“Slip into your nicest lightweight summer sleuthing outfit and find that poodlenapper”: Queering 1950s style in Mabel Maney’s lesbian mystery novels, starring Cherry Aimless, Nancy Clue, and the Hardly Boys.
Abstract
An analysis of Mabel Maney’s 1990s trio of campy, lesbian mystery novels parodying the heroes and heroines of three mid-twentieth century youth fiction series: Nancy Drew, Nurse Cherry Ames, and the Hardy Boys. Transformed into lesbian and gay characters Nancy Clue, Nurse Cherry Aimless, and the Hardly Boys, these young adult characters are impeccably-dressed LGBTQ+ heroes who solved mysteries and fought crime with all the skill, plucky know-how, and youthful enthusiasm of the characters they parodied. With fresh handkerchiefs always at the ready, and well-stocked handbags and rucksacks, Nancy Clue, Cherry Aimless, and the Hardly Boys solved mysteries and foiled villains, while simultaneously subverting and reifying 1950s gender stereotypes.
How to Cite:
Michel, G. M., (2018) ““Slip into your nicest lightweight summer sleuthing outfit and find that poodlenapper”: Queering 1950s style in Mabel Maney’s lesbian mystery novels, starring Cherry Aimless, Nancy Clue, and the Hardly Boys.”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 75(1).
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