Mystery women : an encyclopedia of leading women characters in mystery fictionVol. 1: (1860-1979) (Rev. ed)

Praise for Mystery Women: Volume I"Barnett...has collected mystery fiction with female protagonists for more than 20 years.

Here she...offers a unique and highly subjective approach to the genre." -Library Journal"...A mammoth undertaking which catalogs well over a thousand mystery series featuring women protagonists by both men and women writers....a valuable reference work that any serious reader of the genre should own." -The Denver Post"The amount of reading Ms. Barnett has done for these books boggles my mind....Colleen Barnett has written the definitive work." -Deadly PleasuresEdgar- and Agatha-nominated author Colleen Barnett here updates her essential reference for readers and writers of mystery, examining women who detect, women as sleuths, and the evolving roles of women in professions and in society. Colleen Barnett, a retired Wisconsin attorney, moved to Minnesota after the death of her husband John to be closer to other family members.

Over the years when she and John were raising their seven children, Colleen worked as a volunteer coordinator, as a social work supervisor, and finally, returned to law school to earn her degree.

Mysteries have always been her refuge and joy. She belongs to Sisters in Crime and to a local mystery book club.