A lawyer in 1920s Bombay. A computer hacker/tech investigator in 1990s Paris. A deputy sheriff in 1914 New Jersey. What unites these characters, separated by time and diverse locales? Each one is an independent, unconventional woman in the role of investigator.
I have been an avid reader of crime fiction for as long as I can remember, always drawn to series with a strong woman detective. Historical mysteries are particularly appealing to me, a chance to be immersed in a different time and place.
This interest inspired me to write my own mystery novel. My debut, Murder by Degrees, is set in 1875 Philadelphia, at Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania, one of the first medical schools for women in the United States. Dr. Lydia Weston is a professor and anatomist, who investigates the disappearance of a young patient. It is a time when these trailblazing women doctors faced stiff opposition to their work, and Lydia must prove herself daily.
I hope you enjoy the five titles I have chosen below. Each features an unforgettable heroine who challenges societal expectations with verve. And each showcases a setting, be it a physical place or historical period, that is so evocative it is like a character itself.
The Mistress of Bhatia House, Sujata Massey
This wonderful series features an Oxford-educated woman lawyer in 1920s Bombay. Perveen Mistry, the daughter of a prominent Parsi family, challenges the status quo at every turn. The rich detail and depictions of the food, culture and social mores of the time are fascinating, illuminating the history of a unique community during the British Raj and the obstacles women faced. The latest installment is vivid and well-plotted, as Perveen is drawn into an investigation at a women’s/maternity hospital. As always, Sujata Massey brilliantly draws on social themes that feel modern and relevant.
Murder at the Porte de Versailles, Cara Black
It might be a stretch to categorize 1990s Paris as “historical”, but I couldn’t omit the Aimee Leduc mysteries from this list. Aimee is independent and resourceful, a computer hacker turned private investigator. I love the wonderful details of the character, from her chipped red manicure to her vintage couture clothing. The reader is immersed into the distinctive neighborhoods of Paris and gets a deeper sense of the city through its smaller marginalized communities. This novel, the 20th in the series, is set in the aftermath of 9/11 amidst heightened tensions in Paris. When a bombing occurs and Aimee’s close friend is a suspect, she must act. The stories are full of political intrigue and incomparable supporting characters, as well as haunting echoes of Aimee’s past.
Girl Waits with a Gun, Amy Stewart
I was so intrigued by the premise of this book, based on the adventures of the real-life Kopp sisters in 1914 New Jersey. While doing research for a nonfiction book, the author discovered a newspaper article that described three sisters Constance, Norma and Fleurette Kopp, and their altercation with the owner of a silk mill, a man named Henry Kaufman. When their buggy is hit by his car and he refuses to pay damages, the sisters pursue the charges. What ensues is a rollicking tale involving a great cast, both heroes and villains. At the heart of the story is the resourceful, gun-packing spinster heroine, Constance Kopp, who becomes one of the first deputy sheriffs in the US. I loved the historical detail of the time and the memorable characters inspired by very real history.
The Beekeeper’s Apprentice, Laurie R King
Is it possible to improve on the Sherlock Holmes canon? The answer is yes, especially when it comes in the form of the independent and spirited Mary Russell. The novel is set in WWI: Sherlock Holmes has retired from detective work, or so it seems. He is tending bees in the Sussex countryside and meets the brilliant, orphaned Mary on the Sussex Downs. He is impressed by her intellect and takes her on as a student. Soon they are investigating a case for Scotland Yard. The subsequent novels are historical fiction at its best, with a gripping mystery at the core of each one. Mary Russell fits into Holmes’s world seamlessly, as though she were an organic part of the stories from the beginning.
An Incomplete Revenge, Jacqueline Winspear
Maisie is a private investigator and psychologist in post WWI London, with an intriguing past. As a young servant, her gifts are recognized by her employer and she attends Cambridge. Her studies are interrupted by the advent of war and it is her searing experience as a volunteer nurse that forges her character. As the series progresses through the inter-war years and on to WWII, it is Maisie’s compassion and intelligence that draw the reader back every time. This novel is one of my favorites: it set in rural Kent during the hop picking harvest. An old friend asks Maisie to investigate a series of mysterious fires and petty crimes. As always, there is a well-plotted story, highlighting a fascinating aspect of history.
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