Gumshoes: A Dictionary of Fictional Detectives

(Hardback)

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Description

The enormous explosion of crime fiction over the last decade means that more people are looking for a good mystery than ever before. This dictionary of fictional detectives helps readers learn about the series in which their favorite detectives are featured. Included are alphabetically arranged entries on roughly 150 fictional detectives, which provide information about the works in which the detective appears, the locales in which the detective operates, the detective's investigative methods, and other important information. Helpful bibliographical citations direct the reader to other interesting works. The volume closes with a selected, general bibliography; various appendices; and an extensive index. The enormous explosion of crime fiction over the last decade means that more people are looking for a good mystery than ever before. Many of the most popular mystery books appear in series, and these series feature carefully developed detectives.

Reviews

Brunsdale profiles 150 contemporary fictional series detectives. Most are characters/series produced after 1970, with some exceptions (e.g., Steve Carella, Travis McGee, Adam Dalgliesh). Although gumshoe conjures up images of modern detectives, this book does not slight stars of popular series of historical whodunits, e.g., Marcus Didius Falco, Gordianus the Finder, and Dame Frevisse. Entries provide narrative profiles of detectives and their careers, and data such as profession, time period, associates and significant others, nemeses, and major social and personal concerns.[G]umshoes is a welcome reference addition to this popular literary genre. Includes five appendixes and a Helpful Web Sites list. Recommended. Lower-level undergraduates through faculty/researchers; general readers. * Choice *
The book is well-researched and written with all the seriousness and scholarship of a study of Shakespeare's works, but, at the same time, is eminently readable. As well as the author's intended readership, public library readers of contemporary detective fiction will enjoy this book. * Reference Reviews *
As the well-stocked mystery shelves of libraries and bookstores attest, the fictional detective has generated an incredible amount of literature and loyal readers. One hundred fifty fictional detectives-sleuths, snoops, cops, or hard-boiled PIs-are represented in this who's-who-in-whodunit-literature.The user-friendly A-Z listing contains summary data for each imaginary detective that could easily fill a rap sheet.[o]ffers a fascinating look at the development of detective series fiction from the early 1800s through the latter part of the twentieth century.A valuable tool for beginners and repeat offenders alike, Gumshoes is recommended for all readers' advisory, mystery novel, and reference collections in all public and academic libraries. It is particularly useful for its treatment of contemporary sleuths. * Booklist, Starred Review *
Brunsdale presents a resource text to help general readers--especially high school and college students--locate stimulating works by familiar contemporary favorites and discover new authors. A detailed introduction provides a brief history of the detective series genre, including both well- known and less familiar series detectives from the early 1800s through the 1960s. The 150 entries that follow cover series mainly produced after 1970. Each entry includes basic data about the detective or a collective sleuth; the author's aims for the series; a mini-psychological profile of the detective with reference to his/her literary antecedents; and the series' significance to the genre. Indexed by detective, author, and title, the text also includes four appendices arranging the 150 entries into authors and their sleuths, geographical areas, time periods, and detective's field of employment. * Reference & Research Book News *
Why read it Many popular mystery books and crime solvers are outlined here, including Tony Hillerman's reservation cops Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn, Peter Treymane's Sister Fidelma and Jan Burke's intrepid reporter Irene Kelly. Entries discuss the novels, the locale and time period, the detectives' associates and adversaries and the characters' investigative techniques. Whether you're a fan of Easy Rawlins or Monsieur Pamplemouse, this work will help you find other authors and books you might enjoy. * Grand Forks Herald (North Dakota) *

Author Bio

Mitzi M. Brunsdale is Professor of English at Mayville State University. Her previous books include Student Companion to George Orwell (Greenwood, 2000).