We are proud to present the 2025 Edition of the definitive list of the best mystery writers of all time, along with a curated list of the best book to start reading each mystery writer. 

That's a bold statement — the definitive list!  Really?

Why is this the 'definitive list' of the best myster...

The StoryBUZZ Platinum Revolver Award (2025) recognizes the Top 10 mystery writers of all time — writers whose works have profoundly shaped the genre and considered foundational pillars of mystery literature.

For each writer, you can click on their name for an article that provides:

• The elements...

The StoryBUZZ Gold Candlestick Award (2025) recognizes the mystery writers who are ranked 11th through 25th best of all time — writers who have achieved outstanding acclaim and influence, delivering high-quality mysteries that resonate deeply across readers, peers, and critics. 

For each writer, yo...

The StoryBUZZ Silver Rope Award (2025) recognizes the mystery writers who are ranked 26th through 50th best of all time. These writers demonstrate significant contribution and respect within the genre, earning commendable scores in the dimensions of peer recognition, reader preferences, and/or criti...

The StoryBUZZ Bronze Wrench Award (2025) recognizes the mystery writers who are ranked 51st through 100th best of all time — writers who have made notable contributions and/or possess a loyal reader base.

For each writer, you can click on their name for an article that provides:

• The elements mak...

The StoryBUZZ Best Mystery Writers of All Time Honorable Mentions (2025) recognizes a small number of mystery writers who barely missed the cutoff of the Top 100.

For each writer, you can click on their name for an article that provides:

• The elements making up the scoring for their rank on the l...

The flash fiction story "Getaway" was written in the "Outliner" method, one of the 3 ways to develop an idea into a story. That is: plotting the story in advance of writing it.

Of course, there are **spoilers**, so if you haven't read the story yet, do that first (flash fiction = a very fast ...

"Stay down, everyone. Face on the floor, hands on the back of your head. That’s it. You're doing good. Be smart, and nobody dies today."

Sal makes a fist, pumps it up and down rapidly, military tactical hand signal: Time to go. Hurry up.

Rhett — carrying two large, black, ballistic-nyl...

Known for his gripping tales of intrigue set in the world of horse racing, Dick Francis combines mystery, drama, and his insider knowledge of the sport. A former jockey turned award-winning author, Francis crafted fast-paced novels that explore the dark undercurrents lurking behind the glittering fa...

Widely regarded as a founding father of detective fiction, Edgar Allan Poe's work is a blend of eerie atmosphere, intellectual puzzles, and compelling narratives. His tales often explore themes of mortality, madness, and the macabre, leaving readers both captivated and unsettled.

Main Serie...

Wilkie Collins, often regarded as one of the founding figures of modern mystery fiction, captivated readers with his intricate plots, psychological depth, and innovative storytelling. A contemporary of Charles Dickens, Collins is best known for pioneering the sensation novel — a blend of suspense, d...

Ian Rankin is known for his dark, atmospheric mysteries set in Scotland, particularly in the streets of Edinburgh. His works are timeless explorations of society, human nature, and morality, combining complex characters with intricate plots steeped in realism.

Main Series Characters

• Ins...