| I recently watched "Luther: The Fallen Sun" on Netflix that stars the sublime Idris Elba as John Luther. Really, watching Elba do anything is reward itself. But I realized that even though the plot was really out there, it brushes up against some fantastically villainous villains. I love a good villain. Don’t you? And that’s your first clue for this month’s Thread Mystery Character. This character is particularly fearsome because you would never know what lurks in their poisonously dark heart. In fact, if you encountered this character at a soiree or a Sunday stroll you might be enchanted by their pleasant amiability. In a true crime twist, this villain sprang to life when its creator heard a story about a pillar of society who began to use their skills and talents for more nefarious pursuits. Once immersed in a secret life of crime, this malefactor planned ever more daring transgressions and ended up orchestrating their own downfall. The author who created this character had a vivid imagination nourished during a childhood of illness and isolation. They went on to gain worldwide fame even though they lived a relatively short life. Do you know the character and its creator? Email me with a guess: kmiller@mpr.org.
— Kerri Miller | MPR News | 