Lesbian Crime Fiction:  A Timeline

I. Van Laningham

Table 1:  Lesbian Crime Fiction:  A Timeline

Books included feature lesbian main characters and may be of any crime sub-genre, including SF and romantic suspense; the detectives may be police, professional investigators (PI, reporter, insurance investigator, medical examiner), and amateur sleuths.  Sex and gender of the author(s) is not a factor for inclusion, although I have indicated male authors and non-lesbians where known.  If the race/ethnicity of the detective is known, it is indicated.  Type of publisher is also not a factor for inclusion; both digital and POD publications appear, in addition to hardcopy.  Mainstream publishers are shown in bold.

Books appear by year of publication of the first title in a series, or simple publication date if standalone, and alphabetically by author within year.

For each year, I have indicated numbers of books as follows:
1 first = 1 standalone or first in series book published;
1 sequel = 1 additional book in series published;
2 total = total of firsts + additionals


1977: 1 first  0 sequels  1 total
1
Beal, Mary F. Kat Guerrera (1977)  * Latina sleuth
Book Angel Dance (1977)
Publisher Crossing Press

1978: 1 first  0 sequels  1 total
2
Zaremba, Eve Helen Keremos (1978)
Books A Reason to Kill (1978)
Work for a Million (1986)
Beyond Hope (1987)
Uneasy Lies (1990)
The Butterfly Effect (1994)
White Noise (1997)
Publishers Paperjacks, Second Story Press, LPC Group

1979: 0 firsts  0 sequels  0 total

1980: 0 firsts  0 sequels  0 total

1981: 0 firsts  0 sequels  0 total

1982: 2 firsts  0 sequels  2 total
3
McConnell, Vicki P. Nyla Wade (1982)
Books Mrs. Porter’s Letter (1982)
The Burnton Widows (1984)
Double Daughter (1988)
Publishers Naiad, Madwoman Press
4
Miner, Valerie Nan Weaver (1982)
Book Murder in the English Department (1982)
Publishers St. Martin’s, Crossing Press

1983: 0 firsts  0 sequels  0 total

1984: 3 firsts  1 sequel  4 total
5
Forrest, Katherine V. Kate Delafield (1984)  * Military veteran sleuth
Books Amateur City (1984)
Murder At the Nightwood Bar (1987)
The Beverly Malibu (1989)
Murder By Tradition (1991)
Liberty Square (1996)
Apparition Alley (1997)
Sleeping Bones (1999)
Hancock Park (2004)
Publishers Naiad, Alyson, Berkley
6
Schulman, Sarah Sophie Horowitz (1984)
Book The Sophie Horowitz Story (1984)
Publisher Naiad
7
Wilson, Barbara (now Sjoholm) Pam Nilson (1984)
Books Murder in the Collective (1984)
Sisters of the Road (1987)
The Dog Collar Murders (1989)
Publisher Seal Press

1985: 3 firsts  0 sequels  3 total
8
Dreher, Sarah Stoner McTavish (1985)  * Supernatural elements
Books Stoner McTavish (1985)
Something Shady (1986)
Gray Magic (1987)
A Captive in Time (1990)
OtherWorld (1993)
Bad Company (1995)
Shaman’s Moon (1998)
Publisher New Victoria
9
Kim, WIllyce Dancer Dawkins and “The California Kid” (1985)
Books Dancer Dawkins & The California Kid (1985)
Dead Heat (1988)
Publisher Alyson
10
Steward, Samuel  * Male author Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas (1985)  * Jewish sleuth
Books Murder is Murder is Murder (1985)
Caravaggio Shawl (1989)
Publisher Alyson

1986: 1 first  2 sequels  3 total
11
Kirkland, Benita Gina (1986)
Book Death Strip (1986)
Publisher Edward William

1987: 7 firsts  4 sequels  11 total
12
Azolakov, Antoinette Cass Milam (1987)
Books Cass and the Stone Butch (1987)
Skiptrace (1988)
Publisher Banned Books
13
Douglas, Lauren Wright Caitlin Reece (1987)
Books The Always Anonymous Beast (1987)
Ninth Life (1990)
The Daughters of Artemis (1991)
A Tiger’s Heart (1992)
Goblin Market (1993)
A Rage of Maidens (1994)
Publishers Naiad, Bella
14
Foster, Marion Harriet Forham Croft (1987)
Books The Monarchs are Flying (1987)
Legal Tender (1992)
Publishers Firebrand, Pandora, Women’s Press
15
Val McDermid Lindsay Gordon (1987)
Books Report for Murder (1987)
Common Murder (1989)
Deadline for Murder (1991)
Conferences are Murder (1993)
Booked for Murder (2000)
Hostage to Murder (2005)
Publishers Spinsters Ink, Women’s Press, Bywater Books
16
O’Rourke, Rebecca “Rats” (1987)
Book Jumping the Cracks (1987)
Publisher Virago
17
Smith, Shelley Harriet Pearl and Bunny Silver (1987)
Book The Pearls (1987)
Publisher Naiad
18
Wings, Mary Emma Victor (1987)
Books She Came Too Late (1987)
She Came in a Flash (1988)
She Came by the Book (1996)
She Came to the Castro (1997)
She Came in Drag (1999)
Publishers Crossing Press, Alyson, E.P. Dutton/Plume, New American Library, Berkley

1988: 4 firsts  4 sequels  8 total
19
Bowers, Elisabeth Meg Lacey (1988)
Books Ladies’ Night (1988)
No Forwarding Address (1994)
Publisher Seal Press
20
Klaich, Doris Tyler Divine (1988)
Book Heavy Gilt (1988)
Publisher Naiad
21
McNab, Claire Carol Ashton (1988)
Books Lessons in Murder (1988)
Fatal Reunion (1989)
Death Down Under (1989)
Cop Out (1991)
Dead Certain (1992)
Body Guard (1994)
Double Bluff (1995)
Inner Circle (1996)
Chain Letter (1997)
Past Due (1998)
Set Up (1999)
Under Suspicion (2000)
Death Club (2001)
Accidental Murder (2002)
Blood Link (2003)
Fall Guy (2004)
Publishers Naiad, Bella
22
Vole, Zenobia N. Unknown (1988)
Book Osten’s Bay (1988)
Publisher Naiad

1989: 10 firsts  6 sequels  16 total
23
Aldridge, Sarah Unknown (1989)
Book Keep to Me Stranger (1989)
Publisher Naiad
24
Azolakov, Antoinette T.D. Renfro (1989)
Books The Contactees Die Young (1989)
Blood Lavender (1993)
Publisher Banned Books
25
Hart, Ellen Jane Lawless (1989)
Books Hallowed Ground (1989)
Vital Lies (1991)
Stage Fright (1992)
A Killing Cure (1993)
A Small Sacrifice (1994)
Faint Praise (1995)
Robber’s Wine (1996)
Wicked Games (1998)
Hunting The Witch (1999)
The Merchant of Venus (2001)
Immaculate Midnight (2002)
An Intimate Ghost (2004)
The Iron Girl (2005)
Publisher St. Martin’s
26
Lucas, Frances Diana Mendoza (1989)  * Latina sleuth
Books Dark Horse (1989)
Cathy IV (1992)
If Looks Could Kill (1995)
Publisher New Victoria
27
Lynch, Lee Sue Slate (1989)  * Feline sleuth
Book Sue Slate:  Private Eye (1989)
Publisher Naiad
28
McGregor, Iona Christabel MacKenzie and Eleanor Stewart (1989)
Book Death Wore a Diadem (1989)
Publishers Random House, Women’s Press
29
McRae, Diana Eliza Pirex (1989)
Book All the Muscle You Need (1989)
Publishers Spinsters Ink, Women’s Press
30
Oliver, Maria Antonia Lonia Guiu (1989)
Book A Study in Lilac (1989)
Publishers Pandora Press, Consortium Book Sales, Intrigue Press
31
Schulman, Sarah Unnamed (1989)
Book After Delores (1989)
Publisher E.P. Dutton
32
Soracco, Sin “Morgan” and “Reno” (1989)
Books Low Bite (1989)
Edge City (1992)
Publisher E.P. Dutton/Plume

1990: 7 firsts  3 sequels  10 total
33
Grae, Camarin Unknown (1990)
Book Slick (1990)
Publisher Naiad
34
Redmann, J.M. Micky Knight (1990)
Books Death by the Riverside (1990)
Deaths of Jocasta (1992)
The Intersection of Law and Desire (1995)
Lost Daughters (1999)
Publishers Naiad, Bella, W.W. Norton, Bywater Books
35
Saum, Karen Brigid Donovan (1990)
Books Murder is Relative (1990)
Murder is Germane (1991)
Murder is Material (1994)
Publisher Naiad
36
Tell, Dorothy Poppy Dillworth (1990)
Books Murder at Red Rook Ranch (1990)
Hallelujah Murders (1991)
Publisher Naiad
37
Welch, Pat Helen Black (1990)
Books Murder by the Book (1990)
Still Waters (1991)
A Proper Burial (1993)
Open House (1995)
Smoke and Mirrors (1996)
Fallen from Grace (1998)
Snake Eyes (1999)
Moving Targets (2001)
A Day Too Long (2003)
A Time To Cast Away (2005)
Publishers Naiad, Bella
38
Williams, Amanda Kyle Madison McGuire (1990)
Books Club Twelve (1990)
The Providence File (1991)
A Singular Spy (1992)
The Spy in Question (1993)
Publisher Naiad
39
Wilson, Barbara (now Sjoholm) Cassandra Reilly (1990)
Books Gaudi Afternoon (1990)
Trouble in Transylvania (1993)
The Death of a Much-Travelled Woman (1998)
The Case of the Orphaned Bassoonists (2000)
Publisher Seal Press

1991: 13 firsts  9 sequels  22 total
40
Baker, Nikki Virginia Kelly (1991)  * African-American sleuth
Books In the Game (1991)
The Lavender House Murder (1992)
Long Goodbyes (2003)
The Ultimate Exit Strategy (2001)
Publishers Naiad, Bella
41
Bayer, Sandy Stephanie Nowland (1991)
Book The Crystal Cage (1991)
Publisher Alyson
42
Brunel, Sigrid Magalie Lisan (1991)
Book The Woman with Red Hair (1991)
Publisher New Victoria
43
Ennis, Catherine Unknown (1991)
Book Clearwater (1991)
Publisher Naiad
44
Lauren, Jessica Unknown (1991)
Book She Died Twice (1991)
Publisher New Victoria
45
Maiman, Jaye Robin Miller (1991)  * Jewish sleuth
Books I Left My Heart (1991)
Crazy for Loving (1992)
Under My Skin (1993)
Someone to Watch (1995)
Baby, It’s Cold (1996)
Old Black Magic (1997)
Every Time We Say Goodbye (1999)
Publishers Silver Moon Books, Naiad
46
McCauley, Carol Spearin “Pauli” (1991)
Book Cold Steel (1991)
Publisher Women’s Press
47
Moorhead, Finola Margot Gorman (1991)
Books Still Murder (1991)
Darkness More Visible (2000)
Publishers Spinifex Press, Penguin Books Australia Ltd, Women’s Press
48
Morell, Mary Lucia Ramos (1991)  * Latina sleuth
Books Final Session (1991)
Final Rest (1993)
Publisher Spinsters Ink
49
Plante, Pele Cynthia Chenery Scott (1991)
Books Getting Away with Murder (1991)
Dirty Money (1993)
Publisher Clothespin Fever Press
50
Powell, Deborah Hollis Carpenter (1991)
Books Bayou City Secrets (1991)
Houston Town (1992)
Publishers Naiad, Bella
51
Scoppettone, Sandra Lauren Laurano (1991)
Books Everything You Have is Mine (1991)
I’ll Be Leaving You Always (1993)
My Sweet Untraceable You (1994)
Let’s Face the Music and Die (1996)
Gonna Take a Homicidal Journey (1998)
Publishers Little, Brown, Fawcett
52
Silva, Linda Kay Delta Stevens (1991)
Books Taken by Storm (1991)
Storm Shelter (1993)
Weathering the Storm (1994)
Storm Front (1995)
Tropical Storm (1997)
Storm Rising (2000)
Publishers Paradigm, Rising Tide

1992: 7 firsts  11 sequels  18 total
53
Beecham, Rose Amanda Valentine (1992)
Books Introducing Amanda Valentine (1992)
Second Guess (1994)
Fair Play (1996)
Publishers Naiad, Bella
54
Fulton, Jennifer Moon Island owners Annabel and Cody (1992)  * Later entries in this series don’t appear to have crime elements
Books Passion Bay (1992)
Saving Grace (2004)
Publisher Yellow Rose Books
55
Harris, Jeane Delia Ironfoot (1992)  * American Indian sleuth  * American Indian religion
Books Delia Ironfoot (1992)
Grave Opening (2005)
Publishers Naiad, Bywater Books
56
Jordan, Jennifer L. Kristin Ashe (1992)
Books A Safe Place to Sleep (1992)
Existing Solutions (1993)
Commitment to Die (2004)
Unbearable Losses (2005)
Disorderly Attachments (2006)
Publishers Our Power Press, Bean Pole Books
57
Macquet, Claire Harriet Weston (1992)
Book Looking for Ammu (1992)
Publisher Virago
58
Pincus, Elizabeth Nell Fury (1992)  * Jewish sleuth
Books The Two-Bit Tango (1992)
The Solitary Twist (1993)
The Hangdog Hustle (1995)
Publisher Spinsters Ink
59
Sumner, Penny Tor Cross (1992)
Books The End of April (1992)
Crosswords (1994)
Publisher Naiad

1993: 15 firsts  15 sequels  30 total
60
Allen, Kate Allison Kaine (1993)
Books Tell Me What You Like (1993)
Give My Secrets Back (1995)
Takes One to Know One (1996)
Just a Little Lie (1999)
Publisher New Victoria
61
Beguin, ReBecca Hazel Preston (1993)
Book Hers Was the Sky (1993)
Publisher New Victoria
62
Bohan, Becky Britt Evans (1993)
Book Sinister Paradise (1993)
Publisher Madwoman Press
63
Drury, Joan M. Tyler Jones (1993)
Books The Other Side of Silence (1993)
Silent Words (1996)
Closed in Silence (1998)
Publisher Spinsters Ink
64
Gilligan, Sharon Alix Nicholson (1993)
Books Danger in High Places (1993)
Danger! Cross Currents (1994)
Publisher Rising Tide
65
King, Laurie R.  * Non-lesbian author Kate Martinelli (1993)
Books A Grave Talent (1993)
To Play the Fool (1995)
With Child (1996)
Night Work (2000)
Publisher Bantam
66
Knight, Phyllis Lil Ritchie (1993)
Books Switching the Odds (1993)
Shattered Rhythms (1995)
Publisher St. Martin’s
67
Lordon, Randye Sydney Sloane (1993)
Books Brotherly Love (1993)
Sister’s Keeper (1994)
Father Forgive Me (1997)
Mother May I (1998)
Say Uncle (1999)
East of Niece (2001)
Son of a Gun (2003)
Publishers Avon, St. Martin’s
68
McKemmish, Jan Anne Stevens and Frances Smith (1993)
Book Only Lawyers Dancing (1993)
Publisher Cleis Press
69
Maney, Mabel Nancy Clue, Cherry Aimless, and friends (1993)
Books The Case of the Not-so-Nice-Nurse (1993)
The Case of the Good-for-Nothing-Girlfriend (1994)
The Ghost in the Closet (1995)
Publisher Cleis Press
70
Ohio, Denise Jewel and Dante (1993)
Book End of the Empire (1993)
Publisher St. Martin’s
71
Schmidt, Carol Laney Samms (1993)
Books Silverlake Heat (1993)
Sweet Cherry Wine (1994)
Cabin Fever (1995)
Publisher Naiad
72
Wilson, Elizabeth Justine (1993)
Book The Lost Time Cafe (1993)
Publisher Virago
73
Wings, Mary Unnamed (1993)
Book Divine Victim (1993)
Publishers E.P. Dutton, Penguin
74
York, Kieran Royce Madison (1993)
Books Timber City Masks (1993)
Crystal Mountain Veils (1995)
Publisher Third Side Press

1994: 12 firsts  14 sequels  26 total
75
Currall, Lynda Ronnie Carlton (1994)
Book Murder in Black & White (1994)
Publisher Aldyn
76
Davidson, Diane Toni Underwood (1994)
Books Deadly Rendezvous (1994)
Deadly Gamble (1997)
Deadly Butterfly (2001)
Publisher Rising Tide
77
Duffy, Stella Saz Martin (1994)
Books Calendar Girl (1994)
Wave Walker (1996)
Beneath the Blonde (1997)
Fresh Flesh (1999)
Publisher Serpent’s Tail
78
Grae, Camarin Lyla Bradshaw (1994)
Book Wednesday Nights (1994)
Publisher Naiad
79
Haddock, Lisa Carmen Ramirez (1994)  * Latina sleuth
Books Edited Out (1994)
Final Cut (1995)
Publisher Naiad
80
Kreuter, Katherine E. Paige Taylor (1994)
Books Fool Me Once (1994)
Cloud Nine Affair (1997)
Publisher Rising Tide
81
McAllester, Melanie Tenny Mendoza (1994)
Books The Lessons (1994)
The Search (1996)
Publisher Naiad
82
McKay, Claudia Lynn Evans (1994)
Books The Kali Connection (1994)
Twist of Lime (1997)
Publisher New Victoria
83
Manthorne, Jackie Harriet Hubbley (1994)
Books Ghost Motel (1994)
Deadly Reunion (1995)
Last Resort (1995)
Final Take (1996)
Sudden Death (1997)
Publisher Gynergy
84
Michaels, Joanna Callie Sinclair (1994)
Book Nun in the Closet (1994)
Publisher New Victoria
85
Mickelbury, Penny Gianna Maglione and Mimi Patterson (1994)  * African-American sleuth  * Patterson
Books Keeping Secrets (1994)
Night Songs (1995)
Love Notes (2002)
Darkness Descending (2005)
Publishers Naiad, Bella
86
Meyerding, Jane Terry Barbar (1994)
Book Everywhere House (1994)
Publisher New Victoria

1995: 11 firsts  19 sequels  30 total
87
Allen, Kate Marta Goicochea (1995)
Book I Knew You Would Call (1995)
Publisher New Victoria
88
Bohan, Becky Nedra Wells, D.V.M. (1995)
Book Fertile Betrayal (1995)
Publisher Madwoman Press
89
Bruyer, Kris Unknown (1995)
Books Whispers (1995)
Out of the Night (1996)
Publisher Naiad
90
Cohen, Celia Unknown (1995)
Book Payback (1995)
Publisher Naiad
91
Hanscombe, Gillian Unknown (1995)
Book Figments of a Murder (1995)
Publisher Spinifex Press
92
Johnson, Barbara Colleen Fitzgerald (1995)
Books The Beach Affair (1995)
Bad Moon Rising (1998)
Publisher Naiad
93
Kelly, Maggie “Mig” (1995)
Book Burning Issues (1995)
Publisher Onlywomen Press
94
Kelly, Vivien “Jo” (1995)
Book Dirty Work (1995)
Publisher Onlywomen Press
95
Mildon, Marsha Cal Meredith (1995)
Books Fighting for Air (1995)
Stalking the Goddess Ship (1999)
Publisher New Victoria
96
Sanra, Nancy Tally McGinnis and Cid Cameron (1995)
Books No Witnesses (1995)
No Escape (1998)
No Corpse (2000)
No Evidence (2005)
Publisher Rising Tide
97
Taylor, Jean Maggie Garrett (1995)
Books We Know Where You Live (1995)
The Last of Her Lies (1996)
Publisher Seal Press

1996: 12 firsts  16 sequels  28 total
98
Calloway, Kate Cassidy James (1996)
Books 1st Impression (1996)
2nd Fiddle (1997)
3rd Degree (1997)
4th Down (1998)
5th Wheel (1998)
6th Sense (1999)
7th Heaven (1999)
8th Day (2001)
Publishers Naiad, Bella
99
D’Arnuk, Nanisi Barrett Cameron Andrews (1996)
Book Outside In (1996)
Publisher New Victoria
100
Douglas, Lauren Wright Allison O’Neil and Kerry Owyhee (1996)  * American Indian sleuth  * American Indian religion
Books Death at Lavender Bay (1996)
Swimming Cat Cove (1997)
Publisher Naiad
101
Fairbanks, Tash Multiple (1996)
Book Fearful Symmetry (1996)
Publisher Onlywomen Press
102
Hartman, Cherry Morgan McRain (1996)
Book The Well-Heeled Murders (1996)
Publisher Spinsters Ink
103
LaFavor, Carole Renee LaRoche (1996)  * American Indian sleuth  * American Indian religion  * LaRoche is Ojibway
Books Along the Journey River (1996)
Evil Dead Center (1997)
Publisher Firebrand
104
Lewis, Catherine Abigail Fitzpatrick (1996)
Book Dry Fire (1996)
Publisher W.W. Norton
105
Richler, Nancy “Toya” or possibly “Tova” (1996)
Book Throwaway Angels (1996)
Publisher Press Gang
106
Saum, Karen Alex Adler (1996)
Book I Never Read Thoreau (1996)
Publisher Naiad
107
Van Dyke, Annette Jessie Batelle (1996)
Book Hooded Murder (1996)
Publisher Naiad
108
Youmans, Claire Janet Schilling (1996)
Book Rough Justice (1996)
Publisher Rising Tide
109
Young, Laura DeHart Meg Rhyland (1996)
Book Family Secrets (1996)
Publisher Naiad

1997: 12 firsts  16 sequels  28 total
110
Beale, Elaine Lou Spencer (1997)
Book Murder in the Castro (1997)
Publisher New Victoria
111
Beguin, Rebecca Ida Muret (1997)
Book Torrid Zone (1997)
Publisher New Victoria
112
Davis, Kaye Maris Middleton (1997)
Books Devil’s Leg Crossing (1997)
Possessions (1998)
Until the End (1998)
Shattered Illusions (1999)
Publisher Naiad
113
Fritchley, Alma Letty Campbell (1997)
Books Chicken Run (1997)
Chicken Feed (1998)
Chicken Out (1999)
Chicken Shack (2000)
Publisher Women’s Press
114
McClellan, Janet Tru North (1997)
Books Penn Valley Phoenix (1997)
K.C. Bomber (1998)
Chimney Rock Blues (1998)
River Quay (1999)
Publisher Naiad
115
Marcy, Jean (Jean Hutchison and Mary Jacobs) Meg Darcy (1997)
Books Cemetery Murders (1997)
Dead and Blonde (1998)
Mommy Deadest (2000)
A Cold Case of Murder (2003)
Publisher New Victoria
116
Porter, Dorothy Jill Fitzpatrick (1997)  * Verse novel
Book The Monkey’s Mask (1997)
Publishers Serpent’s Tail, Arcade Publishing
117
Richardson, Tracey Stevie Houston (1997)
Books Last Rites (1997)
Over the Line (1998)
Double Take Out (1999)
Publisher Naiad
118
Scott, Manda Kellen Stewart (1997)
Books Hens Teeth (1997)
Night Mares (1998)
Stronger Than Death (1999)
Publisher Crimeline
119
Szymanski, Therese Brett Higgins and Allie Sullivan (1997)
Books When the Dancing Stops (1997)
When the Dead Speak (1998)
When Some Body Disappears (1999)
When Evil Changes Face (2000)
When Good Girls Go Bad (2003)
When First We Practice (2005)
Publishers Naiad, Bella
120
Webb, Cynthia Laurie Coldwater (1997)
Book No Daughter of the South (1997)
Publisher New Victoria
121
Young, Laura DeHart Kay Westmore (1997)
Books Love on the Line (1997)
Forever and the Night (2001)
Love Speaks Her Name (2004)
Publishers Naiad, Bella

1998: 7 firsts  22 sequels  29 total
122
Griffith, Nicola Aud Torvingen (1998)
Books The Blue Place (1998)
Stay (2002)
Publishers Nan Talese/Doubleday, Vintage, Avon, Harper-Collins
123
Hodgman, Helen Rosemary (1998)
Book Passing Remarks (1998)
Publisher Anchor
124
Johnson, Bett Reece Cordelia Morgan (1998)
Books The Woman Who Knew Too Much (1998)
The Woman Who Rode to the Moon (1999)
The Woman Who Found Grace (2003)
Publisher Cleis Press
125
Miller, Carlene Lexy Hyatt (1998)
Books Killing at the Cat (1998)
Mayhem at the Marina (1999)
Reporter on the Run (2000)
Publisher New Victoria
126
Oakgrove, Artemis Avery Vincent and others (1998)
Books File Not Found (1998)
Undercover:  An Erotic Tale of Crime and Betrayal (1998)
Publisher One Rogue Press
127
Padgett, Abigail Blue McCarron and Roxie Bouchie (1998)  * African-American sleuth  * Roxie
Books Blue (1998)
The Last Blue Plate Special (2001)
Publisher Mysterious Press
128
Phillips, Cath Jane Stewart and Valentine (1998)
Book River’s Edge (1998)
Publisher Black Wattle Press

1999: 4 firsts  21 sequels  25 total
129
Albarella, Joan Nikki Barnes (1999)  * Military veteran sleuth  * Religious (priest, nun, etc.) sleuth  * Vietnam Veteran, Episcopal Priest
Books Agenda for Murder (1999)
Called to Kill (2000)
Close to You (2003)
Publisher Rising Tide
130
Brunel, Sigrid Anouk Turabi (1999)  * Egyptian sleuth
Book Flight from Chador (1999)
Publisher New Victoria
131
Maddison, Lauren Connor Hawthorne and Laura Nez (1999)  * American Indian sleuth  * American Indian religion  * Nez is Navajo
Books Deceptions (1999)
Witchfire (2001)
Death by Prophecy (2002)
Epitaph for an Angel (2003)
Eleventh Hour (2005)
Publisher Alyson
132
McNab, Claire Denise Cleever (1999)
Books Murder Undercover (1999)
Death Understood (2000)
Out of Sight (2001)
Recognition Factor (2003)
Death by Death (2003)
Murder at Random (2005)
Publishers Naiad, Bella

2000: 12 firsts  14 sequels  26 total
133
Adams, Leslie Porter Sienna (2000)
Book Allergic Reaction (2000)
Publisher Cape Winds Press
134
Chase, Kira J.C. Markin (2000)
Book The Silent Cry (2000)
Publisher Xlibris
135
Clare, Baxter L.A. Franco (2000)
Books Bleeding Out (2000)
Street Rules (2003)
Cry Havoc (2004)
Last Call (2004)
Publishers Firebrand, Emmis Books, Bella
136
Henderson, Patty G. Brenda Strange (2000)  * Supernatural elements
Books The Burning of Her Sin (2000)
Blood Scent (2001)
Tangled and Dark (2004)
The Missing Page (2005)
Publishers Bella, Justice House
137
Miller, Martha Bertha Brannon, others (2000)
Books Nine Nights on the Windy Tree (2000)
Dispatch to Death (2003)
Shadows of the Past (2005)
Publisher New Victoria
138
Morris, Sandra A. Jessica George Shore (2000)
Book By the Sea Shore (2000)
Publisher New Victoria
139
Paradee, C. Kristina Bartley (2000)
Books Chasing Shadows (2000)
Deep Cover (2004)
Publishers Regal Crest, Renaissance Alliance
140
Roberts, Jenny  * Trans author  * MTF Cameron McGill (2000)
Books Needlepoint (2000)
Breaking Point (2001)
Dead Reckoning (2005)
Publisher Diva
141
Scholten, Jenny Aubrey Lyle (2000)
Books Day Stripper (2000)
Slay Me Tender (2001)
Publisher New Victoria
142
Shaw, Caroline  * Non-lesbian author Lenny Aaron (2000)  * Celibate sleuth
Books Cat Catcher (2000)
Eye to Eye (2000)
Publisher Serpent’s Tail
143
Woodcraft, Elizabeth Frankie Richmond (2000)
Books Good Bad Woman (2000)
Babyface (2001)
Publisher Harper-Collins
144
Zschokke, Magdelena Janet (2000)
Book Salt Rock Mysteries (2000)
Publisher New Victoria

2001: 20 firsts  15 sequels  35 total
145
Abbott, Cameron Henderson, Anne (2001)
Book To the Edge (2001)
Publisher Alice Street Editions
146
Avenue, N.H. Amanda Ross (2001)
Books Letter Perfect (2001)
For Pete’s Sake (2003)
Publishers Writers Club Press, iUniverse
147
Davis, Lisa E. Blackie Cole (2001)  * Jewish sleuth
Book Under the Mink (2001)
Publisher Alyson
148
Dunne, Nann Angela Wedgewood (2001)
Book Staying in the Game (2001)
Publisher Quest Books
149
Hartsock, Judith Dean & Katie (2001)
Books Blue Holes to Terror (2001)
Deadly Challenge (2002)
Forces of Evil (2003)
The Visitors (2004)
Publishers Quest Books, Regal Crest, Renaissance Alliance
150
Lake, Lori L. Danielle Corbett (2001)
Book Ricochet in Time (2001)
Publisher Regal Crest
151
Lyons, Susan Dace McKendrick (2001)
Book Reality Check (2001)
Publisher D L S I J Press (digital and paper editions)
152
McMahon, Franci Jane Scott (2001)
Book Night Mare (2001)
Publisher Odd Girls Press
153
Maney, Mabel Jane Bond (2001)
Books Kiss the Girls and Make Them Spy (2001)
The Girl with the Golden Bouffant (2004)
Publishers Harper-Collins, Dark Alley
154
Marcoux, Alex Jessie Mercer and Taylor Andrews (2001)
Book Back to Salem (2001)
Publisher Alice Street Editions
155
Marks, Tinker (Irene Powell and Mark Montgomery)  * Non-lesbian author Claire Sinclaire (2001)
Book Theoretically Dead (2001)
Publisher New Victoria
156
Miller, Carlene Tory Gordon (2001)
Book Death off Stage (2001)
Publisher New Victoria
157
Mills, Laurel Martha Felkins (2001)
Book Undercurrents (2001)
Publisher Rising Tide
158
Morris, Bonnie J. Ceci Blum (2001)  * Jewish sleuth
Book The Question of Sabotage (2001)
Publisher Bella
159
Moss, Merrilee Julie Bernard (2001)
Book Fedora Walks (2001)
Publisher Spinifex Press
160
Radclyffe Cameron Roberts and Blair Powell (2001)
Books Above All, Honor (2001)
Honor Bound (2002)
Love & Honor (2002)
Honor Guards (2004)
Honor Reclaimed (2005)
Publishers Bold Strokes, BookEnds Press
161
Ruskin, Sam Alex Stoner (2001)
Books Up the River (2001)
Paddle Without a Creek (2004)
Publisher Dare 2 Dream
162
Shacklady, Helen Kate Halton and Liz Sharpe (2001)
Books The Patterned Flute (2001)
The Stolen Crate (2002)
The Lacquered Box (2003)
Stoppage Time (2003)
The Vinland Sheep (2004)
Publishers Onlywomen Press, Gardners Books
163
Talaran Nicole Stone (2001)
Book Vendetta (2001)
Publisher Renaissance Alliance
164
Van Adler, T.C.  * Gender-unknown author Father Brocard Curtis and Zinka Pavlic (2001)  * Trans (MTF) sleuth  * Zinka
Books St. Agatha’s Breast (2001)
The Evil that Boys Do (2003)
Publisher Alyson

2002: 10 firsts  11 sequels  21 total
165
Baeli, Kelli Jae Jobeth O’Brien (2002)
Book Armchair Detective (2002)
Publisher Writers Club Press
166
Brandeis, Robin Lane Montgomery (2002)
Book She Scoops to Conquer (2002)
Publisher New Victoria
167
Crist, Linda Carson and Kennedy (2002)
Book The Bluest Eyes in Texas (2002)
Publisher Fortitude Press
168
Dartt, G.L. Kate Shannon and Nikki Harris (2002)
Book Unexpected Sparks (2002)
Publisher Justice House
169
Lake, Lori L. Desiree Reilly and JayLynn Savage (2002)
Books Gun Shy (2002)
Under the Gun (2002)
Have Gun, We’ll Travel (2005)
Publishers Regal Crest, Renaissance Alliance
170
Radclyffe Rebecca Frye and Catherine Rawlings (2002)
Books A Matter of Trust (2002)
Shield of Justice (2002)
In Pursuit of Justice (2003)
Justice in the Shadows (2004)
Justice Served (2005)
Publishers Renaissance Alliance, Bold Strokes
171
Sims, Elizabeth Lillian Byrd (2002)
Books Holy Hell (2002)
Damn Straight (2003)
Lucky Stiff (2004)
Easy Street (2005)
Publisher Alyson
172
Taverner, Jay (Jacky Bratton and Jane Traies) Scotty (2002)
Book Something Wicked (2002)
Publisher Onlywomen Press
173
Waters, Sarah Sue Trinder (2002)
Book Fingersmith (2002)
Publisher Riverhead
174
Brunk, Victoria Ace Montgomery (2002)
Books Secrets of the Soul (2002)
Mysterious Whispers (2003)
Blood is Thicker (2003)
Publisher Creative Works Publishing

2003: 2 firsts  22 sequels  24 total
175
Swearingen, Ida Kate Porter (2003)
Book Owl of the Desert (2003)
Publisher New Victoria
176
Winters, C.N. Lt. Denise VanCook (2003)
Book Irrefutable Evidence (2003)
Publisher Renaissance Alliance

2004: 16 firsts  19 sequels  35 total
177
Abbott, Cameron Ashleigh Moore (2004)
Book An Inexpressible State of Grace (2004)
Publisher Alice Street Editions
178
Ames, Lynn Katherine Kyle and Jamison Parker (2004)
Books The Price of Fame (2004)
Cost of Commitment (2004)
The Value of Valor (2005)
Publisher Intaglio
179
Casavant, Jessica Alex Ryan (2004)
Book Walking Wounded (2004)
Publisher Yellow Rose Books
180
Clevenger, Jaime Kelly Haldon (2004)
Books The Unknown Mile (2004)
Call Shotgun (2005)
Publisher Bella
181
Foster, Verda Rachel Todd (2004)
Book Gift, The (2004)
Publisher Intaglio
182
Katlyn Logan McGregor and Alex Montgomery (2004)
Books Code Blue (2004)
Storm Surge (2004)
Publisher Intaglio
183
Lieber, Julia Loy Lombard (2004)
Books There Came Two Angels (2004)
The Blue Scorpion (2005)
Publisher Alyson
184
McNab, Claire Kylie Kendall (2004)
Books The Wombat Strategy (2004)
The Kookaburra Gambit (2005)
The Quokka Question (2005)
Publisher Alyson
185
Rickard, Hannah Sue Hunter (2004)
Book Guarded Past (2004)
Publisher Bella
186
Seale, Anne Jo Jacuzzo (2004)
Books Packing Mrs. Phipps (2004)
Finding Ms. Wright (2005)
Publisher Alyson
187
Sudbery, Clare Silver (2004)
Book The Dying of Delight (2004)
Publisher Diva
188
Thomas, Jessica Alex Peres (2004)
Books Caught in the Net (2004)
Turning the Tables (2005)
Publisher Bella
189
Vermillion, Mary Mara Gilgannon (2004)
Books Death by Discount (2004)
Murder by Mascot (2006)
Publisher Alyson
190
Wallen, Jacqueline Claire Winston (2004)
Book Sudden Loss of Serenity (2004)
Publisher New Victoria
191
Webb, Cynthia Katherine McDonald (2004)
Book The Color of Emptiness (2004)
Publisher New Victoria
192
Wilbon, Mary “Slick” (2004)  * African-American sleuth
Book Naughty Little Secrets (2004)
Publisher Kensington

2005: 19 firsts  26 sequels  45 total
193
Adams, Nene Lady Evangeline St. Claire (2005)
Books Black by Gaslight (2005)
The Madonna of the Sorrows (2005)
The Witch’s Kiss (2006)
Publisher Cavalier Press
194
Alexander, Alex Abigail Duncan (2005)
Book With Every Breath (2005)
Publisher Intaglio
195
Baldwin, Kim Katarzyna Demetrious (2005)
Book Hunter’s Pursuit (2005)
Publisher Bold Strokes
196
Black, Ronica Erin McKenzie (2005)
Book In Too Deep (2005)
Publisher Bold Strokes
197
Cameron, Lindy Kit O’Malley (2005)
Book Blood Guilt (2005)
Publisher Bywater Books
198
Casavant, Jessica Jamie Saunders (2005)
Book Imperfect Past (2005)
Publisher Yellow Rose Books
199
DiLucchio, Jane Dee DelValle (2005)
Book Relationships Can be Murder (2005)
Publisher New Victoria
200
Fletcher, Jane Sgt. Chip Coppelli and Private Katryn Nagata (2005)  * SF mystery
Book Rangers at Roads End (2005)
Publisher Bold Strokes
201
Gaspar De Alba, Alicia Ivon Villa (2005)
Book Desert Blood:  The Juarez Murders (2005)
Publisher Arte Publico
202
Gold, Adrian Unknown (2005)
Book Memories to Die For (2005)
Publisher Bella
203
Hill, Gerri Tori Hunter and Samantha Kennedy (2005)
Book Hunter’s Way (2005)
Publisher Bella
204
Jamneck, Lynne Samantha Skellar (2005)
Book Down the Rabbit Hole (2005)
Publisher Bella
205
Jones, Frankie J. Andrea Kane (2005)
Book For Every Season (2005)
Publisher Bella
206
LaFontaine, Kimberly Angie Mitchell (2005)
Book Picking Up the Pace (2005)
Publisher Intaglio
207
Langdon, J.T.  * Male author Siobhan Donahue (2005)
Books For I Have Sinned (2005)
Quid Pro Quo (2005)
Publisher Sizzler (digital)
208
Radclyffe Reese Conlon (2005)  * Third in the Provincetown/Safe Harbor series but first suspense
Book Distant Shores, Silent Thunder (2005)
Publisher Bold Strokes
209
Shellito, Tracey Randall McGonnigal (2005)
Book Personal Protection (2005)
Publisher Crème de la Crime
210
Steck, Ursula Anna Spring (2005)
Book The Next World (2005)
Publisher Bella
211
Weathers, Brenda Libby Merchant (2005)
Book Murder on the Mother Road (2005)
Publisher New Victoria

2006: 1 first  3 sequels  4 total
212
Opyr, Joan Unknown (2006)
Book Idaho Code (2006)
Publisher Bywater Books

Totals for all years: 212 firsts  273 sequels  485 total.  Number of Authors:  191

Acknowledgments:  I would like to thank all the members of BluePlace, a discussion and idea list for LGBTI crime fiction, for allowing me to pick their brains, but Val McDermid, Lori L. Lake, Therese Szymanski, and Drewey Wayne Gunn deserve special mention.  Charlaine Harris and Jim Huang helped me locate statistics.  Audrey A. Thompson provided critical commentary and true friendship (not, thankfully, critical friendship).

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