Blanc is the new Noir
The term “Noir Mystery” was coined by a French film critic in 1946 to describe the slew of dark, moody, and downbeat suspense stories that explored themes that included moral ambiguity, rampant distrust, and costly betrayal. The heroes were usually male, often hard-boiled detectives, with gruff exteriors and conflicted interiors. And their female counterparts were Femmes Fatales who lured them in with their lusty ways.
But what do we call light, fun, upbeat mysteries that explore themes of moral justice, blind faith, and loyal determination with soft-boiled heroines who have curvy exteriors and steadfast interiors—and male counterparts who lure them in with their lustful ways?
Enter the “Blanc Mystery.”
This is the perfect term for my new series featuring Lora Weaver. Lora is forever searching for the light in the darkness and refuses to believe there isn’t a bright side to everything in life. Sometimes she has to sidestep a few puddles to find it, but she does. Eventually.
So welcome to the blog and to the series. While Noir may be classic, Blanc has more fun.
