Crime Stories with a Heart:What if Healing Came First?

Imagine a world where, after a crime, we focus on making things right instead of just doling out punishment. How would that change crime novels?
At the moment, many stories mirror a major flaw of our real-world justice system: a total focus on finding a culprit.
What about the people who got hurt in that crime, the families, the neighbors who are in shock? Shouldn’t they be a priority? What if we put their needs front and center, and let them tell us what would genuinely help? Even the people accused of the crime have an important story to share, such as how it could even have gotten to that point, and what would help prevent that in the future. Also, they could be given the chance to take responsibility by suggesting ways to contribute to healing and repair, and to making the future safe for all. All of this matters even in cases of murder. For life still goes on, for the families, for the accused, for the community. We all need trust restored, at least to the level of being able to live on in this society. Therefore, healing emotions and relationships is central for a meaningful response to hurt and crime.
In the real world, there are already many examples that demonstrate how we can do better than the old criminal justice system. Restorative Justice is a key concept here.

But as a society, we’re still struggling to fully understand and embrace this new system, even though it is both more humane and more effective.
This is where great crime fiction could shine! It could gift us with novels that are entertaining and gripping, while at the same time expanding our horizons and inspiring a kinder society…
How that would work? Crime novels featuring restorative justice?

I’m planning a couple of blog posts to dive into the details. They will be coming up slowly, about a month or two apart. The best way to follow along is to subscribe to my newsletter!

Meanwhile, for those of who who also read German, I can recommend this magazine for more on the topic: