Women of Mystery
I read a lot of mysteries, the majority written by women with a woman as the main character. I’ve realized that I enjoy these books because the women are strong, determined, and resourceful with a well-developed set of moral standards. They make wonderful role models.
Strong Personal Value Systems
Maisie Dobbs, the main character in Jacqueline Winspear’s novels, was a maid, a nurse during World War I, and is now a private investigator. Because of her background, she’s very sensitive to issues of class and the impact of war on human lives. Her goal when she undertakes an investigation is to bring closure for all parties in the case, going far beyond simply “solving” a mystery.
Iona Whishaw’s novels are based just outside of Nelson, British Columbia, one of my old haunting grounds, in the post-WWI period. There’s lots of historical information about home life, orchards and logging. Lane Winslow, the main character, shares Maisie’s thoughtful, insightful approach when observing the people around her.
If this time period interests you, I’d suggest also reading Frances Brody’s books. There’s a greater emphasis on solving a mystery and less on personal values and morals, but the historical detail is excellent and the lead character is a strong, resourceful woman.
Frieda Klein, Nicci French’s main character in a series of books usually titled by the days of the week, is a darker personality who goes out for long walks in the middle of the night, tracing the paths of London’s hidden rivers while contemplating human nature. As a psychologist, she has an eclectic group of friends ranging from fellow psychologists to an immigrant construction worker. She takes each case personally and invests fully in resolving problems.
Messy Personal Lives
Ruth Galloway, the main character in a series of books by Elly Griffiths gets tangled up in criminal investigations. She is frustrated by an incompetent male boss and confused by her on again-off again relationship with the senior police officer and father of her child. She’s plagued with self-doubt but continues to display strength, wit, and wisdom.
S J Rozan pairs Lydia Chin, a young Chinese woman, with Bill Smith, an older white male, in a relationship and investigations. Lydia’s mother doesn’t approve and there are cultural differences, but their differing perspectives provide a rich outlook on the situations they encounter. One of my favorites was Paper Son in which they investigate a murder in a Chinese community in the southern United States.
Deborah Crombie’s books centre around a married couple, both of whom are police officers in London, England. I recommend reading this series from the beginning to follow the start of their relationship, their marriage, additions to their blended family, overlapping career paths, and relationships with their fellow police officers. The plots and the relationships become increasingly complex as Crombie’s skill as a writer evolves.
Kate Waters, the lead in Fiona Barton’s books, is a journalist whose involvement in the stories she covers blurs the line between personal and professional.
Tackle Social Issues
Women authors aren’t afraid to tackle troubling social issues from migrant workers (Susie Steiner) to racism (Attica Locke) to urban land development (Sara Paretsky). The plots and characters are developed in detail; the social issues are troubling and demand a personal response.
Light and Frothy Escapism
If this all sounds way too serious, here are four authors who excel at lightweight, cheerful mysteries. If you’re into knitting and close friendships, read Sally Goldenbaum. Donna Andrews offers wacky characters and even wackier animals. Rita Mae Brown lets the cats and a dog help solve the mysteries, while Susan Wittig Albert intersperses growing and using herbs with solving the murders.