As a species, we have our moments, but generally speaking we've blown it. I'd like to see people come out of the long great stupor that is history and, perhaps, save our own hides and our planet. If I can record any part of that process, maybe the mystery is the best place to do it. Think about it. We get this lovely planet and then turn it into a toxic pile.
Humans are mysteries.
In the mystery novel, writers can deal with that fact on a microcosmic scale. Preserving our great tradition of language and chronicling our times sound very serious, yet your novels have their moments of downright hilarity and your cyber-writings on DorothyL and your web site are renowned for their humor. More than anything, I think my attempts at humor arise from a desperate need to perform. I'm a ham. I like being on stage.