Sara Paretsky

Sara Paretsky

Sara Paretsky is an American author best known for her detective fiction series featuring the character V.I. Warshawski, a tough and independent female private investigator based in Chicago. Paretsky’s novels are renowned for their strong feminist themes and socially conscious storytelling.

She is widely credited with opening the doors to other women writers in the crime fiction genre and continues to be an inspiration to many writers. In 1986, Paretsky also established Sisters in Crime, a worldwide organisation to advocate for women crime writers. Val McDermid has said of Paretsky, “She made me understand there was a different way to write crime fiction. Her protagonist had a brain, a sense of humour, agency.” (The Guardian) Paretsky acknowledges that was her plan, revealing that she wanted to “create a detective who really turned the tables on that image of women, to know that you could have a sex life and not be a bad person. You could have a sex life and still solve your own problems.”

Paretsky is passionate for social justice just like her fictional detective and doesn’t just write about it. She has worked tirelessly as a volunteer for many causes. She was a community organiser on Chicago’s South Side during the race riots of 1966. She advocates for healthcare for the homeless and mentally ill and works for reproductive rights. Her Sara & Two C-Dogs Foundation is dedicated to supporting women and girls through grants and a wide range of community outreach programs. Other traits Paretsky shares with her legendary creation is a love of espresso and Italian red wine. She also has a Golden Retriever.
Paretesky’s memoir Writing in an Age of Silence chronicles her journey from Kansas farm-girl to New York Times bestselling author. Paretsky has also written standalone novels (Ghost County, Bleeding Kansas), and numerous short stories.

Paretsky has received many awards throughout her career including the British Crime Writers Cartier Diamond Dagger for lifetime achievement, and received the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters from a number of universities.

Recommendations For Sara Paretsky

Recommended by Penelope Harris

I just finished re-reading Sara Paretsky’s Overboard and enjoyed her pictures of various neighborhoo

Recommended by Abby Clark

I love the V.I. Warshaski books by Sara Paretsky. Hard boiled female detective who is super tough. G

Share Your Recommendations

Books By Sara Paretsky

Windy City Blues: V. I. Warshawski Stories

Death on the Edge: A V.I. Warshawski Short Story

Bitter Medicine: A V.I. Warshawski Novel

Tips and Resources From Your Sara Paretsky Book Club Friends:

Fiercely protective and socially conscious, V.I. Warshawski is a Chicago detective dedicated to pursuing truth and justice for her clients. Her tenacity and fearlessness often lands her in dangerous situations and confronting powerful adversaries. All the better for the suspense and thrills that Sara Paretsky expertly weaves into her stories. Contemporary social issues are also often layered into the crimes V.I. is trying to solve. With twenty-two books in the series (thus far), there are many wonderful, engaging mysteries for readers to enjoy.

the order of the Books and all Related Books Available

All Sara Paretsky’s Book Series in Order of Publication

Find the right order of the books in the series.

VI Warshawski Books In Order

Recommendations From Sara’s Fans

Sue Grafton

Recommended by Gloria Carter

Sue Grafton is one of my all time favourite mystery writers. I never get bored of going back to visi

Tara Westover

Recommended by ETaylor

Educated by Tara Westover was an amazing story of resilience and strength but is also heartbreaking

Gail Bowen

Recommended by Ava Davis

I very much enjoy Gail Bowen, the Joanne Kilbourn series, set in Saskatchewan but not overly Canadia

Peter Robinson

Recommended by Inga Todd

I just finished Standing in the Shadows by Peter Robinson and it’s bittersweet

Share Your Recommendations

Recommended Books From Sara Paretsky Fans

Christmas in Absaroka County: Walt Longmire Christmas Stories

The Three Monarchs: A Sherlock Holmes Short Story

In the Electric Mist with Confederate Dead

Friend of the Devil: An Inspector Banks Novel

Cold Is the Grave: An Inspector Banks Novel

The Garden of Eden and Other Criminal Delights

Agatha's First Case: An Agatha Raisin Mystery

The Gift: A Christmas Thriller Novelette

Rhymes With Prey: Lincoln Rhyme vs. Lucas Davenport

On Her Majesty's Frightfully Secret Service

The Case Has Altered: A Richard Jury Mystery

Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers

Heartbreak Hotel: An Alex Delaware Novel

Murder in Vegas: New Crime Tales of Gambling and Desperation

The Curious Case of the Copper Corpse: A Flavia de Luce Story

This Is Why We Lied: A Will Trent Thriller

Blood on the Water: A William Monk Novel

Corridors of the Night: A William Monk Novel

A Plague of Zombies: An Outlander Novella

The Imposter: A Mike Bowditch Short Mystery

The Camera Man: A DC Smith Investigation

Summer Rain: An Inspector Banks Short Story

Christmas Crumble: An Agatha Raisin Short Story

The Usual Santas: A Collection of Soho Crime Christmas Capers

“Nothing kinder than strangers. Nothing stranger than kindness.”

Sara Paretsky, Total Recall: A V. I. Warshawski Novel

Bianca Rossi

“V.I. Warshawski. Yes, she’s an icon of the fictional female PI genre. And yes, she’s still tackling crimes 40 plus years since she first appeared on the printed page! But I still look forward to every new book because Sara Paretsky continues to write mysteries that are filled with lots of action while shining a light on the societal ills such as poverty, women’s rights, corporate corruption, issues that seem even more relevant now than when she first began writing! And V.I. is still steadfastly tackling crimes with her characteristic “grit” and humor, and with her trusty dogs by her side!”

How can I share my favourite quotes?

See More From Book Club Friends

Sign up and log in to post, comment and join the conversation.