Sue Grafton made an indelible mark on the mystery genre with her celebrated Kinsey Millhone Alphabet series, which captivated readers with its sharp wit, engrossing plots, and a memorable protagonist. Kinsey Millhone's strong, compelling narrative voice as a female PI has made a mark on the Private ...

Jeffery Deaver is a master of crafting intricate and pulse-pounding plots that keep readers guessing. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and relentless pacing, Deaver’s mysteries often feature unexpected twists and clever narrative turns. His works explore the interplay of technology, huma...

Ken Follett is a master storyteller renowned for his intricate plotting and ability to build suspense, captivating readers with every turn of the page. While he is widely celebrated for historical fiction, his contributions to the mystery and thriller genre are equally compelling. Follett's works of...

Ann Cleeves is a highly regarded mystery writer, celebrated for her atmospheric storytelling and vivid character development. Her works often take readers to remote and evocative settings, where tightly woven plots unravel amidst intertwined secrets and emotions. Her mysteries are as much about huma...

Walter Mosley is a prolific and acclaimed mystery writer whose works span a range of themes, from race and social justice to love and morality. Known for his sharp prose and unforgettable characters, Mosley crafts stories that blend gripping mystery with profound cultural and social commentary.

Stanley Ellin was a masterful mystery writer whose works are renowned for their clever twists, intricate plots, and deep psychological insights. Ellin’s stories often center around ordinary individuals thrust into extraordinary and chilling situations, leaving readers captivated by his precise story...

Donna Tartt is a celebrated author known for her literary prowess and immersive storytelling, often intertwined with elements of mystery and psychological tension. Her works are characterized by dense, atmospheric narratives and a deep exploration of human motives, making her novels as thought-provo...

Rex Stout was a master storyteller in the realm of mystery fiction, known for his wit, clever plots, and unforgettable characters. His works offer a seamless blend of sharp dialogue and intricate mystery-solving that has captivated readers for decades. Stout’s contribution to the genre lies in his c...

Stuart M. Kaminsky was a prolific and versatile mystery writer whose works spanned multiple decades and styles. Known for his ability to create richly atmospheric settings and deeply engaging characters, Kaminsky built an enduring legacy within the mystery genre. His stories often combined meticulou...

Marcia Muller is widely celebrated as a trailblazer in modern mystery fiction, often credited with shaping the contemporary private investigator genre, introducing the first modern female investigator. Her stories are intricately plotted, brimming with suspense, and brought to life by vividly drawn ...

James Ellroy is known for his dark, labyrinthine plots and distinctive, staccato prose style. Called the "demon dog of American crime fiction," Ellroy explores the underbelly of society, revealing its corruption, violence, and moral complexity. His work often focuses on the intersection of crime, po...

Attica Locke is known for her evocative storytelling, complex characters, and sharp examination of societal issues. Her works weave together themes of race, justice, and family, all while delivering edge-of-your-seat suspense. 

Main Series Characters

• Darren Mathews (Highway 59 Series) –...