More Than a Symptom: Reimagining the Detective Trope Through Neurodiversity
Neurodivergent Detective Fiction
Beyond the Broken Detective Trope
Why Reimagine the “Broken Detective”
In crime fiction, we often see the “tortured detective” trope—a brilliant but troubled character whose flaws are seen as just part of their genius. In my Zachary Goldman PI Mysteries series, I wanted to change that narrative and offer a more authentic look at mental health. My goal is to tell stories that advocate for understanding and compassion.
Zachary Goldman is a private investigator whose skills come from how he experiences the world as a neurodivergent person. Unlike the usual portrayals of detectives in TV shows, Zachary faces real challenges—social isolation, physical pain, and a constant battle with his mental health. I want to show a more nuanced view of neurodivergence—the good, the bad, and the ugly. The series shows Zachary as he navigates life with his own unique set of challenges.
The Vigilance of Survival: Navigating PTSD and Hypervigilance
Zachary’s keen instincts as an investigator stem from deep trauma. When he was just ten years old, he accidentally caused a devastating fire while trying to create the perfect Christmas for his family, hoping it would stop their fighting. This led him to spend years in various homes and institutions for troubled kids—places he describes with raw honesty:
“Who cared about my crappy childhood experiences? People moved on… I spent much of my teenage years in institutions for kids with behavioral problems—prisons for those who had never committed crimes… Some of those kids… they should have been in prisons or insane asylums. Sadistic, psychotic kids.” —She Wore Mourning
This kind of trauma results in functional hypervigilance. While some might see Zachary checking bathtubs for intruders as paranoia, it actually helps him uncover real threats. In She Wore Mourning, when he checks his car for tracking devices and finds one hidden there—and later discovers someone tampered with his brakes—it becomes clear that his vigilance is justified.
The Double-Edged Sword of ADHD: Hyperfocus as a Professional Asset
When it comes to ADHD, I wanted to flip the script by highlighting hyperfocus instead of only focusing on deficits. Zachary often dives deep into investigations, allowing him to piece together overlooked details or reconstruct accident scenes in remarkable ways.
But this trait comes at a cost. Tasks like paperwork can become overwhelming because he gets so wrapped up in more engaging aspects of his job. He ignores his brain’s and body’s needs for food and rest. Plus, some social situations can trigger intense anxiety for him—a reminder that even cognitive gifts come with their own struggles.
Anchoring in the Present: The Realism of Grounding Exercises
Throughout the series, Zachary struggles with panic attacks or flashbacks. Instead of relying on unhealthy habits like drinking alcohol, He uses breathing techniques and grounding exercises taught to him by his therapist.
When memories spark panic—like painful holiday reminders—I show him working through it, or others helping him to navigate it. This emphasizes that maintaining mental health isn’t just about avoiding problems; it takes real effort day by day.
Reframing the “Normal”: The Pathologization of the Neurotypical
The series challenges ideas around what is considered “normal.” Zachary reflects on what being “neurotypical” means and advocates for rethinking how we view different brain patterns:
“He liked the flavor of the word ‘neurotypical.’ It pathologized people with normal brain patterns just as those ‘normal’ patterns had been used to pathologize atypicals for centuries.” —His Hands Were Quiet
In my stories, neurodiversity is presented as something common and essential rather than relegated to side characters or plot devices. This theme plays out through characters like Spencer and Isabella in She Wore Mourning:
- OCD (Spencer): He struggles with intrusive thoughts
- OCD (Isabella): Known as “The Happy Artist,” she creates rituals around objects tied deeply into her emotions.
- ADHD and PTSD (Zachary): His hyperfocus aids investigations while navigating an unaccommodating world.
By weaving these diverse perspectives into the storyline, I try to show that everyone deals with their own unique neurology. While Spencer and Isabella both have the same diagnosis, they couldn’t be more different. And they both show their love and devotion in different ways. The same diagnosis does not reduce them to two-dimensional foils.
Start Reading the Zachary Goldman Mysteries
Through Zachary Goldman’s journey, I hope readers find more than just entertainment; I want them to see people as they really are, to value neurodiversity—the neurodivergent alongside the neurotypical—and realize that, broken or not, we all have a place.
This series encourages the reader to shift their perspective on neurodiversity—not as symptoms waiting for cures but rather unique ways individuals experience their lives. By moving past the trope of “the broken detective,” my work strives not only to tell stories but also foster empathy—helping us understand marginalized voices while recognizing their struggles and incredible worth.
FAQs
- What makes Zachary Goldman different from typical detective characters?
He’s written as a full person, not a stereotype. His neurodivergence shapes how he investigates, relates to people, and manages daily life. - Are the Zachary Goldman books standalone reads?
Yes. You can start with any book, then go back or continue in order. - How does the series portray ADHD?
It shows both strengths and costs, including hyperfocus, overwhelm, and real-world coping strategies. - How does the series handle PTSD?
PTSD is portrayed as lived experience, including hypervigilance, triggers, and grounding techniques rather than sensationalized “instability.” - Is this series spoiler-heavy in discussions of mental health themes?
No. Conversations around these themes can stay spoiler-safe by focusing on character setup and tone. - Where should new readers start?
You can start with the newest Zachary Goldman release, Book 1 (She Wore Mourning), or the prequel (He Didn’t Save Her) depending on your preferred entry point.
