Why do women read crime fiction?

[wordfactory]

I've been thinking about this a lot.
Women read far more than men full stop. And the two genres that sell the most are romance and crime.
Now romance I kinda get (tho that's a different discussion) but crime?

I'm a crime writer myself and the majority of my readership is female, which always makes me wonder why.

Does anyone have any ideas/theories? Is there any research out there?

I've never really considered my self a crime fiction fan ....... until recently. It started with the Stig Larsson trilogy - now nothing but crime will do. I've tried to read non crime books, but I find it very hard to stay interested.

I like a clever plot, the mystery, the chase, in some cases the thundering pulse (thinking recentl of Joe Nesbo books).

Strangely when PG with DD2, all I wanted to watch on TV was CSI programmes. Before and after this pregnancy I have very little interest in them. Whilst PG with DD1 I couldn't even look at a band aid or paper cut.

These days I just want to read - crime mainly :)

Those of you talking about "Strong Female Characters" might find this interesting.

Brilliant link Trills!

I love crime fiction in fact I love reading and will read anything that draws me in one of favourite authors is Martina cole I think I like her books because they keep you captivated in the lives of her characters I also like them because the are so completely different from my own lifestyle and yet In Some aspect there not that different they are very family based