Bruce Murphy's Encyclopedia of Murder and Mystery is a comprehensive guide to the genre of the murder mystery that catalogues thousands of items in a broad range of categories: authors, titles, plots, characters, weapons, methods of killing, movie and theatrical adaptations. What distinguishes this encyclopedia from the others in the field is its critical stance.

Presents critical studies of more than 270 authors of detective and mystery fiction from around the world dating from the mid-eighteenth century to the present day.

Edgar- and Agatha-nominated author Colleen Barnett here updates her essential reference for readers and writers of mystery, examining women who detect, women as sleuths, and the evolving roles of women in professions and in society.

Many bibliographers focus on women who write. Lawyer Barnett looks at women who detect, at women as sleuths and at the evolving roles of women in professions and in society. Excellent for all women's studies programs as well as for the mystery hound.

Vols. I-II: 325 British, American and Canadian poets and novelists from Beowulf to the present.--Vol. III: 139 world dramatists from the Greeks to the present.--Vol. IV: 1990 Update.--Vols. V-VI: 127 Contemporary writers.