10 Most Popular Mystery Writers in History

Welcome, fellow sleuths and aficionados of the mysterious, as we delve into the realm of the written word, unearthing the literary geniuses who have captivated our imaginations with their bestseller novels. These masters of mystery have expertly woven tales of suspense, intrigue, and surprise, leaving us on the edge of our seats, unable to resist the urge to turn the page. From the legendary Agatha Christie to other trailblazing authors, we’ll be unveiling the 10 most popular mystery writers in history. So, put on your detective hat and join us as we unravel the enigma of these literary virtuosos, immersing ourselves in the world of whodunits and spine-chilling suspense.

10 – John le Carré

John le Carré is a British author, best known for his spy stories. He actually started out with a career working for the British intelligence agencies MI5 and MI6, which gave him plenty of experience to draw upon in his books! It was only some years later that he became a professional writer; since then, he has published well over 20 novels. Some of his most famous works include The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, The Constant Gardener and Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.

09 – Ruth Rendell

By Tim Duncan (Own work) [CC-BY-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Ruth Rendell is the very talented lady behind Chief Inspector Wexford. This very popular character appears in over 20 novels; this author has also penned an even greater number of unrelated novels. She is well known for her psychological thrillers and murder mysteries, which also appear under the pen name Barbara Vine.

08 – Patricia Cornwell

Bestselling author Patricia Cornwell has sold over 100 million copies of her works of fiction, which include the popular Kay Scarpetta series. This series in particular contains a lot of forensic science – a field in which Patricia Cornwell has worked in the past – which is perhaps a slightly modern spin on the traditional mystery stories. However, Cornwell is still publishing books regularly, so we shall just have to wait and see what other masterpieces she will create!

07 – Mary Higgins Clark

Mary Higgins Clark is an American writer who is most famous for creating mystery and suspense stories. Impressively, all of her books have become bestsellers, which just proves the remarkable talents and popularity! It is almost impossible to choose just one, but Where are the Children? is one of her most famous works.

06 – Dashiell Hammett

The Maltese Falcon is the best known work of fiction by Dashiell Hammett, an American author. Despite the fact that he was born well over 100 years ago, Dashiell Hammett is still considered to be one of the best hard-boiled crime and mystery writers ever to have lived. The fact that his novels are still so popular more than fifty years after his death are evidence of his skill with words.

05 – P.D. James

The tragic news that novelist P.D. James had passed away at the age of 94 broke earlier this week, which is a huge loss to the writing community. During her lifetime she secured her spot as one of the most talented popular crime writers of all time. She penned no less than 19 novels, including an immensely popular series that featured the policeman Adam Dalgliesh. Without a shadow of a doubt, the legacy of her novels will live on for years to come.

04 – Edgar Allan Poe

Edgar Allan Poe only lived for 40 years during the 19th Century, but during that time he wrote so prolifically that he is now known as one of the forefathers of both science fiction and modern mystery stories. Since his death he has influenced many authors, and he has given his name to many aspects of contemporary life. Just one example is the Edgar Award, a prize given by the Mystery Writers of America for a distinguished mystery story.

03 – Daphne du Maurier

Rebecca is probably Daphne du Maurier’s most famous work, and it is also the work which catapulted her into the realms of the mystery writing elite. Rebecca tells the story of a young girl who marries a widower, unravelling the mysteries surrounding the gentleman’s first wife’s death along the way. This book has never been out of print, which is evidence of its popularity. Along with this incredibly well liked book, Daphne du Maurier wrote a number of other works, including the short story entitled ‘The Birds’, which was adapted into a famous Hitchcock film.

02 – Arthur Conan Doyle (Sherlock)

Sherlock Holmes has become one of the most popular fictional detectives of our time, with his likeness being portrayed on film and television by the likes of Robert Downey Jr. and Benedict Cumberbatch. Without Arthur Conan Doyle there would be no Sherlock, as he wrote four full-length novels and over 50 short stories featuring the detective. Despite the fact that he lived around 100 years ago, Arthur Conan Doyle has shaped the world of mystery stories as we know it!

01 – Agatha Christie (Poirot, Miss Marple)

Without a doubt, Agatha Christie has got to be the most popular mystery writer ever. She wrote 66 detective stories, which featured some incredibly endearing characters such as Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot; these stories have gone on to be adapted for television countless times. As if that wasn’t enough, Agatha Christie also wrote The Mousetrap, which became the longest running play in the world!

As we bid farewell to the thrilling world of mystery writers, it’s evident that their masterful storytelling and ingenious plot twists have left an indelible mark on the landscape of literature. These remarkable authors have not only enriched our lives with gripping tales of intrigue and suspense but have also inspired countless others to follow in their footsteps. As the mystery genre continues to evolve, we eagerly await the next generation of literary sleuths who will carry on the legacy of these celebrated writers, crafting new tales that will undoubtedly captivate our imaginations and leave us craving for more. Until then, happy reading, and may the spirit of curiosity and wonder continue to guide your literary adventures!

FAQs:

Q: Who are some popular contemporary mystery writers?
A: Some popular contemporary mystery writers include Tana French, Anthony Horowitz, and Gillian Flynn.

Q: What elements define a mystery novel?
A: A mystery novel typically features a suspenseful plot, a puzzle or riddle to solve, and a surprising conclusion or twist.

Q: How has the mystery genre evolved over time?
A: The mystery genre has evolved from classic whodunits to include psychological thrillers, crime procedurals, and cozy mysteries, among others.

Q: What is the role of a detective in a mystery novel?
A: The detective, either professional or amateur, serves as the protagonist who investigates the crime and ultimately solves the mystery.