Gumshoes With Children (Maternal Division)
In a genre where so many protagonists are apparently incapable of reproduction, despite active (or even hyper-active) sex lives, it’s kinda refreshing to see private eyes who are not only capable of reproduction, but also of parenting. Granted, I can’t imagine Marlowe pushing a pram, or Millhone running out to Rite-Aid to pick up some Pampers, but some writers have had their P.I.s make the big leap. Here are some real muthas for you…
- Sally Sullivan (Mom P.I.) by Chris Haddock
Recently widowed, a waitress with two young kids to raise talks her way into a part-time gig assisting a perenially cranky and slightly dodgy P.I., played by Stuart Margolin, in this delightful family-oriented sitcom from the CBC. - Ms. Tree by Max Allan Collins & Terry Beatty
How tough is Ms. Tree as a mom? How about a gun battle while nursing? Imagine Mike Hammer with ovaries. - Tess Monaghan by Laura Lippman
The most realistic of the Mom P.I.s, Baltimore’s Lippmann manages the neat trick of making us care about Tess’ family stuff almost as much as her detective stuff, even slipping in a Rear Window-type case when Tess is confined to her bed during her pregnancy. By 2025’s Murder Takes a Vacation, she’s acquired two daughters and three dogs, all rambunctious. - Kate Connolly by Diana Orgain
It took her a while, but in her fourth novel, the author finally made this new mom and amateur sleuth an officially licensed private eye, mostly she can stay at home with her precious baby daughter. Huh? - Sal Kilkenny by Cath Staincliffe
Feisty Manchester P.I. Sal is raising toddler Maddie with a little help from Ray, who has a young boy of his own. - Kelly Pruett by Mary Keliikoa
A single mom in Portland trying to raise her deaf daughter, while taking over the family detective agency.
FURTHER INVESTIGATION
- Dad P.I.s & Other Family Values
Gumshoes, with Children (Paternal Division)
Preliminary list respectfully compiled by Kevin Burton Smith. Happy Mother’s Day.
