[Paloma]

I am studying literature and I am going to do a project about lesbian representation in crime and detective novels. The problem is I don't know which ones are classics, so I am hoping someone in here can help me. I am looking for both novels with central figures who are lesbians and also novels with minor characters that are lesbian. I am looking for both new and old books, and both some with female and male authors.

[Linda]

[ElectricA]

The only book that comes to mind is Johnny Come Home by Jake Arnott, however it depends whether you just want a lesbian character or a lesbian criminal/suspect - the (lesbian) character is not considered the main 'criminal' as it were, however if I remember correctly she has undertaken some criminal activities!

[Lantern70]

" I am looking for both novels with central figures who are lesbians and also novels with minor characters that are lesbian. I am looking for both new and old books, and both some with female and male authors.[/quote]"

Often considered the best noir writer that the United States has yet produced, Patricia Highsmith's novels are fraught with gay and lesbian characters. She is a writer of sharp, psychological precision. Her characters are motivated by fear and guilt. Rational people bored her and she plunged into the demimonde of psychosis. She had a keen understanding of why people commit murder in which internalized homophobia plays a significant role. She is the author of THE TALENTED MR RIPLEY and STRANGERS ON A TRAIN, both made into movies, the latter being one of Alfred Hitchcock's best. I recently read that one of her books, FOUND IN THE STREET, is in production. The central character is a lesbian, but I don't know who's been signed for the role. I do know that Hugh Jackman and Christopher Walken star in it. I am a gay male and I read this book. I enjoyed every minute of it. GLBTQ has an entry for Highsmith. I recommend you research it.[/i]