After Agatha: Women Write Crime

After Agatha is a comprehensive guide to women's crime writing over the last century, exploring why women read crime and highlighting landmark novels that feature marginalized characters. The book includes interviews with contemporary authors and features the work of hundreds of women crime and mystery writers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 25 January 2022
Publisher: Oldcastle Books Ltd

After Agatha: A Century of Women's Crime Writing is a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the evolution of women's crime writing over the past century. Authored by Cline, this book delves into the diverse landscape of crime fiction, examining the significant contributions of renowned authors like Agatha Christie, Patricia Highsmith, Val McDermid, and JK Rowling, as well as lesser-known figures who have made significant strides in the genre.

Spanning from the 1930s to the present day, After Agatha charts the remarkable explosion in women's crime writing, highlighting key developments on both sides of the Atlantic. The book explores the rise of female authors in the UK Golden Age, their counterparts in America and Canada who fought for recognition, and the experimental trio of Marcia Muller, Sara Paretsky, and Sue Grafton, who pioneered the creation of female private investigators in the 1980s.

Furthermore, After Agatha examines the diversification of crime writing, showcasing landmark women's novels that have featured marginalized individuals as central characters. Cline also delves into the reasons why women readers are drawn to the genre, seeking justice and closure in a world where violent crimes against women often remain unresolved.

The book includes extensive interviews with dozens of contemporary authors, including Ann Cleeves, Sophie Hannah, Tess Gerritsen, and Kathy Reichs, providing valuable insights into their creative processes and the impact of women's crime writing on popular culture. Additionally, it features the work of hundreds of women crime and mystery writers, showcasing the rich tapestry of talent and diversity within the genre.

After Agatha is an essential read for crime fiction enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive and captivating journey through the evolution of women's crime writing. It provides a deeper understanding of the genre's historical significance, the challenges faced by female authors, and the enduring appeal of crime fiction to readers of all genders.

Weight: 186g
Dimension: 130 x 196 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780857302328