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 myster...
The StoryBUZZ Platinum Revolver Award (2025) recognizes the Top 10 mystery writers of all time — writers whose works have profoundly shaped the genre and considered foundational pillars of mystery literature.
For each writer, you can click on their name for an article that provides:
- The elements...
The StoryBUZZ Gold Candlestick Award (2025) recognizes the mystery writers who are ranked 11th through 25th best of all time — writers who have achieved outstanding acclaim and influence, delivering high-quality mysteries that resonate deeply across readers, peers, and critics.
For each writer, yo...
The StoryBUZZ Silver Rope Award (2025) recognizes the mystery writers who are ranked 26th through 50th best 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 criti...
The StoryBUZZ Bronze Wrench Award (2025) recognizes the mystery writers who are ranked 51st through 100th best of all time — writers who have made notable contributions and/or possess a loyal reader base.
For each writer, you can click on their name for an article that provides:
- The elements mak...
The StoryBUZZ Best Mystery Writers of All Time Honorable Mentions (2025) recognizes a small number of mystery writers who barely missed the cutoff of the Top 100.
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 l...
James M. Cain was a master of the hard-boiled mystery genre, known for his concise and razor-sharp prose that pulls readers into gritty, morally complex tales of passion, betrayal, and crime. His work often explores the darker sides of human nature, creating stories filled with raw emotion and devas...
Josephine Tey is one of the most distinguished authors of classic detective fiction, known for her imaginative storytelling and ability to weave mystery with psychological depth. Writing during the Golden Age of Detective Fiction, Tey shunned formulaic plots, instead creating unique narratives that ...
Widely regarded as a founding father of detective fiction, Edgar Allan Poe's work is a blend of eerie atmosphere, intellectual puzzles, and compelling narratives. His tales often explore themes of mortality, madness, and the macabre, leaving readers both captivated and unsettled.
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Sara Paretsky is a trailblazing figure in the mystery genre, known for her sharp wit, social commentary, and complex storytelling. Her works often explore themes of justice and morality, while immersing readers in intricately crafted plots. Paretsky is best known for creating one of the first truly ...
Ian Rankin is known for his dark, atmospheric mysteries set in Scotland, particularly in the streets of Edinburgh. His works are timeless explorations of society, human nature, and morality, combining complex characters with intricate plots steeped in realism.
Main Series Characters
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Lawrence Block is a prolific and celebrated mystery writer whose works span decades and capture a variety of moods, settings, and intricately plotted tales. Known for his versatile characters and gripping narratives, Block has made a significant impact on the mystery and crime fiction landscape. Whe...
