Myth and Ritual in Women's Detective Fiction

by Christine A. Jackson

Overview

The relationship between traditional myths, fairytales and current fiction novels featuring women as crime-solvers is examined in this critical study. Using theories from Joseph Campbell, C.G. Jung and others, the author asserts that plots and imagery in these novels conform to quest narratives outlined in classical myths and traditional fairytales.

Narcissus, Medusa, Orpheus and Orestes are a few of the figures 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, the text discusses many myths, rituals and rites associated with mysteries, including myths of identity, religion and rites of initiation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780786480944
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Incorporated Publishers
Publication date:	10/02/2015
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	185
File size:	894 KB
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Christine A. Jackson is an associate professor of liberal arts at Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she teaches critical and creative writing and literature. She is also a member of the Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America and sits on the planning committee for SleuthFest, a mystery writers’ conference.
Christine A. Jackson is a professor of humanities at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she teaches critical and creative writing and literature. She is also a member of the Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America and sits on the planning committee for SleuthFest, a mystery writers' conference.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Introduction     

1. Anatomy of a Mystery     
2. Magic and Transformation in Domestic Mysteries     
3. A Bodiless Dream: Forensic Mysteries and Myths of Identity     
4. Religion in Mysteries: Of the Essence     
5. Blood Dues: Rites of Initiation in Career Thrillers     
6. Tracing the Razor’s Edge     
7. V.I. and Kinsey: Death and Renewal     
8. Life Restored     
Works Cited     
Index