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First, let me get this out of the way: I don’t think Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime is a bad novel. I recognize that it (and the play inspired by it) has done positive work in fostering empathy and understanding for neurodivergent people. But I do think it’s a complicated novel because it’s often the first book neurotypical readers encounter with an autistic main character.
Why is this complicated? Two reasons. One, Haddon is not autistic himself, and two, he also didn’t conduct thorough research about autism or consult real autistic people while writing it. In one NPR interview, he even went so far as to say that he “did more research about the London Underground and the inside of Swindon Railway Station… than [he] did about Asperger’s syndrome.”
It’s also true, according to a 2009 blog post, that he doesn’t view the novel as a book about autism, nor does he claim to be an expert about it, and that Christopher himself is never identified as autistic. I admire his transparency in saying so and for not considering himself a spokesperson for the condition. But the novel has taken on a life of its own beyond his intentions, and it’s often one of the few (if not the only) books that neurotypical friends and family members can recall about an autistic main character.
Given all of the above, I think there’s plenty of room for those who enjoyed The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime to continue their reading with books by authors who either are autistic themselves or put more thought into their depiction of autism. It’s not so much about getting rid of one book as about adding more, in the hopes that they provide readers with a more authentic portrayal of neurodivergence.
Here are three mysteries with autistic main characters I recommend starting with, with links near the bottom for further reading.
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The Framed Women of Ardemore House by Brandy Schillace
After inheriting an English manor, American editor Jo Jones feels out of place among the countryside’s close-knit inhabitants. But as an autistic woman, this feeling is familiar to her.
It takes a more dangerous turn, however, when a groundskeeper is found dead on the estate. Not only must Jo prove her innocence, but she suspects she may be the killer’s next target.
How to Have a Killer Time in D.C. by Sam Lumley
Travel journalist Oliver Popp loves his job, so long as it doesn’t stray too far from his itinerary. His latest assignment in Washington, D.C. proves to be his toughest yet. Witnessing an acquaintance’s sudden death puts him on edge, and he can’t shake the feeling that it wasn’t an accident. Thankfully, his new coworker Ricky is keen to help him investigate.
Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork
17-year-old Marcelo Sandoval starts a mailroom job at his father Arturo’s law firm, where Arturo expects his son to learn to fit in with “the real world.” But after discovering a photo of a girl with a facial difference among the files, he begins to unravel a mystery with ties to his family.
While Francisco X. Stork is not himself autistic, his portrayal is inspired by his experience working in a community center for people with developmental disabilities. In my opinion, he brings a level of depth to Marcelo that I didn’t always sense in Curious Incident.
Plus, April is Autism Acceptance Month! For year-round reading by autistic authors, try: