Detecting The Difference (Press, 9 January 1988)

On 9 January 1988, Ken Strongman reviewed two crime fiction novels published by The Women’s Press: "Death Comes Staccato" by Gillian Slovo and "Report for Murder" by Vai McDermid. Both books are notable for their strong female protagonists and modern settings, representing a shift in crime fiction. In "Death Comes Staccato," Slovo introduces Kate Beier, a competent private investigator who navigates various social strata in London. Hired by a wealthy and unpleasant woman to resolve issues concerning her 17-year-old daughter who is a musician, Beier confronts elements typical of traditional mysteries, such as murder, police corruption, and sexual themes. Despite its contemporary feel, the novel adheres to classic whodunit conventions and features a resilient and relatable detective. On the other hand, McDermid’s "Report for Murder" follows Lindsay Gordon, a working-class, feminist journalist and private investigator. The story unfolds as she investigates a murder at an elite public school in Derbyshire, where her former university friend is employed. While the narrative is well-crafted, Strongman notes a certain disconnect with the story’s overall outcome, which he compares to the melodrama of children’s literature like The Chalet School series. Though both novels offer engaging narratives, Strongman expresses a sense of discomfort with the reading experience, particularly regarding the portrayal of gender and intimate relationships, most notably in the lesbian themes of "Report for Murder." This evokes a feeling of voyeurism and a reminder of past literary experiences, where he once sought out female characters in adventure genres. He concludes that while these books are written by women for women, they also highlight the lingering effects of a patriarchal perspective in literature. Overall, Strongman appreciates the entertainment value present in the books but grapples with the intrinsic complexities of gender that influence the reader's experience, suggesting that these novels, while enjoyable, might primarily resonate with a female audience.

The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact

The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand