Six of the Best Female Novel Detective Series
Just as good as the guys — they keep me coming back for more
I recently wrote a story about my favorite detective novels that have been serialized. One of my readers pointed out that they were all men, something I hadn’t noticed — but once I realized it, I couldn’t let it slide. So without further ado, here is a list of my favorite female detectives. All links go to the Goodreads series list — support your local independent bookseller!
1. KINSEY MILHONE
Let’s start with a fan favorite. Author Sue Grafton’s alphabet books are considered classic by many. Her private investigator, Kinsey Milhone, lives in the fictional town of Santa Teresa, California (based on Santa Barbara). Though set mostly in the 1980’s with a female protagonist, Grafton’s writing style is pure old school hardboiled detective. They are a delight to read, from “A” is for Alibi to “Y” is for Yesterday. Unfortunately, Grafton died before writing the “Z” book, but that still leaves you 25 waiting to be read, along with a collection of short stories.
2. VERA STANHOPE
You may recognize Vera’s name, as this detective has had a British crime drama airing for the last ten years. In fact, several of author Ann Cleeve’s literary creations have…
