Myth and Ritual in Women's Detective Fiction

Book excerpt: 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.