Discover books similar to "An Unsuitable Job for a Woman"

An Unsuitable Job for a Woman cover

P.D. James

An Unsuitable Job for a Woman

3.83

Part of "Cordelia Gray" series

"An Un Unsuitable Job for a Woman" is a compelling crime novel by the renowned British author, P.D. James. This book, published in 1972, is the first in the Cordelia Gray series, introducing the character of Cordelia, one of the few professional female detectives in contemporary fiction at the time. The story begins with the suicide of a prominent Cambridge scientist, Gilbert Hayward. His business partner, Sir George, hires Cordelia, the young and inexperienced owner of a small detective agency, to write a report on the circumstances surrounding Hayward's death. However, as Cordelia delves deeper into the case, she begins to suspect foul play, leading her on a dangerous journey through the world of academia and high society. James's masterful storytelling and rich character development are on full display in "An Unsuitable Job for a Woman." Cordelia is a complex and engaging protagonist, struggling to establish herself in a male-dominated profession while also grappling with her own personal demons. The other characters are equally well-drawn, with James creating a vivid and intriguing world that keeps readers guessing until the very end. One of the most striking aspects of the novel is James's exploration of gender dynamics in the workplace. Cordelia faces skepticism and disrespect from many of the men she encounters, and her struggles to be taken seriously add an extra layer of tension to the narrative. At the same time, James avoids reducing Cordelia to a one-dimensional "feminist icon," instead portraying her as a fully realized character with her own strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. Overall, "An Unsuitable Job for a Woman" is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to fans of crime fiction and literary fiction alike. James's expert plotting, nuanced characters, and insightful social commentary make this a standout addition to any reader's bookshelf...

List of books similar to "An Unsuitable Job for a Woman":

The Daughter of Time cover

Josephine Tey

The Daughter of Time

Fans of 'An Unsuitable Job for a Woman' might also enjoy 'The Daughter of Time' by Josephine Tey. This novel follows detective Alan Grant as he becomes fascinated by the historical mystery of Richard III and the disappearance of the Princes in the Tower. Like 'An Unsuitable Job for a Woman', this book combines elements of detective fiction with a thoughtful exploration of character and motive.

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Gaudy Night cover

Dorothy L. Sayers

Gaudy Night

If you enjoyed the female-led detective story of 'An Unsuitable Job for a Woman', you might also like 'Gaudy Night' by Dorothy L. Sayers. This novel features Harriet Vane, a mystery writer and amateur sleuth, as she investigates a series of poison pen letters and other disturbing events at her alma mater, Oxford University. Like 'An Unsuitable Job for a Woman', this book features a strong, intelligent female protagonist and a complex, multi-layered plot.

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The Franchise Affair cover

Josephine Tey

The Franchise Affair

If you enjoyed the legal and investigative elements of 'An Unsuitable Job for a Woman', you might also like 'The Franchise Affair' by Josephine Tey. This novel follows lawyer Robert Blair as he defends a mother and daughter accused of kidnapping and assault. Like 'An Unsuitable Job for a Woman', this book combines elements of detective fiction with a thoughtful exploration of character and motive.

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The Moving Finger cover

Agatha Christie

The Moving Finger

If you enjoyed the small town setting and puzzling plot of 'An Unsuitable Job for a Woman', you might also like 'The Moving Finger' by Agatha Christie. This novel follows siblings Jerry and Joanna Burton as they investigate a series of poison pen letters and other mysterious events in the village of Lymstock. Like 'An Unsuitable Job for a Woman', this book features a complex, multi-layered plot and a sense of place that draws the reader in.

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A Certain Justice cover

P.D. James

A Certain Justice

If you enjoyed the legal and investigative elements of 'An Unsuitable Job for a Woman', you might also like 'A Certain Justice' by P.D. James. This novel follows lawyer Venetia Aldridge as she defends a man accused of murder, while also dealing with personal and professional challenges. Like 'An Unsuitable Job for a Woman', this book combines elements of detective fiction with a thoughtful exploration of character and motive.

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The Nine Tailors cover

Dorothy L. Sayers

The Nine Tailors

If you enjoyed the small town setting and sense of place in 'An Unsuitable Job for a Woman', you might also like 'The Nine Tailors' by Dorothy L. Sayers. This novel follows detective Lord Peter Wimsey as he investigates a series of mysterious events in the village of Fenchurch St. Paul. Like 'An Unsuitable Job for a Woman', this book features a strong sense of place and a complex, multi-layered plot.

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Towards Zero cover

Agatha Christie

Towards Zero

If you enjoyed the legal and investigative elements of 'An Unsuitable Job for a Woman', you might also like 'Towards Zero' by Agatha Christie. This novel follows detective Superintendent Battle as he investigates a murder at a country house. Like 'An Unsuitable Job for a Woman', this book combines elements of detective fiction with a thoughtful exploration of character and motive.

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Death Comes as the End cover

Agatha Christie

Death Comes as the End

If you enjoyed the historical setting and strong female characters of 'An Unsuitable Job for a Woman', you might also like 'Death Comes as the End' by Agatha Christie. This novel is set in ancient Egypt and follows a family as they deal with a series of mysterious deaths. Like 'An Unsuitable Job for a Woman', this book features complex, multi-dimensional characters and a puzzling, multi-layered plot.

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The Hollow cover

Agatha Christie

The Hollow

If you enjoyed the country house setting and puzzling plot of 'An Unsuitable Job for a Woman', you might also like 'The Hollow' by Agatha Christie. This novel follows detective Hercule Poirot as he investigates a murder at a weekend party in the countryside. Like 'An Unsuitable Job for a Woman', this book features a strong sense of place and a complex, multi-layered plot.

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