First published 2011
Haynes assembles profiles of approximately 50 contemporary crime writers alongside classic authors like Agatha Christie. The guide spans traditional mystery novelists, suspense writers, and thriller authors who incorporate criminal elements. Each writer receives a biographical sketch, sample quotation showcasing their style, lists of major works and awards, and research resources including websites, biographies, and critical studies. The book highlights popular and acclaimed authors while providing read-alike suggestions for selected writers. Haynes includes often-overlooked digital resources such as author blogs and social networking sites. The guide opens with an overview of crime fiction and its subgenres, features a timeline of the genre's development, and concludes with a comprehensive bibliography. Students taking genre studies or literature courses will find targeted research starting points, while readers' advisors and book club leaders gain tools for recommending authors and understanding the crime fiction landscape.
Genres: reference, mystery, crime, non-fiction
Vibes: informative, thought-provoking
Tropes: reference-guide
Period: 20th-Century, 21st-Century
240 pages · Paperback · Libraries Unlimited