Scoppettone, Sandra

(US, 1936– )

Sandra Scoppettone is the author of the crime series featuring lesbian private eye Lauren Laurano, an immensely likeable character whose life with her psychotherapist lover Kip concerns the reader as much as does her investigative work. Scoppettone writes fluently with witty dialogue and touching humour and creates an affectionate portrayal of life in the Greenwich Village area of New York. Friends Jenny and Jill and cop Peter Cecchi reappear in the books. In I'll be Leaving You Always (1994) Lauren's oldest friend Megan is found brutally murdered behind the counter of her jewellery store and as Lauren investigates she finds out how little she really knew about Megan. Let's Face the Music and Die (1997) has Lauren's friend Elissa as chief suspect for her aunt's murder and the relationship between Lauren and Kip in deep trouble. Sandra Scoppettone also uses the pseudonym Jack Early for mysteries she has written.

Sara Paretsky, Val McDermid  CS