A historically significant classic crime book featuring an early female sleuth.
Published by the fabulous Poisoned Pen Press, The Female Detective is a great find for anyone interested in the history of crime fiction. Originally published in 1864, I’ve heard it claimed this is the first or one of the first female detective books.
The main protagonist is a sort of female Sherlock Holmes who is vastly independent and courageous for the era.
She holds to truth and justice at whatever the cost – even to an evil old man regaining his fortune from the kindest of people.
I had a hard time connecting to her emotionally but as a beginning for the long line of female detectives this is a classic work.
Faith Allington 