In my previous review of Volume 2 of this book I already expressed my thoughts on how good this reference book is and I can only reiterate it once again. Volume 3 of this book is made up of two parts and it just goes to show how many new female characters in mystery fiction have emerged since 1989. Over 550 new series featuring female sleuths have been introduced during the period covered.
Mystery Women is a must for anybody that is a fan of the genre whether they are male or female. It is the type of book that one can just pick up and dip into at random. One of the best things about this series is the fact that the characters discussed have been written by both male and female authors. Another good aspect about this series is the fact that Barnett has also given us a brief précis of the various books mentioned as well as (far as I am concerned) an unbiased view of the books in the series in general. One can use the comments to decide whether or not the series are also worth reading.
One of the things that I have found disappointing but is nothing to do with
the series in general, is the fact that while this series has not yet won any
award. This is a shame as it certainly deserves to do so. I hope that Mrs Barnett
will continue with this series and that in due course we will see Volume 4.
A must for anyone who loves the genre.
-----
Ayo Onatade
For a review of Volume 2 see Volume 6, Issue 2 of the Mystery Women newsletter.