The Encyclopedia of Murder and Mystery

by Bruce F. Murphy

Bruce F. Murphy's The Encyclopedia of Murder and Mystery is a comprehensive guide to the genre of the murder mystery that catalogues thousands of items in a broad range of categories: authors, titles, plots, characters, weapons, methods of killing, movie and theatrical adaptations. What distinguishes this encyclopedia from the others in the field is its critical stance.

Genres: Reference, Mystery, Crime

543 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1999

Reviews

[Jack Heath · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars. It appears to be, but it's not really a continuation of Chris Steinbrunner and Otto Penzler's "Encyclopedia of Mystery and Detection" previously reviewed. Murphy's work has a different accent. Some obscure authors have been shunted aside to make room for reviews of hundreds of leading titles since the 18th century. Plus, developments between 1976 and this 2001 second edition. Murphy is 100 pages longer than Steinbrunner and space restrictions have led the author to drop pictures and illustrations too. Both follow the same format and are equally readable. They differ enough to say that each is essential for those who want to go deeper into the fascinating field of mystery fiction. Murphy's entries on leading fictional characters and detectives stand out as helpful guides for readers trying to add a new series to their favourite pass-time. One mutual criticism: author pseudonyms abound in the field but there are no articles or appendices to explain the reasons or assist in tracking down the real author. A suggestion for addition to a third volume? As I put together my "Basic Mystery and Thriller Compilation," this book was helpful. (July 2018)

[Yomna Saber · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good reference for whodunits and mystery fiction.

[Bernie4444 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book dispatches one's mystery

I read and watch mysteries and series of mysteries. You would think they would run out of characters and ideas. Yet they keep turning up. Even before I was born but just now found out about them.

This book may serve many purposes as sitting up taller at the table. But my two favorites are finding out what is out there in the ether before discovering it on Turner Classics. More significant is that this book fills in the background for story characters and puts them in perspective by cross-referencing other mysteries and characters.

I just recently discovered "Seven Keys to Baldpate" to find it was written by Earl Derr Biggers of Charlie Chan fame. While discussing Charlie we are introduced to their favorite writer Sax Rohmer of Fu Manchu fame. And so it goes until coming around full circle.

Look for hours of fun as you will not be able to put it down