From Publishers Weekly
Writing as Amanda Cross, English professor Carolyn Heilbrun introduced her female professor sleuth in 1964, endowing Kate Fansler with a gift for urbane conversation, sophisticated taste, literary expertise and a mind for murder, thus inspiring other writers to create a slew of similarly feminine detectives But while female investigators, private eyes and amateur snoopers now proliferate, Cross remains queen of the American literary whodunit. Here, three childhood friends are intimately connected with the work of modernist writer Emmanuel Foxx and his enigmatic wife, Gabrielle. When Fansler is asked to write the biography of Gabrielle in order to bring out the true role of Foxx's "muse," she engages in more than literary detection. A poignant memoir within the novel, attributed to one of the three friends, demonstrates Cross's felicitous ability to create another prose style--and to craft a story that will win her an even wider audience. This compelling novel is about motivation, rather than material motives, about the mystery of human character more than the details of a murder. BOMC and Mysterious Book Club alternates.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
From the Publisher
When I read THE JAMES JOYCE MURDER, I instantly became a fan of Amanda Cross and her protagonist, English professor Kate Fansler. And I continued to devour this wonderful series: THE QUESTION OF MAX, DEATH IN A TENURED POSITION, NO WORD FROM WINIFRED -- and onward. In time, I (and many other readers) came to realize that "Amanda Cross" is a pseudonym for Dr. Carolyn G. Heilbrun, the revered Columbia University professor whose WRITING A WOMAN'S LIFE and other nonfiction volumes are recognized as ground-breaking classics in literary criticism and feminist studies. My admiration for the author grew and grew -- in both her guises. And then a few years ago, I had the great good fortune to become the editor of her "Amanda Cross" half. Which has given me many opportunities to get to know Carolyn personally (it helps that we live only a few blocks from each other). So I've been in the company of this widely beloved author for autograph parties, bookstore events, an honorary dinner, and recently at the ALA (American Library Association) conference, where scores of adoring fans -- librarians and educators -- patiently queued up to get personally autographed copies of THE PUZZLED HEART, the latest Fansler mystery, as well as backlist titles in the series. Even with the resultant writer's cramp, it was a great day for "Amanda." And another cherished memory I have of this charming, gracious, and multitalented author.
--Joe Blades, Associate Publisher
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
