Lindsey Davis

Walking & talking today, I realised why I enjoy her historical novels so much, apart from the intelligence with which they are written.

Chaps writing for chaps tend to concentrate upon action and storyline to the exclusion of nearly everything else, including plausibility. Characterisation and details of dress and mannerisms are too frequently lost.

Women writing for women are often too involved in personality to create strong storylines. (Although, it may be that as I'm a man, I just don't enjoy that type of novel)

Davis seems to blend characterisation with action, describing the evolution of relationships as clearly as the unfolding of her plots. Is it relevant that she is lesbian? Does her sexual orientation give her an unusual ability to write adventure stories effectively for both sexes?