Forensic Crime Fiction

This is a study of forensic crime fiction from the US and the UK that proposes different lenses through which to view this body of writing. It examines the prominent roles that women play in many of these novels, arguing that there are historical continuities with earlier forms of contact with the dead body, and also demonstrating how the female gaze alters representations of the victims of crime. Utilising the views of a world-famous forensic scientist, this study also explores the role and treatment of science in forensic crime fiction. Finally, there is a consideration of the type of killer depicted in forensic crime novels, arguing that the relationship between killer and investigator is different from that of the traditional crime novel. There are two interviews, one with a forensic scientist and one with a novelist, and links to further resources on forensic science.