My Top 20 Mystery Authors: 2005

I started compiling and writing this list at the end of 2004. I didn't manage to finish it then, so I'm having a go now and giving it this year's number. Perhaps I can get through all twenty before the end of this year.
The list is written as though it is a compilation of lifetime favorites culled from all the mystery authors that I've read in the last 40 years or so, although I notice that the majority of them arrived on the list from my reading in just the past few years. Although it seems possible that those writing in the now richly varied and sophisticated genre have been getting that much better in recent years, it seems more likely to me that it may be a time-dependent function of my own tastes, and this it could easily change in future years. So, I fully expect to write a similar list every year, looking to see how my ideas and taste change. I'm well over 40 now, and don't deal well with absolutes any more.
These are mystery writers that I've enjoyed reading and who stand out (right now) in comparison to their colleagues, those whom I think are exceptional writers for one reason or another, so of course there's an element of personal taste involved. Also, I realize that the list would probably be different if I were making a list of exceptional books rather than exceptional authors. Perhaps another time.
I'm using "mystery" in the broad sense of "crime fiction", along the lines suggested by Otto Penzler (the series editor of the excellent "Best American Mysteries"): "mystery" or "crime fiction" is that in which a crime, or the threat of a crime, is essential to the plot. I enjoy, sooner or later, most of the sub-genres — when they're written well, of course. What that means — well, another time, again.
I thought at first that this would be my Top-Ten List, until I went through my own recommended reading list. There were more favorites than I had remembered. However, since this is my list and serves no purpose I can imagine beyond suggesting to some friends some authors that I believe worth reading, there are twenty this time around. Another time, another number perhaps.
I was going to list the names in what I thought was best best to least best order, but I gave that up rather quickly. I could if I had to, but I don't have to. They are all outstanding writers, which means that each voice is unique and valuable, so ranking the list wouldn't really serve any useful purpose. However, I did decide to put the list is in reverse alphabetical order with Ruth Rendell at the top, using her alternym of Barbara Vine. Like I said: it's my list.
Here I list the names; then, as I get around to it, I'll write a brief commentary about each one. I hope I get it done before it's time for next year's list.

Posted on May 22, 2005 at 17.26 by jns · Permalink
In: All, Crime Fiction

3 Responses

Subscribe to comments via RSS

  1. Written by Bearcastle Blog » Nancy Atherton (TTMA05)
    on Tuesday, 24 May 2005 at 23.48
    Permalink

    […] t so well as she does it. The official website: aunt-dimity.com. [This post is part of my Top Twenty Mystery Authors 2005 series.] No responses to 'N […]

  2. Written by Bearcastle Blog » Jo Bannister (TTMA05)
    on Wednesday, 25 May 2005 at 13.43
    Permalink

    […] . But difficult to find or not, her books are worth looking for. [This post is part of my Top Twenty Mystery Authors 2005 series.] No responses to 'J […]

  3. Written by Bearcastle Blog » Michael Innes (TTMA05)
    on Wednesday, 25 May 2005 at 18.05
    Permalink

    […] ite, and silly in precisely the form that I prefer my silliness. [This post is part of my Top Twenty Mystery Authors 2005 series.] No responses to 'Mi […]

Subscribe to comments via RSS

Leave a Reply

To thwart spam, comments by new people are held for moderation; give me a bit of time and your comment will show up.

I welcome comments -- even dissent -- but I will delete without notice irrelevant, rude, psychotic, or incomprehensible comments, particularly those that I deem homophobic, unless they are amusing. The same goes for commercial comments and trackbacks. Sorry, but it's my blog and my decisions are final.