- Title: No Business for a Lady
- Author: James L. Rubel
- Publisher: Fawcett Publications, Inc., New York
- Publication Year: 1950
- Binding: Soft cover
- Print: 1st Edition
- Version: U.S.
Meet Miss Donovan, the only private eye who wears mascara. She’s easily the most beautiful shamus living. Most detectives have angles, but here’s one who has curves. She never asks any special favors from men—except that they be on the tall side, with muscles and a loving nature.
- Title: No Business for a Lady
- Author: James L. Rubel
- Publisher: Fawcett Publications, Inc., New York
- Publication Year: 1958
- Binding: Soft cover – Blue Lettering
- Print: 2nd Edition
- Version: U.S.
- Title: No Business for a Lady
- Author: James L. Rubel
- Publisher: Fawcett Publications, Inc., New York
- Publication Year: 1965-66
- Binding: Soft cover – Red Lettering
- Print: 3rd Edition
- Version: U.S.
No Business for a Lady was James L. Rubel’s first published mystery novel. A change from Western stories, Mr. Rubel had wanted to break into the popular murder/mystery market for several years before this book was published. It was seminal in the publishing industry as the first detective story written featuring a woman detective speaking in the 1st person. Considered by many to be ahead of it’s time, the book was published first in 1950 and then again, 8 years later, in 1958. Many think the novel would have done better at another publishing company that was willing to put some money into marketing it, but considering the times, that never happened.
In letters of correspondence with his literary agent, Mr. Rubel indicates that the story actually takes place in Newport Beach, California, but that he changed the name of the town to Oldport.
Additionally, several follow up stories were written for the Eli Donovan character that never made it to publication.
There was also some correspondence regarding use of the character in a TV show and/or movie production.