Another favorite series with a strong female character is Victoria Thompson's  Gaslight Murders featuring Sarah Brandt, midwife and amateur detective assisted by New York police detective Frank Malloy. Sarah, born into a wealthy family, defied her parents by marrying Dr. Tom Brandt.  Dr. Brandt is killed one night returning from a late night call and rather than return to her parents' home Sarah continues her midwifery practice in New York's tenements. She is a strong, independent character, at times challenging and baffling Detective Frank Malloy.