We are proud to present the 2026 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 (2026 Edition) 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 ...

The StoryBUZZ Gold Candlestick Award (2026) 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 (2026 Edition) 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/...

The StoryBUZZ Bronze Wrench Award (2026 Edition) 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 elem...

The StoryBUZZ Best Mystery Writers of All Time Honorable Mentions (2026 Edition) 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 ...

Fyodor Dostoyevsky, often regarded as one of the greatest novelists in history, infused his works with profound psychological depth and moral questioning. While not a traditional mystery writer, his novels explore criminal acts, human conscience, and the motives that drive people toward dark decisio...

Raymond Chandler is renowned as one of the most influential authors in the hard-boiled detective genre. Chandler brought a gritty realism and poetic style to mystery writing, forever shaping the genre. His novels, often set in the murky streets of Los Angeles, explore the moral complexities of crime...

Sara Paretsky is a trailblazing figure in the mystery genre, known for her sharp wit, social commentary, and complex storytelling. Her works often explore themes of justice and morality, while immersing readers in intricately crafted plots. Paretsky is best known for creating one of the first truly ...

Michael Connelly is a modern master of the mystery genre, known for crafting intricate plots that combine procedural detail with deep character development. His novels unravel crimes in gripping fashion, blending suspense, realism, and an abiding sense of justice — or lack thereof. Connelly’s experi...

Len Deighton is a master of the espionage and mystery genres, skillfully blending intrigue, tension, and dry wit into his works. His novels often explore the shadowy world of intelligence, offering unforgettable characters and intricate plots that leave readers captivated. Deighton’s writing is mark...

Donald E. Westlake was a prolific and versatile mystery writer, known for his sharp wit, masterful plotting, and an impressive ability to blend humor with suspense. Over his five-decade career, he authored a wide range of crime novels, including both light-hearted capers and darker, grittier works. ...