Women of Mystery

Abstract

This article explores the learning pathways of 15 Canadian and American female crime fiction authors. Using a critical feminist perspective, it argues that despite the neoliberal rhetoric of individual choice, as in most careers, there are social-structural factors that create opportunities and barriers for women mystery writers. The article explores the background factors that shape women's interest in writing crime fiction, considers the challenges that they face in developing their careers, and looks at the supports that may help them to attain success. Despite challenges, there is often intrinsic value in doing meaningful work that may motivate women to develop a fiction-writing career.Although historically the field of crime fiction was dominated by men, in recent decades the popularity of women mystery writers has grown significantly. According to a recent survey conducted by Sisters in Crime, an organization that supports women mystery writers, the majority of readers of crime fiction are women (www.sistersincrime.org). But how is it that women learn their way into a life of crime (fiction)? This

Macon, Celie, Patricia and Me

“…allowing us to access imaginary or possible worlds, to reexamine the worlds we live in." Gouthro's (2014) research with female mystery writers, similarly discusses how readers resonate with fictional characters experiencing realistic problems. Jarvis (2012) talked about the learning that occurs through empathizing with fictional characters.…”