Women of Mystery

by Cynthia Manson (Editor)

From the pages of the world's two most acclaimed mystery magazines Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine and Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine, here are fifteen stories of women sleuths--stories that helped transform the conventions of a genre. Best-selling, award-winning authors and up-and-coming new writers complement each other in this entertaining collection, much of which is appearing for the first time in book form. From cops to private eyes to ordinary people caught up in extraordinary situations, these heroines face danger and solve crimes with daring and panache. Some of them will be old friends, others are introduced here for the first time. Amanda Cross' Kate Fansler looks into the disappearance of a fellow professor; Antonia Fraser's Jemima Shore, TV journalist and investigator, is hired by a newlywed to find his missing bride; Patricia McGerr's Selena Mead, government agent, plays the dual role of victim and level-headed operative in an exciting thriller; Sara Paretsky's widely renowned V.I. Warshawski gets involved in a complicated game--literally. Ruth Rendell's heroine undergoes a liberation from her former self; Mary Higgins Clark highlights the heroic side of womankind in her story of a stewardess and a stowaway. From mystery to thriller to the "lighter side" of the genre, these exciting stories will thrill and delight mystery fans, both male and female alike. Here is a rich collection, thoughtfully chosen to represent the best of this explosive sub-genre.

Contents:
Introduction / by Cynthia Mason --
Stowaway / by Mary Higgins Clark --
Constitution Street / by Janet Stockey --
A pair of yellow lilies / by Ruth Rendell --
Discards / by Faye Kellerman --
The girl who wanted to see Venice / by Antonia Fraser --
Chain of terror / by Patricia McGerr --
Tania's no where / by Amanda Cross --
Old friends / by Dorothy Salisbury Davis --
A case for Clara Cates / by Carolyn Jensen Watts --
Guilt feelings / by Celia Fremlin --
A little more research / by Joan Hess --
The upstairs flat / by Elizabeth A. Dalton --
The Takamoku joseki / by Sara Paretsky --
Digby's first case / by Anne Perry --
Night vision / by B.K. Stevens.

Genres: Mystery, Short Stories, Fiction

260 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Cynthia Manson is a literary agent, formerly Director of Marketing at Davis Publications, publishers of Ellery Queen and Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazines. She has also edited several anthologies.

Reviews

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, what a variety of writing styles! Secondly, not every story will be enjoyed by every reader. I loved some of the stories, some I scanned through, and I'll admit there were a few stories that I got several pages in and then skipped on to the next one. But the ones that I loved I truly did love deeply, and now I have a desire to read more of that author's work. Hopefully/preferably with the same characters. I feel that this book is a pretty good anthology of women authors of the mystery genre.

[Dharia Scarab · Rating 2 out of 5]

Only 4 or 5 good stories out of the 15


Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...

1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.

2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.

3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.

4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.

5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.

[Agnes DiPietrantonio · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing. In spite of works by Ruth Rendell, Faye Kellerman and Antonia Fraser this book is not the best example of ladies of mystery. By far, the most entertaining piece is A CASE FOR CLARA CATES by Carol Jensen Watts. An OK book to bring with you while you sit in the waiting room at the doctor's office.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great collection of short mystery stories written by women, with female protagonists. Stories were originally published in Ellery Queen's or Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery magazines. My favorite stories included "Stowaway" by Mary Higgins Clark, "Chain of Terror" by Patricia McGerr, and "Night Vision" by B.K. Stevens.

[Benjamin · Rating 2 out of 5]

The quality of the stories was uneven. The most interesting thing about the book is that all of the stories are from either Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine or Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine.

[KarhuAnderson · Rating 1 out of 5]

The magazine editors must have been outright awful to these celebrated writers (well, some at least are) for them to sibmit these atrocities to their papers'.

[Laure]

I didn't like the B.K. Stevens tale, "Night Vision", at the very end. The old lady is just horrible, and her daughter completely cowed - NOT appealing in the least.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

15 short mystery novels from women mystery writers. I loved every story--this book was a great find. Nothing as satisfying as a short story that includes everything you would find in a book.

[Diane Burnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Women of Mystery by Cynthia Manson. A great compilation of excellent mystery writers short stories. There are 15 different stories which made it a great book to take if you need to wait anywhere.

[Karen Wilson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Most of the stories seemed to be not finished and abrupt. Bought this book a long time ago because MHC was one of the authors. Never heard of the rest.

[Vicki Gooding · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of them are excellent, a few are merely good. But I love getting to know authors I've never read before.

[Maurean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good collection of mysteries - I really enjoyed most of these, and that's unusual for me; I generally find them lacking for endings and prefer to read full-length novels as a rule. Of course there were still some I enjoyed more than others (I particularly likes Kellerman's "Discards" and "Chain of Terror" by Patricia McGerr) still, I think I've found a few 'new' authors to look out for (Ann Perry's Digby series looks fun, as well)!

[Cat. · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite: this is like comfort food when you're sick. Short mystery stories, by women starring women. These are a bit dated (the book was published in 1992), but the stories are by and large good. The one by Paretsky was one I've read elsewhere, so that was a bummer, but the rest were new.

I wouldn't kill to get this book, but it was a fun and easy and mindless diversion.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love anthologies and this is one of the best from some of the top "women of mystery". Makes a very good read on the run kind of book for those times you can't just sit down and snuggle in for a long read.

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ennh. Was okay. An okay collection of mystery short stories.

[Ann M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, some good stories.

[Nicole Mansfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great collection of mysteries. All sorts of interests are represented. This book is perfect for anyone who is looking to ease their way into the mystery genre.

[Jackie Simons]

Read 1/02

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book of mini mysteries, I enjoyed all but two of them.

[Timo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jos tämä on parasta mitä naisdekkaristeiltä on tarjolla, niin meillä ei mene kauhean hyvin.