology, the stakes go beyond solving a puzzle—they ask us to grapple with questions about justice, responsibility, and change. The best crime fiction doesn’t just entertain; it reflects the world around us.

John Santana himself is shaped by history—his childhood in Colombia, his encounters with systemic injustice both there and in St. Paul. Each case forces him to confront not just the darkness of the crime, but the larger forces at play. That’s why every setting, every era I choose, matters. Whether it’s the ritualistic murder in Shadow Falls Park or the moral quandaries swirling through a cold case, the historical and social context provides a sense of urgency—and empathy.

Bringing the Past Into the Present

It’s not just background—real events and social issues challenge characters and drive the mystery forward. They add layers of truth, making fiction resonate in a way that pure invention never could. Some of my favorite mysteries—like James Ellroy’s LA Confidential—draw deeply from the turbulent histories of their cities. The result? Stories that are suspenseful, but also thought-provoking.

Your Mystery, Your Voice

Do you have a favorite mystery novel where history or social change played a starring role? Is there a true event you’d love to see explored in a detective story? I value your thoughts and enjoy hearing which stories leave an impression—and why. If there’s a period or issue you’d love to see Santana explore in a future book send me an email at cjvalen@comcast.net. Your feedback could inspire my next big twist.

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