What's a good murder mystery read...

[Bolden]

I'm trying my hand at writing a novel centered around a murder. I've written murder plots in my other works as a subplots but this is the first time I want it to be the main focus. I was wondering if you all had any suggestions on murder mystery books that I can read to get a full feel for the genre. Also, Who are some of the best authors in the genre? Who inspired you?

Anything is appreciated.
Thanks.

[CACTUSWENDY]

Oh, without a doubt, I know just what you are looking for. It's my book.

Oh wait. It's not published....or edited yet. Sigh. Well, someday you can read it.

There are millions of really good reads for this. Just kind of depends on what style you like best.

Am sure others will be by and give you some wonderful input.

Have a great day.

[alleycat]

I think if I were you I'd get a couple of good anthologies. There will expose you to a variety of writers and writing style.

One good one is The New Omnibus of Crime, which is an modern version of the classic The Omnibus of Crime by Dorothy L. Sayers. There's another one put out by the Mystery Writers of America that's good; I have a copy, but I'll have to look to see what the exact title is.

I think anyone who writes mysteries should at least read a few Agatha Christie stories as well as some classic stories by the like of Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett. But really, there are just so many good mystery writers that I could mention a hundred and still not exhaust the list.

[kg_crow]

One size does not fit all. Murder mysteries include: police procedurals, hard boiled, amateur sleuths, cozies, and on and on. You'll get a more effective answer if you narrow your search with a description of your story.

[blacbird]

Three I recommend, all prolific:

Rex Stout (the Nero Wolfe novels)
Tony Hillerman
John D. MacDonald

caw

[Bolden]

One size does not fit all. Murder mysteries include: police procedurals, hard boiled, amateur sleuths, cozies, and on and on. You'll get a more effective answer if you narrow your search with a description of your story.


Well, the background in my novel. Is two cousins who more or less come upon murders. The male MC is a journalist and owner of a multi million dollar international cooperation. The female MC's occupation is unestablished and frankly with all her family's money she doesn't really need one. In their travels the crime comes to them. So I guess you would call it a amateur sleuth novel with bits of warmth and humor.