Mothers, daughters and midlife (self)-discoveries: Gender and aging in the Amanda Cross' Kate Fansler series

► Gender and aging constitute an interesting field for research within gender studies. ► Our culture lacks models of female achievement with which women can identify. ► Heilbrun's mystery novels informed her feminist principles. ► Heilbrun urges readers to consider issues concerning stereotypes about motherhood. ► Female characters find their way toward a more genuine self.