The Armchair Detective Book of Lists

by Kate Stine (Editor)

The Mystery Writers of America awards (The Grand Master Awards, The Edgar Allan Poe Awards, The Ellery Queen Awards, The Robert L. Fish Memorial Awards, The Raven Awards)

The Crime Writers' Association of Great Britain awards

The critics have their say

Some famous authors pick their favorite mysteries

Mystery booksellers make their recommendations

Mystery organizations, conventions, and publications

Genres: Mystery, Books About Books, Nonfiction

267 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1995

Reviews

[Jack Heath · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars. Somewhat dated but a good starting point for those looking for new authors and recommendations in the field of mystery and crime fiction. This edition came out in 1995 just before the Internet took off, and many of the lists are now readily available on-line, and up to date too, especially the mystery awards such as the Edgars, the Golden Daggers, the Arthur Ellis Awards, the Dilys Awards, the Agatha's, the Nero's, and others. I enjoyed the numerous lists of the "100 Best …" and so on, by various critics and authors including Ellery Queen, Robin Wink, Sue Grafton (whose recommendations include her father's "Beyond a Reasonable Doubt"), Robert B. Parker, H.R.F Keating, Julian Symons, etc. Also dated are the entries for mystery organizations, conventions and publications; some have gone the way of the woolly mammoth but even here you can find another starting point for exploration. If you see this title in a second-hand store and it's cheap, that's important, get it. Even three or four new ideas are worth a few dollars. As I put together my "Basic Mystery and Thriller Compilation," this book was helpful. (July 2018)

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Armchair Detective Book of Lists edited by Kate Stine is an incredibly useful and interesting book. It gives crime fiction readers a place to find the winners of awards given by the Mystery Writers of America, Crime Writers' Association of Great Britain, Crime Writers of Canada, Private Eye Writers of American, International Association of Crime Writers, Independent Mystery Booksellers Association, Mystery Conventions, and Fan Organizations. It gives lists of favorite authors and books--chosen by popular mystery authors and experts in the field. And even though this particular edition is dated (running only through the mid-1990s), it was still fun to see how my favorites stacked up and how many of the award winners I have read (or have waiting in the wings on the TBR stacks). A good resource--especially for anyone just starting to dip their toes into the mystery waters. Four stars.

First posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super-useful and entertaining. The 'Best' mysteries, as judged by critics, other writers, readers, bookstore owners and more. Great for developing a list of 'to be read' books. Book is dated, but covers up to 1990s.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

A useful book that guides you toward genre and quality in detective fiction.