Free Inquiry In Creative Volume 34 NO.2 November 2006 133 FICTIONAL AND THE PORTRAYAL OF JUSTICE IN MODERN SOCIOLOGY AND CONTEMPORARY NOVELS

Ralph G. O'Sullivan, Chillicothe, IL

ABSTRACT

Social justice is a popular subject of discussion in sociology, politics, jurisprudence, as well as popular novels. The outcomes of its proceedings are equally curious because that which is "'just" depends upon such variables as defining the direction that justice needs to take; allocating authority to enforce it; and public reaction to its consequences. This article represents a layered investigative journey into the portrayal of justice in nine popular series novels because its fictional enactment represents the way that the population would like to see it enforced, but does not. Since the body of the material reviewed here are works of fiction which incorporate known data a new expression is offered. Fictional reality refers to the ways in which novelists weave fair knowledge about modern justice into stories which please their audiences, and this article explores the means by which that melding occurs.

"You want justice done, you got to get it search for truth that the author shares" writes yourself. " Jeff Rovin (2005 233), author of books in a (, In the Moon of Red Tom Clancy-created series. Ponies) James Lee Burke created the series of books featuring Deputy Sheriff Dave Robi­ ''That's what the notion of 'justice' was all cheaux (1987-2003, 2005, 2006) and the about anyway: settling up." shorter series about Billy Bob Holland from (Sue Grafton, A is for Alibi) which the above statement was taken; Sue Grafton wrote the best-selling "Alphabet" "I don't think Barbara Daggett gave a crime books starring private detective Kinsey damn about seeing justice done, what­ Milhone (1983-2005); and Nora Roberts cre­ ever that consists of." ated many stories whose genres are difficult (Sue Grafton, D is for Deadbeat) to classify. One of the reasons that these authors, and others to be identified shortly, "First food, then justice. That's the proper frequently top best-selling lists is that they ordering of world events." integrate geo-politics, geography, sociology, (Sue Grafton, J is for Judgment) abnormal psychology, forensic , moral entrepreneurial roles, humor, and ro­ "You can't leave justice to others." mance into their stories. A second reason for (Nora Roberts, Northern Lights) their popUlarity is that the books fulfill our thirst for an ideal system of justice as we are INTRODUCTION taken on journeys into the unreal-real world If these statements by three popular nov­ of literature - that of fictional reality. elists are correct then our system of justice This article represents an excursion into is the SUbject of serious public despair and that world wherein celebrated heroes do not ridicule. A common understanding about fit some stereotypical images. They no longer social justice is that it exists when that which ride white horses, use silver bullets, follow is morally "right" prevails over that which is the rules, and have the full authority of the morally "wrong" in a legally-contested pro­ law behind them. As this journey begins there cess. While such proceedings are intended are several destinations which await our ar­ to be swift and sure, they are often slow with rival. First, there is need to discuss the logic uncertain outcomes, leaving the population behind the choice of series novels instead both unhappy with it, and scornful of it. Con­ of stand-alone books; this trip requires the temporary writers such as James Lee Burke, identification of the authors and series cho­ Sue Grafton, and Nora Roberts understand sen for examination. The second stop on this these mixed concerns and capitalize on them trip identifies the several ideal types of jus­ by writing books wherein justice is depicted tice which are portrayed in the books, and in ways which they would like to see it ful­ special emphasis is then placed on the filled. A novel, then, becomes "an internal moral entrepreneurial roles of the books' 134 Volume 34 No. 2 November 2006 Free Inquiry In Crealive Sociology characters. The third destination for this ex­ their characters over an extended period of cursion is an analysis of the near-autobio­ time even though each episode in the series graphicai method by which several of the is a story unto itself - as in static dynamics. writers have been able to create likable and In comparison, stand-alone books have believable fiction. Authors can accomplish a kinship with cross-sectional studies in soci­ this task by keeping our emotions peaked ology. They represent a snapshot story tak­ with aversion, sensuality, and tension carry­ ing place within limited boundaries rather ing us to the last pages of their books. than ones which are not so restricted, but When this article is completed we will be which can often work to the advantage of a able to better understand how selected novel­ reader. Since there are no intended links to ists enlist wide readership simply by provid­ preceding or succeeding books the reader ing surrogate images of a justice system is free to explore other authors or genres which works. As this journey into the meid­ without feelings of guilt or disloyaity, free to ing of fiction and fact begins there is need to have alternative literary experiences without identify the means by which series novels becoming bored by stylistic or thematic du­ were chosen for use here, as well as listing plication. the specific ones which were selected - a While readers are free to choose their own literature review. forms of amusement, it should not be con­ ciuded that they are restricted to one type of NOVELS: TYPES AND CHOICES book over another. I read series and stand­ Excluding genres, novels fall into one of alone books, many of each, because they two categories - series or stand-alone are both appealing even though they may books. Each has particuiar appeals for the contain similar thoughts, for which two illus­ authors and their audiences. Each has trations are provided. The opinion about so­ designnated properties. Each has certain cial justice provided by Nora Roberts at the limitations. Each contains different types of beginning of this piece is virtually identical to storylines and characterizations. Each can those of James Lee Burke and Sue Grafton, be related to socioiogical , all but the book is not one of a . Likewise, of wh ich need to be discussed before the Sandra Brown's Fat Tuesday (1997), star­ chosen authors and their books are pre­ ring Burke Basile as a New Orleans' cop, sented. contains probative methods similar to the ones contained in James Lee Burke's books, SERIES AND STAND-ALONE BOOKS but her piece is not part of a set, either. A series of novels is one in which there is The stories chosen, and the people in a set of characters, locales, or events which them, are fictional. Yet, as we read we define have recurring presence from one book to subjects and their actions as having an ex­ the next. Characters change over time by istence beyond mere fantasy. We voluntarily growing older, suffering illnesses, having suspend our intellectual understanding of family members and friends emerge and die, fiction and treat it as being real - a luxury in and moving from one place to another as which we engage for purposes of entertain­ jobs require. Series fans read the iatest in­ ment. We are just literary junkies and voy­ stallment as soon as it is available, then eurs as we delve repeatedly into the lives of anguish for months or years until the next imaginary people, illusory justice, and the one is published. Fans may also mourn or lives of the books' creators. So, just why were feel betrayed when the series ends by de­ the books chosen, and which ones were sign or by the death of the author. Friend­ selected? ships with the characters grow as does a like-mindedness with the author and fellow THE AUTHORS AND THEIR SERIES believers. Dave Robicheaux, for example, is The series books which were chosen for discussed among readers as if he is a real use here were originally read for recreational person: Fans of his might purchase base­ purposes. it was later determined that an ball caps and t-shirts emblazoned with the organized investigation of them might be logo for the "Robicheaux Bait and Dock" shop possible which promoted three dominant from an internet source. Borrowing from so­ reasons for their selection. ciology's methods, there is a longitudinal The first and obvious one is that they rep­ quality to series books because they portray resent a convenience sample from private Free Inquiry In Creative Sociology Volume 34 No.2 November 2006 135

libraries or they were borrowed from public cinct parrots the thinking of her facilities. The second reason is that the books successful dad when he describes a deal with different types of justices being "bust'em or dust'em" of police work accomplished and they contain different (JL Burke 2005 213) for Robicheaux and his types of moral entrepreneurial roles to fulfill buddy when they were homicide detectives justices. Third, most of the authors who were in New Orleans. Given the similarlity of lines selected have personal stories, or near-au­ and near-simultaneous publications of two tobiographies, which are particularly suited of their books in 2005, it is not hard to imag­ for their creations. The series do not repre­ ine the influence that father and daughter sent random sampling because they were have on each other. The confluence of their not given numerical assignments from work is even more noticeable as we read of which they were chosen. The series do not Robicheaux's book-daughter, Alafair, who represent an effort to exhaust all possible has a prominent presence in his stories. options because that would be an impos­ sible task and it would negate any possibility James Lee Burke's Dave Robicheaux for a relatively short undertaking. Given such James Lee Burke's sabulous Dave Robi­ reasonings, the authors and their creations cheaux stories are an all-time favorite among are identified in alphabetical order. 1 this bunch. Dave Robicheaux is now a more­ than-middle-aged Deputy Sheriff in Iberia Nevada Barr's Anna Pigeon Parish, Louisiana. He and his sidekick Clete Nevada Barr has written thirteen Anna Pi­ Purcel have come to roost in bayou country geon stories (1993-2005). Anna is a middle­ after controversial careers in the New Or­ aged widow who left New York City for a ca­ leans Pollee Department. Resentful of out­ reer in law enforcement with the National side assistance from such an agency as the Park Service. Crime has left the cities, has Federal Bureau of Investigation, he and fel­ transferred into our national parks, and has low cops jeer the Feds as "Fart, Barf, and contaminated them. As with most crime-mys­ Itch" (JL Burke 1995315; 200666). Beyond tery novels the most significant crime which the commonplace obligations of a police­ she investigates is murder; but who would man (JL Burke 2006 82-83), disputes sur­ want to read many books about a ranger who round him as he fights crime, authority, alco­ issues camping licenses to visitors and is­ holism, and the demon memory from a harsh sues them citations for littering? In order to combat tour of duty in Viet Nam. Like Anna make good stories there are often raw greed Pigeon, most of the crimes he investigates factors which precipitate human harm or are murders, but there are often deeper damage the ecologies of the parks which wrongs for which murder is only a symptom. she has sworn to protect. Anna gets as­ Organized crime infiltrates his turf. Corpo­ signed to many parks across the country from rate greed sponsors environmental pollution. the Natchez Trace, to the Dry Tortugas, to Vice trafficking targets unwary citizens. It is islands of Georgia and Minnesota, to cav­ upon the already-poor that abusive elitists erns in the southwest, to mountain ranges impose even more "hunger, fear, injustice, in California. She battles an alligator, near and oppression" (The Episcopal Church's drownings, the confines of a pitch-black cav­ Book ofCommon Prayer 1979 392). He fights ern, the ravage of a forest firestorm, and her all of these social ills with a moral certainty use of alcohol. which contests his empowered duties. He, too, couid be labeled as an advocate for local­ Alafair Burke's Samantha Kincaid ized liberation theology as he fends for people Alafair Burke, a newcomer to the trade and who cannot do so for themselves - a pala­ daughter of James Lee Burke, has penned din. When manipulative, arrogant, and im­ three Samantha Kincaid books (2002-2005). perious power brokers feel that they are Samantha is a Deputy District Attorney in above the law and cross his path he makes Portland, Oregon who investigates the cases them aware of the errors of their ways. He she is assigned. Burke's books have been may not kill them, but does greater harm than tightly and precisely written but we are begin­ that which mere death accords: He ruins them ning to acquire insight into an uncomplicated by provoking downward mobility. While all this ethical obligation of "Get bad guys, don't get is happening he receives public condemna­ good ones" (A Burke 2005 214). This suc- tions for his aggressive methods and simul- 136 Volume 34 NO.2 November 2006 Free Inquiry In Creative Sociology taneous private approvals for their results. the letter Z.

Patricia Cornwell's Dr. Kay Scarpetta Jack Higgins' Sean Dillon Patricia Cornwell introduced us to Dr. Kay Jack Higgins' Sean Dillon books (1992­ Scarpetta (1991a-2005) as the chief medi­ 2005) chronicle the life of a former assassin cal examiner for The Commonwealth of Vir­ for the Irish Republican Army who had a para­ ginia. Her duties at that time included over­ digm shift, and is now working for a special seeing the office, giving legal testimony as intelligence agency within the British govern­ needed, conducting autopsies, and investi­ ment. Having ranked high on an Interpol gating possible homicides with her friend, "most-wanted" list, Dillon was taken into cus­ Pete Marino, a Richmond police officer. Over tody by other British agents who recognized the years she has developed political rivals, and needed his particular skills. Realizing helped raise an adventurous niece, been that co-operation was a better option than stalked and intimidated by Ie Loup-Garou, incarceration or execution, Dillon neutralizes retired, entered into a private business ven­ such threats to world order as neo-Nazism, ture of security, and returned to her old haunts. oil cartels, and alliances between Irish na­ Her life, like yours and mine, has changed tionalists and a Russian mafia. Higgins' con­ and such ebbs and fiows cannot really take tinued popularity is measured by new book place in stand-alone books, but are staples sales and library usage. of series. Oliver North's Peter Newman 's Oliver North's military and governmental Janet Evanovich has now written twelve careers are matters of record, so it is no won­ numbered books starring Stephanie Plum der that he could create, with some help, Pe­ (1994-2006) as the bumbling bond enforce­ ter Newman, U.S.M.C. (2002-2005). New­ ment agent, or bounty hunter, ofTrenton, New man is a career officer who is enlisted to . Plum's lack of job skills provides interdict into international nuclear and elec­ many laughs in her capers with a former tronics crises by recruiting military special­ hooker, a transvestite, her funeral-lovin' and ists and local partisans to combat militant gun-totin' grandmother, a cousin who is also terrorists and corrupt politicians who would her sleazy boss, two competing alpha maies, harm him, his family, and his country. While and a vintage powder biue Buick. While her the series currently contains three books they job is to capture bail jumpers we find that are, perhaps, the most serial of the ones she is more likely to be stalked by them as used for this project because the stories are they destroy her cars than she is to nab them. definitely linked to each other. However, the Evanovich encourages readership by invit­ Epilogue to book three suggests that there ing her fans to submit potential titles for her may be no more because Newman has forthcoming books, and publicly thanking the been assigned command of the training cen­ submitter (2006). ter at Quantico, removing him from harm's way. Sue Grafton's Kinsey Milhone Sue Grafton's Kinsey Milhone has been a ' Temperance Brennan, Ph.D. private detective for twenty-two years. Kinsey Finally, Kathy Reichs is a forensic anthro­ was orphaned as a young girl, raised by an pologist who is employed by a southern uni­ austere aunt, was a police officer, and is pe­ versity and the Montreal police department riodically contracted by a California insurance just as her Dr. Temperance "Tempe" Brennan company to investigate possible fraudulent is (1997-2006). Brennan is an expert scien­ claims. As a side business she is also con­ tist who is called by public agencies to deter­ tracted to look for missing people, to tend a mine the classifications of recovered skel­ parolee, and is ultimately involved in murder etal remains, to assist local police, and to investigations such as a true Jane Doe case bring closure to human death. Throughout upon which the book Q is for Quany (2002) the series Brennan has encounters with out­ is loosely based. Grafton's prolific writings law bikers, military misconduct in Guate­ are matched only by reader curiosity about mala, religious zealots, burking for illegal her next book "1" and how she will conclude organ harvesting, and is the confiicted prize the abecedarian series when she reaches of competition between another dyad of al- Free Inquiry In Creative Sociology Volume 34 NO.2 November 2006 137

pha males. Reichs' popularity as an author resents an effort to "level the playing field" is further reflected in the fact that a popular ensuring that all people have fair or equal television series called Bones is based on opportunities to participate in a competitive the Tempe Brennan role. society. A generous extension of the thought There are many other thematically-simi­ means that people, groups, or organizations lar series books which could have been which have unfair or unequal advantages, used, and it is certain that readers are famil­ and abuse them, should be reduced in stat­ iar with them, and are encouraged to con­ ure and power. Their protections and re­ duct other investigations of them in order to wards need to be re-allocated or re-distrib­ extend the ideas presented here. It is now uted to others in order to prevent feudal mo­ time, though, to move forward with, and offer, nopolies or controlling groups from hurting necessary about social justice others who are not similarly favored. and its players as they are portrayed in more than one hundred popular series novels. Corrective/Substantive Justice Corrective justice is concerned with the SOCIAL JUSTICE: distribution of punishment or the principle of TYPES AND ENTREPRENEURIAL ROLES "just desserts" in the tradition of classical Social justice is a complex matter with criminology (Pollock 1994 50). Its cousin sub­ several tandem conflicts. It has an ideal and stantive justice has the presumptive defini­ an actuality. It is a process and a product. It tion that procedural findings are based on is something which is achieved and is such ideals as fairness, equality, and impar­ missed. It is revered and is reviled. It is static tiality during investigative processes (Cahn and is dynamic. It has real-life drama and is 1968). Disciplinary and probative activities portrayed in fictional form. Its co-existent di­ are to be conducted with the utmost discre­ visions may work against each other. tion and made available for public scrutiny. Justice also has diverse shapes and goals in the same way it contains dualities. Commutative Justice This section of the article presents those According to Pollock commutative justice ideal forms and the roles of moral entrepre­ is neurs within them. Such information is pro­ vided in order to show how each of the se­ associated with transactions and inter­ ries' main characters fit into our justice sys­ changes in society when one person feels tem, even if such placements exists only in unfairly treated ... for example when one is the combined imaginations of creative nov­ cheated in a business deal or when a con­ elists and their eager audiences. tract is not completed. (1994 50)

TYPES OF JUSTICE That is, a business arrangement has "gone Scholars have iong been interested in the south" or formal arrangements between par­ forms and functions of justice. Such writers ties are not fully completed, so arbitrated con­ as Cahn (1968), Montada (2001), O'Connor clusions are reached. (2004), and Pollock (1994) have sifted through much literature and have categorized Procedural Justice justice into its several ideal varieties to in­ Cahn and Montada each agree that pro­ clude distributive justice, corrective/substan­ cedural justice is a complex set of activities tive justice, communtative justice, procedural which are instituted to guarantee that justice justice, and vigilante justice which receives is fulfilled within social and legal parameters special attention. These are presented in of confidence. To be "legal" here means that summary fashion, followed by their entrepre­ discovery methods, testimony, and evidence neurial roles, and are subsequently com­ are used in strict legislated manners in an­ bined for application to this article. tagonistic settings. To be "antagonistic" here means that contending or competitive par­ Distributive Justice ties have the right to confront each other in Pollock defines distributive justice as be­ open and public settings; they have equal ing concerned with "allocation of the goods access to all testimony and evidence; they and burdens of society to its respective are given tair opportunities to present their members" (1994 50). In other words, it rep- respective points of view; and binding deci- 138 Volume 34 No.2 November 2006 Free Inquiry In Creative Sociology

sions will be made by impartial third-party oversee the actions of people to determine if observers. their behaviors seem to be in accord with the rules which have been imposed upon them. Vigilante Justice Without deconstructing the scholarship of Vigilante justice has been romanticized Becker, O'Sullivan (1994) further enlarged throughout mass media history; has almost moral entrepreneurialism by identifying the always been portrayed in a negative vein; and rute interpreters. These people sit in antago­ is apparently lacking a wide knowledge base. nistic settings listening to ideological and A commonly-held definition about vigilantism substantive debates, and then determine the is that people take the law into their own course of justice's differential distribution. hands (O'Connor 2004 1) as they skirt the Occupations in this status may be of a full­ law or try to accomplish for the law that which time nature such as sitting judges, or part­ it has been unable to do on its own. time jurors, both of whom are empowered to Case studies of public lynchings, for ex­ make per-case decisions about the applica­ ample, have often been used to create our bility of laws and challenges of wrong-doing. images of its enactment. While case stud­ Three more entrepreneurial statuses are ies are always significant, they are limited in offered - two of which were created for this their abilities to explain wide-ranging causal use, and the third has an obvious presence. variables, and a number of questions illus­ Rule users are exemplified by attorneys Who trate this concern: With what types of justice represent both sides in a litigious setting, are vigilantes concerned? Have legislators representing the accusers and someone made the wrong laws and punishments? who is bein9 accused. They use the same Have police failed to protect society? Have laws, the same evidence, the same testimo­ judges and juries made the wrong deci­ nies, and the same rubrics of presentation sions? Are certain groups of people criminal and decorum but for different purposes. They solely because of membership? Are vigilan­ are commonly called prosecutors and de­ tes concerned with what might happen to fense attorneys. Another entrepreneurial cat­ them? What are the moral foundations for egory is the rule abuser as someone who is their actions? Each of these questions has empowered to enforce the law but who does unique answers but the ability to generalize it with such zeal that social and legal toler­ beyond identified circumstances is specious. ances are stretched to their fullest extent. The Besides, as is argued, a certain amount of rule abuser becomes a de facto or a de jure self-appointed law enforcement is a neces­ vigilante, but with righteous intentions and sary ingredient for fictional reality's enforce­ some legal backing. ment of justice. The third entrepreneurial role stands by The types of justice presented here do itself: The rule breaker is someone who vio­ not stand purely as abstractions. They have lates the standards of acceptable social be­ ingredients, and the most notable of them is havior. This person has an alternative and that they are comprised of people whose re­ personalized moral which is innova­ sponsibilities are to make sure that justice tive in nature (Merton 1968), but is curtailed happens. Broadly defined, these actors are by rule creators, rule , rule inter­ called moral entrepreneurs. preters, and some rule users. Those ap­ proved and licensed entrepreneurial sta­ JUSTICE'S MORAL ENTREPRENEURS tuses and roles are designed to prevent the Becker (1963) provided us with the term or criminal enactment of individual­ moral entrepreneur which represents a per­ ized ethics. son who has an active and a devoted inter­ Now that the ideal forms of justice and est in the direction of moral stability within a their entrepreneurial occupations have been population. He refined this classification to established it is time to continue discussions include several specific occupations which about the portrayal of justice in series novels dutifully enact their moral nets (Davis & Stasz by reprising the series' main characters oc­ 1990) upon a community. Rule creators, or cupational roles, identifying the types of jus­ rule makers, are legislators who create laws tices with which they are concerned, and ap­ for people, and these guidelines are intend­ praising their entrepreneurial roles. In most ed to reflect the interests ofthe common good. cases the illustrations will be combined due Rule enforcers are the policing agents who to similarities of occupational roles, but there Free Inquiry In Creative Sociology Volume 34 NO.2 November 2006 139

will be a singular analysis. ment because of his unorthodox methods. During his employment in Iberia Parish he BOOKS' CHARACTERS, JUSTICES, AND is fired several times because those meth­ ENTREPRENEURIAL ROLES ods have stayed with him, and he is re-hired The numerous serial novels written by because those methods are effective, none­ nine authors were read in preparation for this theless. Even though Robicheaux is an en­ article. Time is now taken to share findings trepreneurial rule enforcer because of his about how Anna Pigeon, Samantha Kincaid, vocation he can legitimately be called a rule Dave Robicheaux, Kay Scarpetta, Stephanie abuser as well. He fights crime with equal Plum, Kinsey Milhone, Sean Dillon, Peter force and tenacity, going so far beyond some Newman, and Tempe Brennan fit into the jus­ moral inhibitions that he recognizes his own tice system based on their occupations and vigilantism. entrepreneurial obligations. ... 1 couldn't be mad at Glete. He was the Anna Pigeon and Dave Robicheaux first person to whom I always took my prob­ Anna Pigeon and Dave Robicheaux are lems, and in truth his violence, reckless­ both cops, but with different jurisdictions. ness, and vigilantism were simply the other Anna Pigeon is a law enforcement ranger side of my own personality. (JL Burke 2005 within the national park system and the tracts 45) in which she serves. She is a federal officer, but does not have the wider scope of author­ His unconventional-but-effective methods ity which other national, state, or county agen­ have resulted in a checkered career, but he cies have. With regard to her job description has found the perfect and like-minded part­ ner to assist him. Clete Purcel is now a li­ her duty was to report her findings to local censed bail bond officer and private investi­ authority, turn over anything she had, be gator so he can cross jurisdictional bound­ available for interviewing should they deem aries with impunity in the course of duty which necessary, then butt out, be a private citi­ Robicheaux cannot do, so they often work zen. (Barr 1999 253) together to commit mayhem and wreak havoc on bad guys. Their commonality extends But that would create boring books. beyond the professional realm because they Dave Robicheaux'S provincial responsi­ love each other, but not in an unhealthy way. bility is technically limited to Iberia Parish, Robicheaux and Purcell speak of their bond Louisiana. Nevertherless, he boldly takes his as: "The Bobbsey Twins from Homicide ride criminal investigations into other parishes again" (JL Burke 2006 223); "The Bobbsey or into other cities like Baton Rouge and New Twins from Homicide are forever" (JL Burke Orleans, even without appropriate invitations (2006 253); and "The Bobbsey Twins from or notifications. Homicide stomp ass and take names and Pigeon and Robicheaux are rule enforc­ are here to stay, big man" (JL Burke 2006 ers who fight rule breakers in their territories 354). so they are both involved in procedural jus­ It was stated earlier that Dave Robicheaux tice. They are legally entitled to investigate could be called a liberation theologist for rea­ crimes, gather evidence and testimony, and sons the readers of this article can discern make their allegations available to prosecu­ for themselves. The same label could be at­ torial officials. While murder is usually the tached to Anna Pigeon for the equal reason: crime which prompts their involvement it is They hate injustice and want to stop it. often just the crime de jour, prompting Pi­ geon and Robicheaux to delve more deeply Stephanie Plum and Kinsey Milhone for root causes in their pursuits for distribu­ Stephanie Plum describes her job in tive justice. simple terms: The role ofAnna Pigeon is exaggerated in order to make good stories, but she follows I enforce bail bond requirements. That's the the rules. The duties of Dave Robicheaux extent of my authority. (Evanovich 2004 62) are also magnified, but he has issues with authoritative guidelines. He was excused Kinsey Mihone makes similar statements: from duty in the New Orleans Police Depart- 140 Volume 34 No. 2 November 2006 Free Inquiry In Creative Sociology

Cops have some leverage. A PI. has none. for the police that which they have been un­ (Grafton 1987 113) able to do for themselves. The crusty police officers with whom she and has contact view private detectives as intrud­ ers who would question their skills and in­ I may be a licensed PI, but that cuts no ice terfere with their work. Milhone walks a tight­ with local law enforcement. The quickest rope in her dealings with them. The police way to alienate the cops is to tramp on their can provide official information on an "off the turf. (Grafton 2005 272) record" basis; can provide her with certain legal protection and assistance; but they are Bounty hunters and private investigators have not required to "serve and protect" her in any limited enforcement duty, but Evanovich and way which is different from other citizens. Grafton have created fake police officers to If Milhone only investigated insurance attract attentive audiences. claims and did not get involved in crime-fight­ Stephanie Plum's job is to track bail skip­ ing then Grafton's writing career would likely pers, take them into custody, and remand have been short-lived. The vigilante nature them to the court so that dispositions of their of Milhone's work has ensured that Grafton cases can occur. Her job, then, is basically will continue her series, to such an extent involved with corrective justice because her that real-life police have enlisted Grafton to clients have broken some law and she en­ publicize information about a case which re­ sures appearances in court. Her clients, how­ mains unsolved, thus affirming the in ever, feel as if they have been unjustly ac­ the viability of fictional reality. cused. They have gotten a "bum rap," so they are recipients of commutative justice. Sean Dillon and Peter Newman Bounty hunting, or skip tracing, is actually Dillon and Newman are the most notable the duty of police departments, but they es­ vigilantes of the nine series' major charac­ chew it, voluntarily licensing other people to ters. Neither of them carries a badge, and do their work. While Plum is technically a while Newman's career in the military does rule enforcer under these circumstances, her involve protecting national security his du­ work is really more of a vigilante nature, but ties exceed normal responsibilities. Both with the of police officers. men are employed by special agencies of Humor is added and she is woven into their respective governments, but those complex webs with clients. She tries to track agencies would disavow their actions if them and apprehend them; but since they caught, leaving Dillon and Newman to fend feel unjustly abused by the legal system they for themselves - Splinter Ceff-style (Michaels vent their frustrations on Plum by tracking 2004) - if captured or identified as outlaws. her and specifically targeting her cars. Some Newman's tenuous legal status is particu­ people might call the frequent destruction of larly evident in the third book because there her cars as symbolic death or rape, but an he operates under auspices of a Presiden­ average reader of this popular form of "beach tially-appointed star chamber to mitigate cer­ reading" might not be so inclined. The police tain nuclear and human high-value targets officers with whom she has frequent contact because the normal rules against assassi­ take unprecedented joy in her bad luck be­ nation no longer apply; but, the 's con­ cause it only strengthens their belief that law stitutional authority is as suspect as his pro­ enforcement should be left to the profession­ tected rights. als rather than with amateurs. Although the operatives have different im­ As a former police officer Milhone would mediate imperatives, they are both working have iearned one immutable fact: The public to preserve distributive justice by preventing is obliged to pay attention to the police and abusive reigns of power. One of the several their questionings. The public is under no objectives in the Dillon stories is to deter the obligation, however, to pay any consideration nastiness of Hltlerian Germany from renew­ to the work of private investigators who have ing its place in history, and other recurring no official rule-enforcement power. Such a stories address his efforts to prevent a single detail neither disturbs Milhone's self-image family from gaining a stranglehold on world­ nor does it interrupt her work which has a wide petroleum distribution. Newman's definite vigilante quality to it in that she does goals are to prevent nuclear terrorism from Free Inquiry In Creative Sociology Volume 34 NO.2 November 2006 141

the use of so-called clean and dirty nuclear differences of opinion. devices, to preserve secret communications Prosecutors and police officers are sup­ systems from general use, and to extinguish posed to work as a team to defend citizens political and military sources and abuses of from criminals. Sometimes police officers power. The Dillon books are likely to con­ become corrupted, abuse the law and civic tinue with emergent characters, but the responsibiiity, testi-lie (A Burke 2005138), or Newman story may have reached its inevi­ take others into custody in order to detract table conclusion. attention from themselves. They have be­ come rule abusers and it is Kincaid's duty to Tempe Brennan and Kay Scarpetta investigate them and prosecute them just At this time the moral entrepreneurial po­ as she would any other rule breaker. sitions of these investigators are inconclu­ As a prosecuting attorney Kincaid's obli­ sive. Their jobs place them on the same side gations stand in opposition to defense attor­ of the law. They are not policing rule enforc­ neys whose rule user job requires a moral ers even though both of them work with po­ vision which contradicts Kincaid's. Even so, lice departments. They are not rule interpret­ the inimical jobs of prosecuting and defend­ ers who make critical decisions but offer pra­ ing attorneys require that they present their fessional expertise and opinions as needed. cases before sundry rule interpreters who They are not rule abusers who manipulate make the ultimate decisions about the di­ laws for outcome advantage, but their testi­ rections which justice takes. Kincaid directly monies and opinions are intended to affect addresses this entrepreneurial triad. rule interpreters. They are not rule creators who make laws, but their opinions may af­ Once a conviction is obtained either by ver­ fect the laws which legislators enact. They dict or plea - sentencing should be easy. are not vigilantes who work outside the law Defense counsel says his thing, I say mine; but passionately fulfill their public duty along­ jUdge does what he wants. (A Burke 2005 side the police. They are both guided by the 214) rigors of forensic and anatomic sciences which their jobs require, just as they are led Kincaid's occupation represents clear ex­ by human decency which their subjects de­ amples of entrepreneurial interaction and the serve. They work within the combined mingling of justices which can be shown with realms of procedural justice and correctivel Venn diagrams: They overlap, invading the substantive justice helping to solve crimes boundaries of each other. Those amalgam­ so that the dead can be treated honorably ations can also be exemplified through emer­ and the rule breakers can be punished, Be· gence of a new popular culture term - co­ cordingly. opetition. This word was first noticed during Eight of the nine series portrayals have the broadcast of a NASCAR race and it re­ been discussed in tandem due to the simi­ fers to the friendly competition between larities of occupations and entrepreneurial racecar drivers. All of them want to win, but roles. The last book character, Samantha sometimes they will help team members or Kincaid, needs to be discussed separately. friends, all rivals, obtain an advantage on the track. Kincaid, and other moral entrepre­ Samantha Kincaid neurs, want to win, but sometimes they must Kincaid's philosophy about apprehend­ relinquish a particular advantage in order for ing and punishing the "bad guys" is no differ­ justice to prevail. ent from the moralities of her fellow series' Whether or not the nine authors are spe­ stars, but her entrepreneurial status is be­ cifically familiar with the sociological and yond doubt. She is a rule user who is posi­ popular culture expressions used here is tioned on the prosecutorial sides of correc­ speculative. It is noted, though, that they are tive/substantive justice and procedural jus­ familiar with the concepts behind the terms, tice whose litigious occupation places her in and such comprehension has made all of compiex reiationships with other moral en­ them commercially successful. Their trepreneurs. Kincaid and rule enforcers work achievements may also be founded upon an on the same side of the law for similar pur­ empathetic and experiential "been there, poses, but there are times when the two oc­ done that" empiricism which now deserves cupations have ideological and pragmatic attention. 142 Volume 34 No. 2 November 2006 Free Inquiry In Crealive Sociology

SOCIAL SCIENCES AND FICTIONAL that methodological term is replaced with REALITY near-autobiography for several reasons. The ability to create compelling stories None of the author's books are declarative requires an active imagination, of course. accounts about their lives. Similarly, they do Plots must be credible. Characters must not combine the first- and third-person voices seem like people whom the readers would as in "I-the-Iawyer," for example. Their sto­ know. Places and events may be easily iden­ ries are near-autobiographies written with tified. Many of the data contained in fictionai prosaic and fact-based qualities which sup­ reality can be acquired through traditional li­ port this research, as is paraphrased from brary research methods. Many feel, however, Roberts (2000 306). that a good story is ultimately dependent on The novelist eases into the story because the author's life. The writer is so intimately it is a familiar one. The main person por­ familiar with the storyline, the people who trayed is someone whom the author knows, are portrayed, and the places that are vis­ intimately, as are the secondary characters. ited, that the written word and the written The author's experiences, feelings, and be­ world are merely an extension of the writer's liefs are transferred to the readers via the self. This point is substantiated with discus­ storyline and the people in it. sions about research methods in cultural People whom the novelists know are re­ anthropolgy and socioiogy with their reie­ named or become combined portrayals. vance to recreational literature. Community names or locale names may be changed, but they may retain their familiar , AUTOETHNOGRAPHY, identities. Local economies and political cur­ AND NEAR-AUTOBIOGRAPHY rents, as well as global economies and geo­ Ethnography is the field of politics, serve as infrastructures for the cultural anthropology. Based on the work of books. The author's hometown, favorite cui­ embedded researchers it allows us to view sine, sub-cultural lingo, community patois, the lifestyles of populations with which most and local atmosphere become those of the of us would not be familiar were it not for the lead character whose sense of justice ap­ George and Louise Spindler Case Studies pears to refiect that of the author. The writer's in Cultural Anthropology from Holt, Rinehart, lifestory becomes the biography of the pro­ and Winston. It is a qualitative and humanis­ tagonist. The novelist is embedded in a pri­ tic approach to social population research vate domain and chooses to make it public which allows us to envision the daily activi­ province with fictional and not-so-fictional ties of subjects, described by them, and in­ stories woven into the fabric of fictional real- terpreted by speciaiists. ity. In pure ethnography the researcher uses the voices of insiders to tell the peoples' sto­ WHO WAS WHERE, AND WHAT DID THEY ries using the perspective of the third-per­ DO? son singular or plurai as the Yanomamo... , Seven of the authors have personal sto­ the Danis... , or the Swazi... , for example. A ries which made them especially qualified variation of ethnography is autoethnography to create their novels, their characters, and wherein the researcher describes life as provide sufficient foundation material to seen by the combined points of view pro­ make their yarns seem believable. Informa­ vided by the first-person and third-person tion about the writers was obtained from sev­ singular as "I-the-hunter," "I-the-biker," or "1­ eral sources which include dust-jacket bio­ the-stripper," for example. Because the re­ blurbs, the writers' internet home page sites, searcher has unique experiences as every­ Wikipedia listings, as well as e-mail com­ one else does, the analyst becomes the ob­ munications with two of the writers. These ject and the subject of investigation as novelists are discussed in alphabetic order, O'Sullivan (2002) showed in his article about concluding with Kathy Reichs who seems to industrial labor-management conflict. have written four of her novels just for use Autoethnography allows the writer to de­ here. scribe and interpret that which is seen per­ sonally. It is a life-story approach which is Nevada Barr useful for some types of , but Anna Pigeon is a direct refiection of her that term is too arcane for this project. so creator. Free Inquiry In Creative Sociology Volume 34 NO.2 November 2006 143

Both are (or have been) law enforcement in an ideal position to portray the backstage rangers in their forties. Both have a sister arena of negotiation in pursuit of justice. A named Molly. Both fled the big city in favor prosecuting attorney has an alliance with the of the National Park Service. (Davies 2004 local morality of a community (O'Sullivan 3) 1994) to pursue justice for the greater good of all - to nab criminals even if they are local Barr has served as a ranger in at least two of officials, to debate with defense attorneys, our national parks: Track of the Cat (1993) and to sway the opinions of judges and ju­ takes place in the Guadalupe Mountains ries. A prosecutor-tumed-novelist can create National Park in Texas; then Deep South vivid images of investigations, interrogations, (2000) and Hunting Season (2002) occur and degradation ceremonies. A prosecutor­ along the Natchez Trace in Southern Missis­ turned-novelist who is the daughter of an sippi. accomplished writer can learn much at Barr was apparently introduced to the home. National Park Service as an occupation be­ cause her first husband was involved with James Lee Burke the agency's responsibility, and that align­ As the author of fifteen Dave RObicheaux ment ", .. raised Barr's interest in conserva­ books, a second but shorter series, and sev­ tion and wildlife" (Davies 2004 1) which are eral stand-alone novels, Burke has received endemic portions of her plots. If she has not numerous literary awards. He was born in served as a ranger in the other books it Houston, Texas and after having had many seems fairly obvious that she has visited jobs settled into writing as a career. He is them extensively; just as she has provided intimately familiar with the fragile and fruitful us with sufficient amounts of information in environment of coastal Louisiana and Texas; the ACKNOWLEDGMENTS sections to let us and Jim has told with me that both he and know that she has done her homework. Robicheaux are well aware of the dangers of alcohol abuse, and they take appropriate Alafair Burke steps to avoid them. Burke vows that Robi­ The real Alafair Burke was named after cheaux is not his reincarnation, but reflects her great-grandmother; was raised in south­ more of an experiential selfwho shares many ern Louisiana; attended Reed College and of the same emotions and morals as he law school at Stanford University; became a does. public prosecutor in Portiand, Oregon; took Robicheaux's father was an alcoholic and a staff position teaching law at Hofstra Uni­ Robicheaux is a recovering one. Robicheaux, versity; and became a novelist like her dad. like Burke, was raised in the deep south gulf The fictional Alafair Robicheaux was saved coast region. Both men love bayou country from drowning in a plane crash; was adopted and balk at people who would abuse it. by Dave Robicheaux; attended Reed College Robicheaux has held many jobs like his cre­ and law school; then became a public pros­ ator, and one of those occupations was ecutor in Portland, Oregon (JL Burke 2005). board-road construction, or oilfield "swamp­ The real Alafair's father writes about a sher­ ing," for heavy vehicles which I did once be­ iffs detective, and her fictional "daughter," tween semesters. It is hard, dirty, danger­ Samantha Kincaid, has a dad who is a re­ ous, and low-paying work. Burke and tired police officer. With such information it is Robicheaux both live in Iberia Parish, have easy to identify Samantha Kincaid's ances­ daughters named Alafair, and each ponder try. She is a descendent of three Alafairs, as the strengths and frailties of human nature Alafair Samantha Burke has confirmed with and our system of justice. me: Her dad's maternal grandmother Alafair Throughout the series there are several Holland Benbow, Alafair Burke, and Alafair themes which are intense issues for Burke Robicheaux. and Robicheaux. They are environmentalists Burke's ability to write keenly and knowl­ committed to protecting coastal wetlands. edgably is due to the fact that she can use They both disdain the persistent ante-bellum the voice of an occupational insider. A pros­ two-caste system wherein the aristocracy, or ecuting attorney who regularly interacts with aristocrat wannabes, abuse the masses at other rule users, rule enforcers, rule inter­ will, so the writer and his creation are both preters, rule breakers, and rule abusers is for the underdogs. Burke and 144 Volume 34 NO.2 November 2006 Free Inquiry In Creative Sociology

Robicheaux are also keenly aware of the ef­ fiction books as well as two series of novels, fects of alcoholism and the nature of Louisi­ from which the Kay Scarpetta stories were ana politics. chosen for use here. To date, there are four­ Alcoholism and sobriety compete for teen books about the life and work of the one's self-esteem, self-image, and self-por­ now-former Chief Medical Examiner for the trayal in opposing ways. Robicheaux admits Commonwealth of Virginia. Cornwell is a that sobriety and stupors can be equally scary novelist, not a medical doctor, so Scarpetta and tenuous places when he states that is not the writer's reincarnation. The series is loaded with vivid descriptions of autop­ For the recovering alcoholic introspection sies, forensic methods of investigation, and and solitude are the perfect combination for the weltanschaung of crusty and seasoned a dry drunk (JL Burke 2005 29) police officers, such as Scarpetta's dedi­ cated friend Pete Marino which were pro­ Similalrly, duced by a good imagination and related re­ search. there is no possession more valuable than a sober sunrise, and any drunk who de­ Cornwell is often credited for her accuracy mands more out of life than that will prob­ and expertise, an expertise acquired by ably not have it. (JL Burke 2006 60) working at the Virginia Chief Medical Exam­ iners office, where she witnessed hun­ Louisiana politics has had a notorious dreds of autopsies. Cornwell also worked reputation from the days preceding Huey for three years as a Voluntary Police Of­ Long to the modern era. Political positioning ficer and would often work the arduous is not so much of a job or a public service as midnight shift. She has undertaken inten­ it is an engrained , especially when it sive training at the FBI Academy in Quant"lco, takes place south of Baton Rouge and Inter­ Virginia, and has run the 'Yellow Brick Road' state 10. It seems to be reserved for people a grueling obstacle course for recruits .. who would sell their souls and morality, then (Rabago n.d. 1) skew justice and the state, for personal privi­ leges and stations of power as Robicheaux To that end, Cornwell speaks of herself: muses on this condition. It is important for me to live in the world I The person who he can rise to a write about... If I want a character to do or position of wealth and power in the state of know something, I want to do or know the Louisiana and not do business with the devil the same thing. (Cornwell 2005b probably knows nothing about the devil and even less about Louisiana. (JL Burke 2005 Whether or not the stories are based on 95) actual or composite cases is a matter of con­ jecture. There is, however, a consistent ru­ Throughout the series, and especially in mor that one of her recurring villains is simi­ Pegasus Descending (JL Burke 2006 66-67), larlo an actual serial killer, but Cornwell has we read of the corruption existing between never verified that suggestion (Rabago n.d. politics, crime, avarice, vice, and justice 1-2) turned upside down which Robicheaux ab­ Cornwell's popularity as a storyteller is hors and faces as a cop. evident by her wide audience, and she has I do not know how much of James Lee earned numerous awards from mystery writ­ Burke is actually reflected in Dave Robicheaux ers' associations. The bio-blurb data from and his quests for justice. There are more her book Trace (Cornwell 2004) also indi­ than enough allusions and proverbs in the cate that she books, though, to suggest that the mirroring is substantial. Readers would like to learn has helped establish the Virginia Institute of more, but for now must wait until the next Forensic Science and Medicine, the first fo­ chapter in his life is published. rensic training facility of its kind in the na­ tion, and serves as the Institute's Chairman Patricia Cornwell of the Board. Patricia Cornwell has written several non- Free Inquiry In Creative Sociology Volume 34 NO.2 November 2006 145

It would seem, then, that Cornwell is an avid worldwide gangsters hurt his friends he ex­ student of writing and science, allowing her ecutes a dark combination of distributive and to combine fact and fiction into enjoyable for­ corrective justices upon them because that mats. is his job. At the same time he exacts an even darker and merciless vigilante justice Jack Higgins upon those enemies due to deep loyalty to Jack Higgins is one of the pen names his friends. used by Harry Patterson (Wikipedia 2005a), Higgins and Dillon are worldly and savvy but the readership world has become more men whose practical understandings of geo­ comfortable with the pseudonym. His most politics and global economics extend far be­ recent book Without Mercy (2005) contains yond theoretical understanding. Both men the following bio-blurb statement. are also students of history in that two of the books in the Dillon series address the pos­ Higgins, who lived in until he was sible revival of Nazism, and one of these re­ twelve, had several close calls with bombs calls Martin Bormann's escape from Ger­ and gunfire at an early age. After leaving many at the end ofWorld War II. Dillon's failed school at fifteen, he served three years assassination effort is based on an actual with the Royal Horse Guards in Eastern attempt on the life of former Minister Europe during the cold war. Subsequently, . Given all that, I wonder what he was a circus roustabout, a factory work­ Higgins' classes were like when he taught, er, a truck driver, and a laborer before en­ and am I especially curious about how many tering college at age twenty-seven. He has of his world views on social justice are pro­ degrees in sociology, social psychology, and jected in Sean Dillon? They are probably sub­ economics from the University of London, stantial. and a doctorate in Media from Metro­ politan University. Oliver North The American public was first introduced Higgins seems to be a man of many tal­ to Lt. Colonel Oliver North, U.S.M.C., during ents, several of which have prominent places the televised debates on congressional in­ in his books. He is an accomplished scuba quiries into the Iran-Contra Affair during the diver and there are several occasions in the presidency of Ronald W. Reagan. We were stories where Dillon uses that skill to his told that Lt. Col. North, a graduate of the U.S. advantage. Higgins, a former soldier, would Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, had be knowledgeable about guns and ballis­ served in Viet Nam and in other global hot­ tics, as is Dillon. There is, though, another spots, and was a military and intelligence major element of Higgins' background which advisor in Washington, D.C. He now serves he uses to good advantage in the series. as a war correspondent and military analyst Dillon is "... a walking contradiction ­ for mass media networks. warm and humorous, yet he kills at the drop There are many allegations about covert of a hat" (Higgins 2005 17). Dillon is a hired operations in which Lt. Col. North has either gun who is paid to support social move­ been a participant or an architect, but I am ments, but he is most prominently known in not positioned to either substantiate them or the series as a former IRA terrorist who once refute them. I feel that it would be safe to plotted an unsuccessful assassination of a assume, though, that Lt. Col. North was popular British Prime Minister. Higgins' back­ aware of the kinds of operations in which ground naturally led to the creation of Dillon Peter Newman was engaged, so the fictional through his formative years in Northern Ire­ U.S. Marine and his work may also be com­ land where he witnessed the effects and the posite constructions. tactics of urban and freedom terrorism. In There is another element in the lives of Lt. the beginning of the series there was no love Col. North and now General Newman where­ lost between Dillon and anglophiles, but he in art reflects reality. Biographical data state was persuaded to think otherwise and uses that Oliver North was raised as a Roman his crafts to strike against anyone who poses Catholic but now participates in evangelical a threat to international political and eco­ Christian activities (Wikipedia 2005b). nomic stability - even against his former IRA Newman's Christian wife, and their com­ associates. When international terrorists or bined beliefs and work in Christian outreach 146 Volume 34 No.2 November 2006 Free Inquiry In Creative Sociology

programs, became important elements as Tempe Brennan, the lead character in the the series progressed in at least two inte­ show, engages in forensic investigations grated ways: Religious conflict is an endemic during the daytime, and at night she writes a ingredient to international terrorism, and po­ series of crime-inspired novels starring Kathy tential harm to his family supercedes Reichs. Reichs invented Brennan I then Newman's loyalty to country. Newman's Brennan invented Reichs, in a manner which senses of national loyalty and and preferred is reminiscent of Samantha Kincaid's an­ forms of justice may be cautiously inferred, cestry. but I am better able to guess at North's by simply looking at his military education, his Commentary length of military duty, and the oath to which Samuel Pepys (b1633 - d1703) was a re­ military people give allegiance. All U.S. mili­ nowned public servant, chronographer, and tary personnel, officers and enlisted, pledge diarist who recorded history as it was hap­ to defend their country against all enemies, pening and life as he viewed it (Wikipedia foreign and domestic. Oliver North and Peter 2005c). Had he written novels I estimate that Newman were so sworn, and they did so in they would have been epochal and reality and in fiction. Dickensian; instead, he wrote a diary dedi­ cated to the patterns of his life. In some ways, Kathy Reichs the seven authors identified in this section Dr. Kathy Reichs has her Ph.D. in physi­ wrote in a Pepysian diarist tradition. The nov­ cal anthropology from Northwestern Univer­ elists substituted themselves with surrogate sity, teaches at the University of North Caro­ portrayals in a variety of occupational roles lina-Charlotte; is a certified forensic Anthro­ to signify how social justice could, and per­ pologist; works for the Office of the Chief haps should, happen. One could imagine Medical Examiner for the State of North Caro­ that Pepys would have liked the several au­ lina and for the Laboratoire de Sciences thors addressed here, especially those who Judiciares et de Medicine Legale for the Prov­ projected themselves into their fictional re­ ince of Quebec; is an executive for the Board alities. of Directors of the American Academy of fo­ rensic Sciences; and is a popular novelist. It CONCLUSION is relatively easy to surmise that the life of Reading novels gives the readers oppor­ Tempe Brennan imitates that of Kathy Reichs, tunities to suspend personal disbelief in the as Reichs tells us in her own words. falsity of the stories. We treat the plots as At the ends of several books, possible for reasons of entertainment and (2003 305-306), (2004 recreation. The ability to create a series of 301-303), (2005 349-351), and novels is dependent on the writer's skills to Break No Bones (2006 335-337) we read have the characters change and to create sections called "From The Forensic Files of new plots, and this may mean the stories Kathy Reichs" in which she identifies the contain more than a little near-autobiographi­ means by which she became involved in in­ cal reasoning: The writer addresses sub­ vestigations which resulted in those books. jects, people, and places which are familiar She states that by mingling fiction and reality into plausible plans. For legal and ethical reasons I cannot dis­ The purpose in writing this article was to cuss any of the real-life cases that may show how successful blends between fact have inspired [my books], but I can share and fiction happened in the series novels with you some experiences that contrib­ from nine different authors. The novelists por­ uted to the plot[s]. (2003305; 2004301) trayed people in diverse entrepreneurial roles whose personal moralities and job respon­ and then outlines the stories' developments. sibilities required that they address wrong­ It is evident to many other readers that ful behavior and the administration of justice Kathy Reichs can write about the work and in different ways. Two of the series people the adventures of Tempe Brennan with full were law enforcement agents. Two of the experiential authority, and there is an inter­ series people were engaged in work adja­ esting reversal of roles in the television se­ cent to formal law enforcement. Two of of the ries Bones which is based on Reichs' books. series people were involved in forensic in- Free Inquiry In Creative Sociology Volume 34 NO.2 November 2006 147

vestigations. Two of the series people were depends on wobbling for its very existence. It involved in international intrigues. One of the is that wobbling beyond known data, that cre­ series' characters was a public prosecutor. ative combination of fiction and fact, which Justice was enforced, but in seven ofthe nine keeps the reader's imagination and quizzi­ series, the ones wherein arrests were made, cal nature begging for more fictional reality. we did not witness the disposition of justice in a manner which is similar to the FBI's duty ENDNOTE of "clearing" a crime. 1 Series of related interest which were not in­ A crime is cleared when appropriate in­ cluded are: The Jack Ryan books written by vestigations have occurred; when someone Tom Clancy, and the NetForce, Op-Center, has been arrested under allegations of crimi­ Power Plays, and Splinter Cell series created nal behavior; and when the suspect and the by Clancy; the investigations of Dr. Alex Dela­ charges have been presented to courts for ware, psychologist-detective, by Jonathan Kellerman; the wanderings of "insurance in~ final settlement. The FBI is not concerned vestigator" Travis McGee penned by John D. with outcomes because its official responsi­ McDonald; the Jack Aubrey "Master and Com­ bilities have been concluded, and a similar mander" naval series by Patrick O'Brian; Sara up-shot happens in crime and political in­ Paretsky's Chicago-based detective v.1. War­ trigue novels. shawski; James Patterson's Dr. Alex Cross as When arrests are made, or when rule detective-psychologist; and the comedic-mys­ breakers are terminated, the story, the book, tery books starring Bubbles Yablonsky as a and our investment have ultimately reached beautician-turned-reporter which were writ­ "THE END." Crimes cleared or tyrants van­ ten by Sarah Strohmeyer and inspired by Janet quished denote prima facie evidence that Evanovich. justice has been fulfilled and our thirsts are REFERENCES quenched; not in real life, of course, but only Barr N. 1993. Track of the Cat. NY: St. Martin's. in our imaginations created for our entertain­ ___. 1994. A Superior Death. NY: Putnam. ment by novelists of fictional reality. In The ___.1995.11/ Wind. NY: Putnam. Historian, a recent and popular novel about ___. 1996. Firestorm. NY: Putnam. , the author writes that"... the line be­ ___.1997. Endangered Species. NY: Putnam. tween literature and history is often a wob­ . 1998. Blind Descent. NY: Putnam. bling one" (Kostova 2005 274), which was ---. 1999. Liberty Falling. NY: Putnam ___. 2000. Deep South. NY: Putnam. later rephrased as "what can you expect... ___.2001. Blood Lure. NY: Putnam. when historians begin using their imagina­ ___. 2002. Hunting Season. NY: Putnam. tions" (Kostova 2005 384). While these . 2003. Flashback. NY: Putnam. thoughts are expressed in a novel about a ---. 2004. High Country. NY: Putnam. search to separate the historical Dracula =---,-----,-' 2005. Hard Truth. NY: Putnam. from impressionistic versions of the person, Becker HS. 1963. Outsiders. NY: Free Press. the same can be said about the portrayal of Brown S. 1997. Fat Tuesday. NY: Warner Books. justice in crime and intrigue novels. Burke A. 2002. Judgment Calls. NY: Henry Holt. This article is premised on the notion that ___. 2004. Missing Justice. NY: Henry Holt. =--,--~. the American public has significant emo­ 2005. Close Case. NY: Henry Holt. Burke JL 1987. The Neon Rain. NY: Henry Holt. tional concerns about our system of social ___.1988. Heaven's Prisonet: NY: Henry Holt. justice which does not meet our expectations. _=_. 1989. Black Cherry Blues. Boston: Little, We want good guys to win, bad guys to lose, Brown. and justice to prevail; but all too often our 1990. A Morning for Flamingoes. Bos­ ideals are left unfulfilled, leaving us sad­ ton: Little, Brown. dened, in despair, and untrusting. As a pos­ _-,-,-_. 1992. A Stained White Radiance. NY: sible means of abating our worries novel­ Hyperion. ists have identified the taproots of that dis­ _-,-,-,-,' 1993. In the Electrtc Mist with Confed- quietude and they have created likeable rule erate Dead. NY: Hyperion. ___. 1994. Dixie City Jam. NY: Hyperion. users, rule enforcers, rule abusers, rule inter­ ___" 1995. Burning Angel. NY: Hyperion preters, rule breakers, and vigilantes who ___. 1996. Cadillac Jukebox. NY: Hyperion. satisfy our social ideals, at least in our imagi­ ___. 1998. Sunset Limited. NY: Doubleday. nations. The authors have done so through -7C:-' 2000. Purple Cane Road. NY: Random creative combinations of fiction and fact, yet House. when all is said and done, fictional reality ___. 2002. Jolie Blon's Bounce. NY: Simon 148 Volume 34 No, 2 November 2006 Free Inquiry In Creative Sociology

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. 2006. Break No Bones. NY: Scribners. org.wiki/Jack_Higgins. ~R"a""be"'rt::-s:CN. 2000. Carolina Moon. NY: Putnam. __-,-.' 2005b. Oliver North http://en.wikipedia. ==,.. 2004. Northern Lights. NY: Putnam. org/wiki/Oliver_North. Ravin J. 2005. War at Eagles. NY: Berkley Books. _=,.," 2005c. Samuel Pepys http://en.wikipedia. Wikipedia. 20058. Jack Higgins http://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/Samuel_Pepys. 150 Volume 34 No.2 November 2006 Free Inquiry In Creative Sociology

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