The Dog Collar Murders

In this clever and illuminating third installment in a series, Wilson manipulates the detective/mystery genre to explore issues at the heart of feminist debate over sexuality, pornography and violence against women. To Pam Nilsen, investigating crimes is merely a hobby--one she puts to good use when Loie Marsh, an anti-porn celebrity, is murdered during a sexuality/pornography conference. Pam's inside knowledge of the feminist community allows her access to information the police don't have, and enables her to question the suspects: Kimiko Lewis, who makes erotic lesbian videos that she claims are non-exploitive; Sonya Gustafson, from Christians Against Pornography; Nicky Kay, a sadomasochist whose dog collar was the murder weapon; Loie's embittered ex-lover; et al. Although Pam lacks a seasoned detective's finesse, her slipshod sleuthing is winsome, as are her attempts to come to terms with her lesbian lover and with her own feelings about the thorny issues surrounding pornography and censorship. (Apr.)