Book Review: Atomic Renaissance: Women Mystery Writers of the 1940s and 1950s

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Atomic Renaissance: Women Mystery Writers of the 1940s and 1950s     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Jeffrey Marks
Class/Genre:   Non-Fiction   Mystery   Biography   [Short Stories]
Delphi, Sep 2003, $21.95

This biographical anthology provides insight into seven female authors who wrote mysteries and thrillers in the 1940s and 1950s. The twenty plus pages per author introduces new readers to what were once popular writers. Some of the works were turned into successful films so though the author may not be associated with a movie, the book is. Fans of the genre’s "atomic age" roots will appreciate insight into this magnificent seven though most will wish Jeffrey Marks gave each one their own book as the twenty plus dissertation seems too small. Still, it is worth the time to "see" Margaret Millar, Leslie Ford, Phoebe Atwood Taylor, Dorothy B. Hughes, Charlotte Armstrong, Patricia Highsmith, and Mignon G. Eberhart because the bookology will surprise readers who appreciate the era.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner