Who is the Best Mystery Author?
Solving mysteries is an enduring pursuit in literature that has taken different forms over the years, from classic whodunits to the more modern concept of crime fiction to the more social commentary-based mystery writing. It’s been in existence for centuries, of course, but the world has seen an unprecedented surge in popularity of the genre in recent decades, largely spurred on by the wealth of new and exciting authors who have entered the field and continued to reinvent it from time to time.
When one says mystery author, any number of great names come to mind, depending on preference and age bracket. However, there are some authors who are almost universally considered to stand head and shoulders above the rest. Read on to discover some of the best mystery authors in the world today, and a little something about them.
Agatha Christie
One cannot talk about mystery without bringing Agatha Christie into the discussion. Widely regarded as the queen of mystery, she has been an inspiration to mystery authors around the world since her first novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, was published in 1920. The novel was an instant success and was to become the first of her iconic Hercule Poirot series.
Her works gained unprecedented popularity and she was the best-selling novelist of all time, with over two billion copies of her books sold worldwide. She is best known for her mysteries centering around her brilliant Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot, but she also wrote multiple other captivating pieces, including ‘And Then There Were None’.
Other Works:
• The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
• The Mysterious Mr. Quin
• The ABC Murders
• Peril at End House
• The Thirteen Problems
James Patterson
James Patterson is another name associated with the mystery genre. He is one of the most successful and celebrated authors today, with multiple bestsellers to his name. His Alex Cross series, based around a former FBI agent turned forensic psychologist, has won him numerous awards and is the mystery novel with the most copies sold, a record he has previously held with several others.
With over forty books in the Alex Cross series alone, Patterson has shown a remarkable ability to keep things fresh and entertaining. He has also shown a remarkable diversity, with his science fiction series, Maximum Ride, proving to be a smash hit. Other works of his have been adapted into TV series and movies, further cementing his legacy as one of the most prolific and gifted mystery authors in the world today.
Other Works:
• Along Came a Spider
• The Stand
• Kiss the Girls
• Private
• 1st to Die
S. J. Bolton
S. J. Bolton has acquired a name for herself and her work in the mystery and thriller genres, thanks to her gripping and atmospheric works. Her works often lean heavily on psychology and explore the dark corners of human emotions and the lengths to which people will go to protect those they love.
Her debut novel, Sacrifice, made quite a splash on the crime fiction scene and it was met with more acclaim and awards with her follow-ups. Most of her books are celebrated for their psychological insight, complex characters and suspenseful thrill. She also often incorporates elements of the supernatural into her writing, which makes for an even more captivating and nerve-shatteringly suspenseful work.
Other Works:
• Awakening
• Now You See Me
• Dead Scared
• Sacrifice
• Daemon Sanctuary
Dan Brown
The last name on the list of best mystery authors is the arguably the most famous. Dan Brown took the mystery world by storm with his novel, The Da Vinci Code. It was a thrilling mixture of ancient history and conspiracy that captivated readers around the world, making it one of the best-selling novels of all time.
The novel spawned several sequels and prequels, further cementing Brown as one of the most popular authors in the world today. Other works of his weren’t quite as widely read, but they still managed to capture the attention of readers everywhere, with their gripping stories and shocking plot reveals.
Other Works:
• Angels & Demons
• Deception Point
• Digital Fortress
• Inferno
• Origin
There is no one definitive answer to the question ‘Who is the best mystery author?’. Different individuals bring different tastes and preferences to the table, and it is always a matter of personal preference. What is certain, however, is that the authors listed here have earned their place on the mantle of being some of the best mystery authors in the world today.
No list can be complete, of course, and there are many other mystery authors equally deserving of recognition. So, whether you prefer the classic approach of Agatha Christie, the thrilling adventures of James Patterson or the psychological depth of S. J. Bolton, there is a mystery author out there to suit everyone’s tastes.
