Crime Writers: A Research Guide

This invaluable resource provides information about and sources for researching 50 of the top crime genre writers, including websites and other online resources.

Crime Writers: A Research Guide is an easy-to-use launch pad for learning more about crime fiction authors, including those who write traditional mystery novels, suspense novels, and thrillers with crime elements. Emphasizing the best and most popular writers, the book covers approximately 50 contemporary authors, plus a few classics like Agatha Christie.

Each entry provides a brief quotation that gives some indication of writing style; a biographical sketch; lists of major works and awards; and research sources, including websites, biographies, criticism, and research guides. There are also read-alikes for selected authors. Of special note is the inclusion of websites and other online resources, such as blogs and social networking sites, which are often overlooked in author-reference sources. The book also provides an overview of the genre and subgenres, a timeline, and a comprehensive bibliography. An ideal resource for genre studies and literature classes, this guide will also be invaluable to readers’ advisors, book club leaders, students, and genre fans.

A timeline of major authors and events in the development of the crime fiction genre

Read-alike sections listing other authors whose works are similar in style or theme to those of ten major authors included in the book

Lists of major organizations and awards in the field of crime literature

A bibliography of online and print sources for biographical and critical information about crime genre authors