Arthur Conan Doyle has long been considered the greatest writer of crime fiction, and the gender bias of the genre has foregrounded William Godwin, Edgar Allan Poe, Wilkie Collins, Emile Gaboriau and Fergus Hume. But earlier and significant contributions were being made by women in Britain, the United States and Australia between 1860 and 1880, a period that was central to the development of the genre. This work focuses on women writers of this genre and these years, including Catherine Crowe, Caroline Clive, Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell, Mary Elizabeth Braddon, Mrs. Henry (Ellen) Wood, Harriet Prescott Spofford, Louisa May Alcott, Metta Victoria Fuller Victor, Anna Katharine Green, Celeste de Chabrillan, "Oline Keese" (Caroline Woolmer Leakey), Eliza Winstanley, Ellen Davitt, and Mary Helena Fortune--innovators who set a high standard for women writers to follow.

Classic Mysteries - The Émile Gaboriau Edition (Detective Novels & Murder Cases) is a collection of gripping detective novels written in the mid-19th century by Émile Gaboriau, often considered one of the pioneers of detective fiction. Gaboriau's writing style is characterized by intricate plots, well-developed characters, and an acute attention to detail, setting the stage for future crime fiction writers. Readers can expect to be immersed in a world of suspense, mystery, and intrigue as they follow the brilliant detective solving complex murder cases with ingenuity and resourcefulness. Gaboriau's works have been praised for their realism and psychological depth, making them timeless classics in the genre of detective fiction. Émile Gaboriau, a French author and journalist, drew inspiration from his background in journalism to write his detective novels. His keen observation skills and analytical mind allowed him to craft stories that continue to captivate audiences to this day. I highly recommend Classic Mysteries - The Émile Gaboriau Edition to readers who enjoy classic detective fiction that is both intellectually stimulating and entertaining. Gaboriau's masterful storytelling and innovative approach to the genre make this collection a must-read for fans of mystery and crime literature.

THE WHODUNIT COLLECTION assembles an eclectic array of British mystery novels, boasting an impressive diversity in literary styles and thematic explorations. United by the common thread of suspense and intrigue, this anthology showcases the evolution of mystery fiction from the early to mid-20th century. It navigates the reader through the foggy streets of London to the cozy, deceptive calm of rural England, capturing the essence of the British mystery novel's golden age. The collection stands out for including seminal works that have shaped the genre, offering readers a comprehensive glimpse into the literary and cultural norms of the period. The contributing authorsFrank Froest, Isabel Ostrander, Charles Norris Williamson, and Alice Muriel Williamsonbring their unique backgrounds to the anthology, enriching it with their individual experiences and literary flair. Collectively, they epitomize the vibrancy of early British mystery writing, drawing from and contributing to various literary movements of their time. Their stories, ranging from tales of deduction to psychological thrillers, reflect the socio-political tensions and the burgeoning fascination with criminal psychology of their era. This anthology invites readers to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of British mystery literature. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the works of seminal authors who collectively chart the course of the genre's evolution. Through this collection, readers will gain insight into the zeitgeist of early 20th-century Britain, making it a must-read for both aficionados of classic mysteries and scholars interested in the genre's development. The anthology promises a rewarding journey through the intrigue, suspense, and intellectual challenge that defines these timeless narratives.