Gender and Criminal Capability

Vance argues that women are psychologically incapable of committing the cold, calculated murder in the book, dismissing the possibility of a female perpetrator based on gendered assumptions about emotion, method, and physical behavior.

The discovery of a woman's handbag and gloves near the body raises questions about a female perpetrator, challenging assumptions about women's capacity for violent crime.

Vance asserts that no woman could have committed the murder, challenging Markham's evidence against Muriel St. Clair.

Muriel St. Clair's behavior challenges expectations of female suspects; she uses charm and indifference to deflect interrogation.

Vance argues that a woman could not have committed the murder due to emotional nature, lack of pockets, and the specific circumstances of the crime.