In California’s Deadly Women, author Michael Barry looks at the history of forty-six female Californian killers and the motives that drove them. Each entry gives background information, an account of the crime, and its aftermath. The case studies are grouped together by chapters devoted to different historic eras. There is an Afterword that delves into more psychology behind female offenders, both of the past and present day, and how things have changed.

Murder and Mayhem of the Victorian Age covers 1850-1899.
Dastardly Deeds in the Early Decades of the Twentieth Century covers 1900-1919.
Notorious Crimes of the Roaring Twenties covers 1920-1929.
Infamous Criminalities of the Great Depression covers 1930-1939.
Sensational Murders of the War Years and Beyond covers 1940-1950.

As we go through these case studies, we can see how thoughts in areas such as medicine and criminology. So many of the earlier cases have conclusions that are utterly ridiculous by today’s standards. Like the several cases that where the females were found not guilty due to insanity caused by irregular menstruation. What nonsense we once believed.

I found this work to be well-written. It certainly gave me much to ponder over, like how changing times, technology, and evolving sociology influence even the how and why of crime, criminal motivations, and culpability. This is a perfect addition to any true crime lover’s or California history buff's library.

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Schiffer Publishing for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. ( )