Title: Myth and ritual in women's detective fiction /
Authors: Jackson, Christine A., 1951-
Publisher: McFarland & Co.,
Year: 2002
Subjects: Detective and mystery stories, American History and criticism.; Detective and mystery stories, English History and criticism.; American fiction Women authors History and criticism; English fiction Women authors History and criticism; Rites and ceremonies in literature.; Women detectives in literature.; Fairy tales in literature.; Mythology in literature.; Folklore in literature.; Ritual in literature.; Myth in literature.; Women and literature English-speaking countries.
Abstract: "The relationship between myth and fairytale and current novels featuring women as crime-solvers is examined in this work. Using theories from Jung, Joseph Campbell and others, the author finds that the plots and imagery of these novels conform to quest narratives outlined in classical myths and traditional fairytales." "Narcissus, Medusa, Orpheus and Orestes are a few of the figures re-emerging in today's mystery fiction. Among the mystery authors discussed are Patricia Cornwell, Amanda Cross, Sue Grafton, P.D. James, Sara Paretsky and Julie Smith. After establishing the anatomy of a mystery in Chapter One, the work covers many myths, rituals and rites associated with mysteries, including myths of identity and religion, and rites of initiation."--Cover.
Contents: Anatomy of a mystery -- Magic and transformation in domestic mysteries -- A bodiless dream: forensic mysteries and myths of identity -- Religion in mysteries: of the essence -- Blood dues: rites of initiation in career thrillers -- Tracing the razor's edge -- V.I. and Kinsey: death and renewal -- Life restored.