Did you guys see The Telegraph’s article of the 50 Crime Writers to Read Before You Die? I love these lists. I usually can only cross off a handful but I like the lists because I can keep adding more writers to my TBR list.
This one is no exception either as of the 50 writers they mention I have only read nine and here I am thinking I’m such a mystery fan. The list seems to be a good mix of classics and modern. You’ll see Edgar Allan Poe and Wilkie Collins along with Ruth Rendell and Denise Mina.
There are some writers I’ve always wanted to read; such as, Walter Mosely and G.K. Chesterton. And, then there are some writers I’ve never heard of, Ronald Knox and Kyril Bonfiglioli for example.
Of course I started thinking of which characters or books they missed. If I were to add some must read detectives on the list I’m sure I’d add Maisie Dobbs, Det. Inspector John Rebus, and Inspector Richard Jury to name a few. Who would you add to the list?
Well this has definitely got me in a mystery mood so I’m off to reconnect with another character I enjoy, Detective William Murdoch from Maureen Jenning’s historical mystery series set in Canada. I just picked up Poor Tom Is Cold which is the third book in the series.
Great link, Iliana. Of the list, I only knew 10 authors and regrettably to say, I’ve not even read some of their books!! The list is sure useful to me as it’ll help me to identify the authors and identify the various mysteries they’re writing. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
That’s a fantastic link! I love mysteries and will be printing the list out and referring to it (I’ve got a birthday coming up….!). Great find, iliana!
I have some reading to do!
I have a love-hate relationship with these lists. I am drawn to them and yet they add to my frustrations with all the books that I want to read. I think I must have readers ADD!
I’ve read only 14 of the authors, but not necessarily the book they list. I would have added Elizabeth George.
Great list. Like Danielle, I’ve read 14 of the authors on the list and am surprised that Elizabeth George isn’t there…and if I thought about it I bet I’d add quite a few more.
There were so many on there that I’m totally familiar with their names, but have never been drawn to their books (i.e. McBain & Spillane), several that I’ve intended to read (Chesterton, Hammett, Chandler, and Black), a couple that I’ve tried and didn’t like, and quite a few new names!
Melody – Have fun finding some new authors to try out! That’s why I like these lists too 🙂
Litlove – Ah, perfect timing then! hee,hee.
Chrisbookarama – I know what you mean 🙂
Lisa – Me too! I sometimes think I need to just chuck my TBR list so that I won’t see it keeping growing and growing!
Danielle – After finishing the first Elizabeth George book I definitely agree with you. That was great.
jenclair – Yep, the ones I’ve read I haven’t necessarily read the books they mentioned. I did find one author on the list who I’ve read but didn’t like at all. I’m not drawn to many of the noir books but maybe I should give them a chance and see what they are all about!
I’ve bookmarked this so I can go back to it, but I do think that any list like this that omits Rankin has to be suspect to some degree.
Ann Darnton – Seriously, what were they thinking leaving off Rankin! 🙂
Thanks for the link, Iliana! There is a good mixture of authors there, both modern and classic. I counted 8 that I have read at least one book by. And like you, there are several I would like to read.