Paula writes mysteries set in the Edwardian and late Victorian era (plus one series set in the 2nd Century) which feature women who find themselves solving mysteries, battling crime and fighting criminals or traitors. Paula's talk is one of two which addresses the question: 'Why write about female sleuths in an era when women couldn't and didn't do anything?'
The truth is that, regardless of societal expectations and restrictions, women not only did things, but they did great things. Often they tackled things which men wouldn't and took great personal risk to change the world for the better.
The deeper Paula goes into the research rabbit hole, the more extraordinary women she finds whose achievements have been forgotten or overlooked, and sometimes assigned to men.
Come and meet some of the ordinary women, including vicar's daughters, pawnbroker's daughters and nurses, who were not afraid to stand up to anyone who said 'you shouldn't and you can't'; those who fought for not only their own rights and safety but for the rights and safety of others, faced opposition with intelligence and often humour, and who sometimes solved crime too.
Free tea/coffee and biscuits will be provided. Speak to a member of the Bath Central Library team for more information.
