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Gumshoes A Dictionary of Fictional Detectives
Mitzi M. Brunsdale
Book Code: GR3331
ISBN: 0-313-33331-9
ISBN-13: 978-0-313-33331-6
472 pages, N/A
Greenwood Press
Publication: 4/30/2006
List Price: $75.00 (UK Sterling Price: £41.95)
Availability: In Stock
Media Type: Hardcover
Also Available: Ebook
Trim Size: 7 x 10
Subjects: Reviews:
  • Brunsdale profiles 150 contemporary fictional series detectives. Most are characters/series produced after 1970, with some exceptions (e.g., Steve Carella, Travis McGee, Adam Dalgliesh). Although "gumshoe" conjures up images of modern detectives, this book does not slight stars of popular series of historical whodunits, e.g., Marcus Didius Falco, Gordianus the Finder, and Dame Frevisse. Entries provide narrative profiles of detectives and their careers, and data such as profession, time period, associates and significant others, nemeses, and major social and personal concerns....[G]umshoes is a welcome reference addition to this popular literary genre. Includes five appendixes and a "Helpful Web Sites" list. Recommended. Lower-level undergraduates through faculty/researchers; general readers.
    —Choice     November 2006
  • The book is well-researched and written with all the seriousness and scholarship of a study of Shakespeare's works, but, at the same time, is eminently readable. As well as the author's intended readership, public library readers of contemporary detective fiction will enjoy this book.
    —Reference Reviews     May 2007
  • Starred Review As the well-stocked mystery shelves of libraries and bookstores attest, the fictional detective has generated an incredible amount of literature and loyal readers. One hundred fifty fictional detectives-"sleuths, snoops, cops, or hard-boiled PIs"-are represented in this who's-who-in-whodunit-literature....The user-friendly A-Z listing contains summary data for each imaginary detective that could easily fill a rap sheet....[o]ffers a fascinating look at the development of detective series fiction from the early 1800s through the latter part of the twentieth century....A valuable tool for beginners and repeat offenders alike, Gumshoes is recommended for all readers' advisory, mystery novel, and reference collections in all public and academic libraries. It is particularly useful for its treatment of contemporary sleuths.
    —Booklist RA Corner     October 1, 2006
  • Brunsdale presents a resource text to help general readers--especially high school and college students--locate stimulating works by familiar contemporary favorites and discover new authors. A detailed introduction provides a brief history of the detective series genre, including both well- known and less familiar series detectives from the early 1800s through the 1960s. The 150 entries that follow cover series mainly produced after 1970. Each entry includes basic data about the detective or a collective sleuth; the author's aims for the series; a mini-psychological profile of the detective with reference to his/her literary antecedents; and the series' significance to the genre. Indexed by detective, author, and title, the text also includes four appendices arranging the 150 entries into authors and their sleuths, geographical areas, time periods, and detective's field of employment.
    —Reference & Research Book News     August 2006
  • Why read it? Many popular mystery books and crime solvers are outlined here, including Tony Hillerman's reservation cops Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn, Peter Treymane's Sister Fidelma and Jan Burke's intrepid reporter Irene Kelly. Entries discuss the novels, the locale and time period, the detectives' associates and adversaries and the characters' investigative techniques. Whether you're a fan of Easy Rawlins or Monsieur Pamplemouse, this work will help you find other authors and books you might enjoy.
    —Grand Forks Herald (North Dakota)     July 28, 2006
Description: The enormous explosion of crime fiction over the last decade means that more people are looking for a good mystery than ever before. Many of the most popular mystery books appear in series, and these series feature carefully developed detectives. This reference includes alphabetically arranged entries on roughly 150 fictional detectives, with an emphasis on contemporary figures. The volume provides coverage of familiar and less familiar detectives; male and female protagonists; gay and lesbian lead characters; and figures from a wide range of historical, cultural, and geographical settings. Included are entries on:
  • Jim Chee
  • Adam Dalgliesh
  • Gregor Demarkian
  • Sister Fidelma
  • Joe Leaphorn
  • Pharoah Love
  • Thomas Lynley
  • Kate Martinelli
  • Sharon McCone
  • Kinsey Millhone
  • Monsieur Pamplemouse
  • Easy Rawlins
  • Ian Rutledge
  • Shan Tao Yun
  • And many more.
    Entries discuss the various novels in which the detective appears; the character's locale and time period; the detective's associates, adversaries, and significant others; and the character's investigative techniques. The entries direct the reader to similar series for further reading, and to additional sources of information. The volume closes with a selected, general bibliography; various appendices; and an extensive index.
    • LC Card Number: 2005034853
    LCC Class: PN3377
    Dewey Class: 809
    PDF Catalogs:
    Greenwood Literature Spring 2008.pdf
    Sale Catalog 2008.pdf
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