The results are in for the 2022 Historical Mystery Reader Survey. Thanks to all the readers who took the time to share their reading habits. The survey results bring to light some interesting information about historical mystery readers. 

Historical mysteries appeal to readers who enjoy learning as well as testing their puzzle-solving prowess 

For the second year in a row, the number one reason for reading historical mysteries was to learn about history and/or other cultures followed closely by a desire to take part in an iIntellectual puzzle and use the “little gray cells” instead of forensics to solve a whodunit. Mysteries are a contest between the detective and the readers with both racing along to see who can solve the puzzle first. Readers also reported that they enjoy historical mysteries because the genre lets them escape the current world and vicariously experience a simpler time.

HMD Survey Why Do You Read Historical Mysteries 2022 Answer

 

 

Type of narrative point of view 

Historical mystery readers tend to prefer a single narrative point of view. Although other kinds of narration had fans as well with dual narration and a team (or ensemble) narrative garnering twenty and sixteen percent, respectively.

 

HMD Survey - Type of Narration 2022 Survey

 

Historical mystery readers are power readers 

Forty four percent of historical mystery readers read between 5 and 10 books a month, while twenty four percent reported they read at least 1 to 4 books a month. Nearly twenty percent of the respondents said they read more than fifteen books each month. That’s a lot of books! 

How many books do you read a week 2022 survey results

Female sleuths are readers favorite 

Fifty six percent of historical mystery readers prefer a female sleuth while nearly a quarter enjoy reading about couples who solve mysteries. Sixteen percent of readers like a team or an ensemble cast of sleuths. Male sleuths have fans too with six percent of respondents preferring a male protagonist.

Favorite Type of Sleuth 2022 Survey Results

Historical mystery readers also read across other genres 

The most frequently read genre besides Historical Mystery was Cozy Mystery, with ninety seven percent. Suspense came in second with forty nine percent, then Romance followed by Thriller. Historical readers reported they also read Biography as well as Fantasy, General Non-fiction, and Young Adult.

 

Other genres read 2022 survey results

 

Favorite comments on why historical mystery readers love the genre

My favorite section was the “other” section under “Why do you read historical mysteries?” The responses included:

“Just enjoy reading about different time periods and way of life”

“Romantic partnering (eg female sleuth and handsome inspector)”

“Mix of history and sleuthing!” 

You can learn more about Historical Mystery Day here.