The StoryBUZZ 100 Best Mystery Writers of All Time (2025 Edition)

We are proud to present the 2025 Edition of the definitive list of the best mystery writers of all time, along with a curated list of the best book to start reading each mystery writer. 

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.   

Our list takes into account peer recognition, authors highly regarded by their fellow mystery writers (measured by awards presented by mystery writer associations), reader preferences, the authors readers love to read (measured by book sales and awards presented by mystery reader super-fans), critics assessments, the authors that are held in high regard by those who have deeply immersed themselves in the mystery genre (represented by inclusion on multiple authoritative 'best mysteries' lists). We also made sure to include scoring elements to account for the classic writers who are recognized as pioneers in the mystery genre and its sub-genres. 

Of course, any scoring system can be improved, so we welcome feedback on how we can tweak the methodology to make sure that this remains the definitive list of the best mystery writers of all time. At the end of this article there is a link to a feedback form where you can provide your thoughts and suggestions. We appreciate the feedback!

Before we start ...

do you want the full list
with entries for each of the best mystery writers
all in one convenient document?
 
Check out this link to get the FREE download:
"The 100 Best Mystery Writers of All Time" 

Best Mystery Writers Scoring Methodology

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. 

• 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. Note: we recognize that this is the one somewhat subjective part of the methodology, and you may want to provide input on which authors should truly be considered 'classic writers' in the mystery genre and its sub-genres. If you have input on this, please provide feedback through the form linked at the end of this article.  
   
• 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"

Best Mystery Writers Award Tiers

After scoring, we categorize authors into four recognition levels: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. 

Just for fun, we will 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.

The Best Mystery Writers of All Time — The Definitive List (2025 Edition)

Here it is, the 2025 edition of the Best Mystery Writers of All Time. 

For each award, we present the top 3 in that award tier and a link to the full list of writers who received the award.

For each writer, you can click on their name for an article that provides:

• The elements making up the scoring for their rank on the list (peer recognition, reader preference, and critics assessments ... and whether they are considered a classic writer in the mystery genre)
• Main series characters and key standalone mystery novels
• Contributions to the mystery genre
• Why you may like to read their mysteries
• Our recommendation on a good place to start reading the writer's works (often the start of a series or a very popular and/or award-winning book)
• Similar mystery writers

If you're already familar with the writer and just interested in the recommended book to start with, you can click on the link to that book in the list.

Finally, if you get tired of clicking around to the different web pages for the award lists and author articles, and prefer to have the full list of the Best Mystery Writers of All Time, with the articles for each of the best mystery writers all in one convenient document, then check out this link to get the FREE download: "The 100 Best Mystery Writers of All Time", a 233-page reference that you can read on a computer, tablet, upload to your Kindle or other favorite e-book reader — even (gulp) print out a hardcopy if you prefer the texture of paper as you write your marginalia with a goose quill pen. 

PLATINUM REVOLVER AWARDS (Top 10 Best Mystery Writers of All Time)

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. 

The first three writers for this award tier is listed below (with links to the author page and the recommended book to start with), and here is a link to the full list of all 10 writers.

Click here for the full list of the Platinum Revolver Awards

GOLD CANDLESTICK AWARDS (The #11 - 25 Best Mystery Writers of All Time)

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. 

The first three writers for this award tier is listed below (with links to the author page and the recommended book to start with), and here is a link to the full list of all 15 writers.                                                          

Click here for the full list of the Gold Candlestick Awards

SILVER ROPE AWARDS (The #25 - 50 Best Mystery Writers of All Time)

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.

The first three writers for this award tier is listed below (with links to the author page and the recommended book to start with),and here is a link to the full list of all 25 writers                                                          

Click here for the full list of the Silver Rope Awards

BRONZE WRENCH AWARDS (The #51 - 100 Best Mystery Writers of All Time)

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.

The first three writers for this award tier is listed below (with links to the author page and the recommended book to start with),and here is a link to the full list of all 50 writers. 

Click here for the full list of the Bronze Wrench Awards

HONORABLE MENTIONS for The Best Mystery Writers of All Time

Honorable Mentions: A small number of mystery writers who barely missed the cutoff for the Top 100 Best Mystery Writers of All Time.

The first three writers for this award tier is listed below (with links to the author page and the recommended book to start with), and here is a link to the full list of all 8 writers. 

Click here for the full list of Honorable Mentions

Feedback: Your Ideas and Input

 We would like your feedback, so we can continuously refine and improve the process and formula. What do you think?  

Provide your feedback by clicking on this link and complete a simple 3-question form. 

Download The Full List of the 100 Best Mystery Writers of All Time

Do you want the full list of the Best Mystery Writers of All Time, with entries for each of the best mystery writers all in one convenient document? 

Check out this link to get the FREE download: "The 100 Best Mystery Writers of All Time".

It's a 233-page reference that you can read on a computer, tablet, upload to your Kindle or other favorite e-book reader, or even print a hardcopy if that's your preference.  

Before You Leave ... Are You a Writer? 

Do you want to join the ranks of the best mystery writers?

Do you want to write fiction faster, while practicing your craft and your writing process to consistently get better? 

Check out this link to the "Write Fiction Faster ... and better" course with 23 bite-sized video lessons, 4 worksheets, a guide, and a workbook.