Appeal of the Old

Why is it that everytime there is an "alternate" story, it ends up being tied to the past? What allure does it hold?


I understand that the reason for an alternate plot/story is that we need something else to "intellectually challenge" since solving the actually crime based on following clues and making deductions is no longer necessary. The puzzles provide that "intelligence" that we amaze at and are fascinated by. It's amazing how Kreizler can predict or follow the movements of the serial killer...and quite amazing how Langdon can solve the next riddle in the Code... We are amazed by his deducing powers (connection back to Holmes).

In the Rule of Four, the Hypnerotomachia Poliphilli is tied back to a mystery/secret of the burning of art. The Da Vinci code is tied back to the masons and the Holy Grail while the Dante Club is tied back to Dantes Inferno. These are all old european mysteries.

Why does it always go back to these locations?

Yet again, it doesn't always. But... I don't find myself comparing the Deception Point to Holme's either. It is very similarly written to the Da Vinci Code or Angels and Demons...but I don't include it at all in the discussions.

This might be because the "historical thiller" part of this blog is limiting it.

The old ties back to ancient mysteries gives a tying-together factor with the other texts, which actually are older.

But, I must still continue with the point... --why do these 3/4 books have alternate story lines that end up tying back to post-renaissance, or renasissance period, etc. Even more so, some of these "mysteries" are entirely fabricated, with a historical background only....so why these specific time periods? What does it hold? Opinions are greatly welcome.