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...

Ellery Queen is both the pseudonym of two cousins, Frederic Dannay and Manfred B. Lee, and the name of their iconic fictional detective. Together, they crafted some of the most intricate and engaging mysteries of the 20th century. Known for their "fair play" puzzles, the Ellery Queen mysteries invit...

James M. Cain was a master of the hard-boiled mystery genre, known for his concise and razor-sharp prose that pulls readers into gritty, morally complex tales of passion, betrayal, and crime. His work often explores the darker sides of human nature, creating stories filled with raw emotion and devas...

Liane Moriarty is a bestselling author known for her sharp, intricate mystery novels that weave domestic drama with psychological suspense. Her stories frequently explore the hidden lives of seemingly ordinary people, revealing secrets and tensions that ultimately explode into gripping narratives. M...

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...

John Grisham is a master of legal thrillers, weaving suspenseful tales that explore the darker corners of the justice system. His writing is marked by gripping narratives, morally complex characters, and a deep understanding of the legal landscape. From courtroom drama to high-stakes conspiracies, G...

Seishi Yokomizo is one of Japan's most celebrated mystery writers, known for his intricate plots and vivid portrayals of post-war Japanese society. With his works, Yokomizo blends traditional elements of whodunits with distinctly Japanese cultural contexts. His stories are often shrouded in a sense ...