Who Are the BEST Mystery Writers of All Time?

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The Definitive List of the Best Mystery Writers of All Time!

That's a bold statement — the definitive list!  Really?

Why is this the 'definitive list' of the best mystery writers of all time?

There are all sorts of lists of 'best mysteries/mystery writers', but most lists tend to be subjective, based on one person's — or a small group of people's — preferences. This list is different and is the 'definitive list' because it is compiled based on an objective scoring methodology that balances multiple dimensions.   

Want to know more about the way we determined the list and what you will get in the FREE download? Then read on.

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How Did We Rank the Best Mystery Writers of All Time?

Here is the scoring methodology. We assign point values as you'll see below, then weight the scores for each dimension, and add the weighted scores for an overall score, and based on the score, we ranked the writers 1 through 100 (plus honorable mentions). 

• Classic Writers - 2 points (unweighted) awarded to the handful of classic mystery authors who were pioneers in the genre and its sub-genres. This also in part makes up for the fact that these classic authors are typically not included in modern-day awards (other than as lifetime recognition in some cases) and so would artificially lose points in comparison with later writers. 
   
• Peer Recognition - Sum of Points Weighted at 40% - This dimension showcases authors highly regarded by their peers in the mystery genre. Accolades, author endorsements, and collaborative projects are often ways in which writers within the mystery genre manifest peer recognition. Celebrated authors frequently praise the works of their peers, providing recommendations that shed light on both seasoned veterans and rising stars. Such endorsements carry weight as they come from individuals who understand the intricacies of crafting a great mystery. But the most tangible way of peer recognition is through awards by associations of mystery writers, such as the Mystery Writers Association of America (MWA) in the US and the Crime Writer's Association (CWA) in the UK:
     
  • Mystery Writer's Association (MWA) Edgar for Best Novel - 1 point for each
  • MWA Grand Master (lifetime achievement as a mystery author) - 2 points
  • Crime Writer's Association (CWA) Gold Dagger (the best novel of the year) - 1 point for each
  • CWA Diamond Dagger (lifetime achievement as a mystery author) - 2 points
    
    
• Reader Preference - Sum of Points Weighted at 35% - The next dimension is the reading audience's reception, gauged through book sales and reader awards. Best-selling status is an important indicator, revealing which authors have captured the imagination of a vast readership. Reader awards (such as the Anthony award voted on by attendees of the Bouchercon mystery convention) captures the recognition of super-fans, readers who are deeply committed to the genre. This collective preference creates a democratic measure of an author's appeal to readers:
  
  
  • Anthony Award "Best Hardcover" (voted on by the attendees of the Bouchercon mystery convention) - 1 point for each
  • Book sales - 1 point for every 2 million copies sold (of their top selling book) with a max of 4 points
    
    
• Critics Assessments - Sum of Points Weighted at 25%  - Critics provide deep knowledge of literature in general and the mystery genre in particular, often highlighting narrative techniques, thematic depth, and innovation within the genre. Well-respected publications and platforms typically feature their assessments, which lend authority to their recommendations. By considering these critical evaluations, we can identify authors who possess a timeless quality. One tangible proxy for critics assessments is to consider multiple "best of" lists published by authoritative sources like major magazines and mystery associations:
  
  
  • 3 points for each entry in the Top 10,  2 points for each entry in the Top 11-25, and 1 point for each entry in the Top 26-100 of these ranked lists:
    • MWA's "The Top 100 Mystery Novels of All Time"
    • CWA's "The Top 100 Crime Novels of All Time"
  • 1 point for each entry in this un-ranked list:
    • Time Magazine's "The 100 Best Mystery and Thriller Books of All Time"

The Award Tiers

Just for fun, we use some of the Clue mystery board game murder weapons in the awards:

• • Platinum Revolver Award: (Top 10 Best Mystery Writers of All Time) - This category is reserved for mystery writers whose works have profoundly shaped the genre, receiving top scores across the three dimensions of peer recognition, reader preference, and critic assessments, and many also recognized as classic writers in the mystery genre. These authors are not just celebrated figures but are also considered foundational pillars of the mystery genre and its key sub-genres. 
    
    
  • Gold Candlestick Award: (The #11 - 25 Best Mystery Writers of All Time) - Writers in this group have achieved outstanding acclaim and influence, consistently delivering high-quality storytelling that resonates deeply across readers, peers, and critics alike. 
     
  • Silver Rope Award: (The #26 - 50 Best Mystery Writers of All Time) - These writers demonstrate significant contribution and respect within the genre, earning commendable scores in the dimensions of peer recognition, reader preferences, and/or critics assessments.
    
    
  • Bronze Wrench Award: (The #51 - 100 Best Mystery Writers of All Time) - Writers who have made notable contributions and/or possess a loyal reader base.
     
    
  • Honorable Mentions: A small number of mystery writers who barely missed the cutoff for the Top 100 Best Mystery Writers of All Time.

Discover the BEST Mystery Writers  

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