Some Murder Questions

I found an interesting discussion at the Poe's Deadly Daughters blog. Sandra Parshall asked the question, What would make you kill? This is an interesting question and one I think about quite a bit. That should worry some of you. Actually I think about it because I'm writing a mystery novel and you have to kill people off in mysteries (well, not always but most of the time it makes for a better story).

I'm sure we can all come up with the obvious - I'd kill to protect my children. But what else? To protect your spouse, friends, other family members, a stranger? Could you only do it if you were angry or protecting yourself or someone you loved? Do you think you could plan a murder and carry it out?

The other thing I've often wondered about - don't ask me why - is how many people would protect someone they loved who had committed a murder. I don't mean just not turning them in, but actively working to hide a body and/or evidence and lying to keep it from anyone else. Would you do it? How far would you go - would you just lie to the police, would you help move the body? Manufacture evidence?

So tell us what you think! I'll bravely start. Certainly I'd kill without a qualm to protect my child. There are a number of people I would probably kill to protect instinctively if I had the means and someone was going to kill them. Plan a murder - definitely. Actually carry it out - No.

As far as protecting someone who had committed murder. Yes, I would. There are a number of people I would be willing to do that for. I don't know what that says about me but I've thought about this over the years (I really don't know why - I just think about strange things) & would be willing to do it. Would I be willing to go to prison to protect them? For at least three people, yes I would. Others run a close second but I still have a few doubts. You'll notice I'm not naming names. If you're going to kill someone and expect my help in the cover-up you might want to check first to see which list you are on.

There you have it - my deep dark secret. Let's hear from the rest of you now!

Robin, the lonely blog mistress