03-23-2008, 02:32 PM
Georgette Heyer is among my favorite authors for all genres, not just Gothics. She wrote mysteries as well as Regency romances. Because she wrote both, you will find elements of each in the other. Consequently, some of these books can easily fall under the Gothic category. I say some, because not all the mysteries or romances have enough of the mystery and suspense you would typically find in a traditional Gothic. Furthermore, she creates some quirky characters that give her books some wit and humor, sometimes distracting from Gothic. Of the ones I've read, I would classify "Why Shoot a Butler?" as a Gothic in the same way I would consider Mary Stewart's novels. For those who like a good mystery with a little bit of romance and some humor, I'd recommend Ms. Heyer.