Murphy Murphy and the Case of Serious Crisis is my fourth book and third work of fiction. While characters in my first two mysteries have had idiosyncrasies and eccentricities, Murphy Murphy (the detective at the heart of my new book) is more defined by them than the others.
I can’t say with conviction that Murphy was designed that way, but looking back, I must admit I wouldn’t pretend to see his character evolving any other way. I admit to an obvious bias, but for my money, Murphy Murphy’s mannerisms, traits, and foibles are his charm. He naturally has an aversion, bordering on a maniacal obsession, with the use of redundant phrases. How could a detective named Murphy Murphy behave any other way? The use of these redundancies drives him crazy and throughout the course of the book he makes every effort to point them out and eradicate their use. Is that a “quirk” or an “obsession”? Maybe both.
As the book proceeds the reader is exposed to more than 150 redundant phrases. Some are pointed out directly by the main character while others are more subtle and take the form of the detective’s name, the name of the rock band at the heart of the mystery, and the songs that they perform. But Murphy Murphy is more than just a conduit to expose redundant phrases. His behavior, demeanor, and interaction with the world around him uncover other quirks that give the character depth. He drinks only one type of bottled water. His enjoyment of classical music goes beyond a preference and creeps into the realm of uncovering an inability to appreciate other types of music. He’s aware of sports like golf but has no idea that there has been a television network devoted to the game for decades.
These and more make up Murphy Murphy. I am aware that some might argue those behaviors don’t meet the definition of a “quirk.” I contend they do. I would describe Murphy Murphy as a “quirky” guy. A character who personifies “a peculiarity of action, behavior, or personality.” His quirks may not rise to the level of a physical manifestation like continually pushing one’s glasses up the bridge of one’s nose or twirling a lock of hair or picking at fingernails and cuticles but they definitely define him. They make him vulnerable, relatable, and dare I say, likeable.
In the book I ask you to join Murphy Murphy on his quest to solve a case. My hope is what makes him “tick” makes the reader want to do just that. Finding the right blend of interesting, odd, endearing, and “quirky” was, in my mind, the key to bringing the reader along for the ride.
Recommended Article: Murphy Murphy and the Case of Serious Crisis – a Review
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