By a Woman's Hand: A Guide to Mystery Fiction by Women

by Dean A. James and Jean Swanson

Book Overview

Mystery readers turn to this reference for its clear, concise profiles of women writers and their best-known books, mystery heroines and leading characters, pen names, writing styles and more. This revised and updated edition features profiles of Lilian Jackson Braun, Mary Higgins Clark, P.D. James, and other gifted writers--plus 70 new entries including Carol Higgins Clark, Susan Isaacs and Carol O'Connell.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0425141438
• ISBN13: 9780425141434
• Release Date: May 1994
• Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
• Length: 254 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A mystery fan's must-have resource

I have completely lost count of how many wonderful new authors I have discovered through this reference book. I love the fact that the authors don't give their opinions of each writer, instead leaving the reader to decide for themselves what themes and styles appeal to her. Very helpful, too, that they give the order of the first few of the authors works. A very worthwhile purchase!

Excellent Resource!

Very helpful reference if you want to branch out and try new mystery authors (women). Books are cross-indexed by locale of story, type of sleuth, etc. (E.G. if you like mysteries that take place, say, in the South, or if you like lawyer-sleuths, you can check the indexes in the back.)Also, the blurb on your favorite author gives suggestions as to similar authors you may not have read yet. Superb if you're not surrounded by friends who don't like mysteries who can recommend their faves.