The Landscape of Canadian Women's Crime Fiction

Tag: mystery

  • Investigating Frances Shelley Wees

    Frances Shelley Wees (1902-82), a now largely neglected crime writer, was so popular during the 1950s and 60s that she was known as “the Agatha Christie of Canada.” And thanks to Véhicule Press’s Ricochet Books, two of her mystery-suspense novels have been re-issued over the last decade. An American-born author of educational works and children’s…

  • “A Christie for Christmas”: Why Murder under the Mistletoe Appeals to Readers

    Since not a creature is stirring in my household this early morning, I have time for a holiday post, and Agatha Christie is on my mind. During the early part of her publishing career, Christie not infrequently published more than one novel (or a novel and volume of short stories) each year. Once it was…

  • My 2025 Crime Fiction Highlights

    In 2025, the highlight was the Bloody Scotland festival in Stirling, which featured prominent crime writers like Kate Atkinson and Ian Rankin, as well as opportunities for emerging authors. Alongside notable events, Louise Penny enjoyed major achievements, including a café opening and a new book release. However, some disappointments arose from missed appearances and underwhelming…