Have you ever found that, when your nerves are jangled, a walk outside can be just the thing? There’s research evidence that supports the belief that nature is healing, and that it’s extremely important to our well-being. Some people have a deep understanding of the link between humans and nature, and that impacts their perspective. Both in real life and in crime fiction, those who understand nature can be at a real advantage.
For instance, Arthur Upfield’s Inspector Napoleon ‘Bony’ Bonaparte works with the Queensland Police. He is half white/half Aborigine, and was brought up to, as he puts it, read the ‘book of the bush.’ He is thoroughly familiar with the way nature works, and that often helps him solve cases. It’s not just a matter of noticing footprints, either. He understands weather patterns, animals, the way plants grow, and so on. And that gives him a real advantage when he’s trying to find someone. It also gives him an advantage when he’s in a risky situation. I know, fans of Tony Hillerman’s Jim Chee. He, too, knows how to track, how to make sense of the clues nature gives him, and so on.
Craig Johnson’s Sheriff Walt Longmire lives and works in fictional Absaroka County, Wyoming. He’s responsible for a lot of sometimes unforgiving terrain. And things get even more challenging during winter. So he’s learned to have a lot of respect for nature. He understands weather patterns, and he knows the sorts of places that are safe if one’s caught outside during a storm. He knows the sorts of animals that live in the area, too, and which ones are (and aren’t) harmful. Because Absaroka County is rural, there’s sometimes a long distance between the places Longmire goes. And he’s got a real understanding of the risks one takes outdoors. So, he’s usually prepared, and he knows how to take care of himself if he is caught unawares.
You could say a similar thing about Nevada Barr’s Anna Pigeon. She is a Park Ranger for the National Park Service and spends plenty of time outdoors. She’s worked in a variety of climates, too, from near-desert to rainy to near-arctic. So, she’s learned how to make sense of the nature that surrounds her. She finds it soothing, too, as she does get her fill of people. She’s well-versed in the plants, animals, and weather patterns in the places she works, and that helps her both stay safe and work to keep park visitors safe. She notices when things are amiss, too, and that sometimes gives her clues as she’s solving a mystery.
M.J. McGrath has written three books featuring Edie Kiglatuk. She’s a hunting guide who lives and works in Canada’s Far North. The climate there is harsh, and sometimes deadly, so Edie’s clients depend on her understanding of how nature works there. People sometimes spend a few days hunting, fishing and trapping, so a good campsite is essential, and so is a knowledgeable guide. Edie’s the best, too. She knows what provisions to bring, where the animals are, how to find shelter, and how to track. You have a good point, fans of Scott Young’s Matthew ‘Matteesie’ Kitologitok. He’s a member of the RCMP who has a home in Ottawa, but spends most of his time in the Far North. He knows how to hunt, track, find animals and people, and get nutrition. For people who live in harsh climates like that, the connection between humans and nature can mean the difference between life and death.
There’s also Mike Martin’s Winston Windflower, who lives and works in Newfoundland and Labrador. He’s a member of the RCMP, so his job is sometimes draining, both physically and mentally. He’s very much attached to nature, and when he needs a break, he takes time to hike into the woods or visit the water, just to connect with the animals, the trees, and the other plants. He takes his two daughters with him sometimes, and they, too, are learning about the local plants, birds, and trees. He is First Nations Cree, so he also uses his time in nature for healing and other rituals. His connection to nature helps him in his job, too. He has a good sense of when the ever-present fog will make driving difficult. He knows the signs of oncoming bad weather, too, and he can allocate police and other support as needed. He’s the sort of sleuth you couldn’t imagine being happy living in a big city, separated from nature.
And he’s not alone. There are people who really are at one with nature. They understand its rhythms, they respect its power, and they benefit from spending time outdoors. I’ve only had space for a few examples here. I’m sure you can think of more than I could.
*NOTE: The title of this post is a line from Harold Adamson , Jan Savitt, and John Watson’s What a Wonderful World.
Crime Writer Margot Kinberg 