Killing of animals as a stylistic device in books and movies

[Barbara]

I know exactly what you mean.
To show that the bad ones are really bad they start up with having them killing a cat. I have stopped to read several books because of this. It makes me sick.
That may be one of the reasons why I only read nice old-fashioned detective stories like the Mma Ramotswe stories by Alexander McCall Smith.
Whatever is called thriller these days is by far too horrible for me.

[Kirsten]

I agree. Some of these old-time stories with their subtle horrors can be eerie and entertaining as well.

It seems the killing of animals is something that happens too often in these stories of today. Whenever a pet is mentioned in a thriller, or a crime story, I'm beginning to fear for it - but in most cases, it's going to find a horrible end. Like the cat in the Stieg Larsson story I'm just reading. It's sad, because so far, I really liked the book and couldn't stop reading. But now I need a break!

Kirsten

[Randi]

... "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo", where a cat found a horrible death.

How disappointing - now, I'm not sure I want to read it. Anyway, I heard the second book is better.

Another sad thing is that some people who read such things, or see films with animal cruelty might get some ideas.

The books by Alexander McCall Smith that you mention Barbara, I'll definately check out! Can you recommend one of the series rather than another?

[phesina]

I can't bear to read things like that.

If I know beforehand there is such an act in a book, I won't read it. If I come across it in a book, I stop reading it and get rid of it. That author/etc. goes on my sh*t list, not to be perused again.

Each time I encounter one of these situations, I wonder WHAT kinds of ideas and attitudes the author has. And I also fear that the reason people do include such acts in books, films, whatever that they are writing/publishing/whatever, is because they've found that it will not hurt the publication's sales. If there were a significant outcry or refusal to purchase against these kinds of "stylistic devices," the publishers might think twice. Maybe? One can hope.

[Barbara]

How disappointing - now, I'm not sure I want to read it. Anyway, I heard the second book is better.

Another sad thing is that some people who read such things, or see films with animal cruelty might get some ideas.

The books by Alexander McCall Smith that you mention Barbara, I'll definately check out! Can you recommend one of the series rather than another?

Start with the first one. It's called something like The No1 ladies' detective agency. They are not really thrillers. But the mysteries are all solved and they are absolutely cute.

[Randi]

Thanks Barbara, I'll see if they have any of them at the library next time.

[Kirsten]

How disappointing - now, I'm not sure I want to read it. Anyway, I heard the second book is better.

Well, actually I liked the story until I came to that particular point. And I was thrilled when I learnt that there's a movie also. But now I don't want to see it.

If there were a significant outcry or refusal to purchase against these kinds of "stylistic devices," the publishers might think twice. Maybe? One can hope.

Good thought, but what can we do? Start a petition or something?

Start with the first one. It's called something like The No1 ladies' detective agency. They are not really thrillers. But the mysteries are all solved and they are absolutely cute

Sounds like something that's worth trying...

Kirsten

[Medusa]

I'm w/you, Kirsten. When The X Files first came to TV, I watched an episode that I call a puppy snuff. I wouldn't watch any subsequent programs because of it. It was gratuitous and it upset me so badly that now if I get wind of an animal in peril in movies or books, I stay away.