Evanovich is one of few exceptions.

For the most part, I cannot enjoy a mystery novel written by a woman.

Yeah.

How's that for an opener?

Okay, I'll rephrase:

There aren't many women who can write a good mystery/detective/hardboiled novel in the vein of Elmore Leonard, Robert Crais or Michael Connelly.

Patricia Cornwell used to be really good, but she lost her touch. It was right about the time when she started worrying more about one character's lesbianism and another character's love life instead of concentrating on the story. I want to read a mystery, not a fricking soap opera.

So I gave up on her.

I've tried a couple other female authors, and it always seems to be the same problem: they can't write a man. Either that, or they put crappy ass relationship side-stories in the mix that I don't care about. Men don't care about the caressing in the middle of murder mystery.

But, as with anything, there are exceptions and Janet Evanovich is one of them.

I've read her Stephanie Plum series up to Hard Eight and, let me tell you something, every damn one was good. Because Evanovich doesn't fuck around with lovey dovey shit. Yes, there are romances, but they are so screwed up they always turn out amusing and never bore me. Her character is goofy and funny and Evanovich's writing is witty and razor sharp.

Now, by all means, I'm not saying women can't write a mystery novel. Lord no. But not the type I enjoy.

And, hell, I'm very open to suggestions if you got someone I should read to prove me wrong. Please do. I'm always looking for new authors.