Mysteries are among the most popular books today, and women continue to be among the most creative and widely read mystery writers. This book gives students and general readers an overview of contemporary women mystery writers. Many of the writers discussed were not even writing when the first edition of this book appeared in 1994, while others have written numerous works since then. Writers were selected based on their status as award winners, their commercial success, and their critical claim. The volume provides alphabetically arranged entries on 90 great women mystery writers, including: Cara Black; Sarah Caudwell; Mary Higgins Clark; Patricia Cornwell; Amanda Cross; Earlene Fowler; Charlaine Harris; Patricia Highsmith; Sujata Massey; Janet Neel; Sara Paretsky, and many more. Each entry provides a biography, a discussion of major works and themes, and primary and secondary bibliographies. The book closes with appendices of award winners and a selected, general bibliography. Public library patrons will value this guide to their favourite authors, while students will consult it when writing reports.