The 15 Best Detective Books of All Time

Nothing excites the mind like a volume of a good detective novel. Tangled stories, riddles, assumptions, intrigues - bit by bit the reader is getting closer to the long-awaited denouement. And if you don't like detective stories, then you've read the wrong books. In world literature there are a lot of interesting detective stories of all times that can intrigue the most demanding reader. Some of them are known to everyone, others are less popular, but even more talented.We invite you to escape from everyday worries by choosing one of the best detective books of all time in the ranking.

The best detectives of the XIX century

The first detective novels in their usual form appeared in the nineteenth century. It was then that such geniuses of the pen as Edgar Allan Poe, Arthur Conan Doyle, Wilkie Collins worked. The books of the founders of this fascinating genre are still readable and popular.

5 Drama on the hunt

For some, it will come as a surprise that the great Russian classic Anton Pavlovich Chekhov wrote an interesting detective story in the early years of his work. It turned out to be so successful that it was filmed several times. In the book, the detective story is brightly complemented by psychologism and emotional experiences of the characters.

The story of life, love and death of the beautiful Olenka Skvortsova will not leave anyone indifferent. The mystery of the murder of the main character is revealed only at the very end. This book is definitely worth reading, it makes you look at the work of the Russian classic in a new way. If at the beginning of the story the story may not seem quite detective to you, then by the time of the denouement you will no longer be able to tear yourself away from the pages.

4 The Mystery of Edwin Drood

The genius of the pen, Charles Dickens came up with a riddle that people are still trying to solve unsuccessfully. This is an unfinished detective novel, the writing of which was interrupted by the death of the author. Despite this, he gained immense popularity.The writer managed to confuse and confuse readers and literary critics so much that new versions are still being put forward about how this work should have ended.

The book combines a biography, a detective story and a psychological novel. And it ends at the most interesting place - Edwin Drud disappears after a quarrel with a rival, and six months later a mysterious man appears in the city, watching all his enemies. Is the main character dead? What fate befell him? And who is this mysterious person? Try to solve this riddle...

3 Tales of Sherlock Holmes

The fascinating investigations of the private detective Sherlock Holmes were watched by everyone from the TV screens. But if you haven't read the book yet, it's worth catching up - the author's incomparable language and details missing from the film adaptation make familiar adventures even more interesting.

A sharp mind, extraordinary observation, nobility and fearlessness, a unique deductive method - all this made the character of the book the most important detective of all times and peoples. He brilliantly solves inconceivable puzzles, saves human lives and effectively puts an end to the completed investigation. Stories about Sherlock Holmes do not need advertising, they are definitely worth reading.

2 Moonstone

Novel "Moonstone" – classic English detective story based on a real story, and Wilkie Collins is considered one of the founders of the genre. Captivating plot, sophisticated English humor, light language - the book is read in one breath.Undoubtedly, this is one of the best detectives of all time.

The heroine of the novel inherits a huge diamond from her uncle. That night, he disappears from a locked safe. Further, the reader, following the small details and reservations of the characters, gradually begins to understand the only possible explanation. There is not a single superfluous word in this book - everything is thought out to the smallest detail.

1 Murder in the Rue Morgue

Edgar Allan Poe is often called the father of detectives. "Murder in the Rue Morgue" was written back in 1841, but still remains one of the best detective stories of all time. Shocking details of the murder, mysterious circumstances, an admixture of mysticism and horror - even many modern detective stories cannot boast of such intensity of passions.

Madame L'Espane and her daughter are brutally murdered. But no one saw the villain, although the house is full of people, the windows and the back door are securely closed. The police are at a loss, they have no leads. Who is it? Invisible Man? Or a beast from the underworld? Here you will not be able to predict further events or figure out the killer yourself - the book keeps you in suspense until the very last page.

The best detectives of the twentieth century

In the twentieth century, the collection of detective stories was replenished with new bright works, many of which gained worldwide fame and formed the basis of interesting films that were watched with rapture by millions. The queen of detectives Agatha Christie, the incomparable Chesterton - their works can be read with rapture, forgetting about time and everyday affairs. It was during this period that a lot of the best detective stories of all time were written.

5 Meet Nero Wolfe

It was the stories about the detective Nero Wolfe that brought Rex Stout world fame. The novels in this series have entered the category of golden classics of the detective genre. Rex Stout did the impossible - in one work he combined the styles of a cool and intelligent detective. A private detective with a complex character and an outstanding mind can unravel any, the most difficult case, without leaving home. Complements the picture of his charming assistant Archie Goodwin.

In the first book, Meet Nero Wolfe, a detective is approached by an Italian immigrant with a request to find her missing brother. During the investigation, it turns out that his disappearance is connected with the death of the university rector.

4 My friend Maigret

One of the most popular books in the classic detective genre. Who does not know the famous commissioner Maigret? To some he is familiar from the film, to someone from the brilliant works of Georges Simenon. He became so popular that a monument was erected to him during the life of the author!

The ingenious detective effortlessly solves the most ingenious crimes, leaving the villains no chance. The mysterious atmosphere, intricate plots, an inimitable policeman who does not let his pipe out of his mouth - all this is strongly loved by readers. With each page, the book captivates more and more - so you won't be bored. The author's language is very light, so his works are read in one breath.

3 glass key

"Glass Key" – a vivid example of the classic American detective story.In the book you will find all the elements of this genre - tough guys, fatal beauties, unexpected turns of events. All this is generously seasoned with intrigues and conspiracies.

The scene is a small town in the USA. On the eve of the elections, the scandalous murder of the senator's son takes place. The right hand of the local politician starts his own investigation. Trying to get to the bottom of the truth, he realizes that in this town there are many who will do anything to keep the secret unsolved. Will he be able to solve this crime?

2 Ten blacks

Agatha Christie has many interesting works, but "Ten Little Indians" – Queen of the Detective's best-selling and popular book. The writer herself admitted that she was the hardest in writing. The intricate plot keeps the reader in suspense until the very end.

Eight people and a married couple of servants are invited to the mansion on the island. Each of them committed a murder at one time, remaining unpunished. Who invited them and why? From the next morning, one person begins to die every day, everyone is killed in different ways. And each time, one figurine disappears from a tray with ten figurines of negro children. The list of suspects is narrowing, it would seem that the denouement is very close. But one day there is no one left. Who then committed all these murders?

1 Father Brown's Mystery

From reading "Secrets of Father Brown" fans of detectives will get a real pleasure. A fascinating plot, inimitable English humor, elements of a parable in the narration - the book is really easy and interesting to read.It has become a classic of the detective genre.

Astute priest Brown is constantly confronted with mysterious stories. He is modest and laconic, absent-minded and sometimes even funny, but under an inconspicuous appearance hides an amazing mind. To solve another riddle, a respectable minister of the church uses his own method - he puts himself in the place of another person. The book is a series of short stories with different plots.

The best detectives of the XXI century

The detectives of our contemporaries will be appreciated by those who are not fans of the classical genre, who prefer more intense plots combined with simplicity of presentation. All these works have not yet passed the test of time, but have already gained many fans.

5 The Da Vinci Code

After the release of the book, the whole world spoke about it. Dan Brown has managed to write such a compelling, intriguing story that has left most readers overwhelmed. It is impossible to tear yourself away from it until the last page, so it is better to postpone reading for the weekend.

In the works of Leonardo da Vinci, a secret code is hidden, which can lead to Christian shrines, giving unlimited power and power. Will the characters in the book be able to solve all the riddles? Will they find the key to the greatest mystery that people have wrestled with for centuries?

4 dead swell

The Scandinavian detective combines the incompatible - a measured style of narration with plot tension, a slight touch of mysticism and bewitching atmosphere. The action takes place in a small village in Sweden.One day a little boy goes missing under mysterious circumstances. Local residents are sure that the child was taken away by the ghost of a villain who once did not give the villagers peace.

20 years later, the boy's grandfather receives a children's sandal in the mail. Who sent it to him? What can all this mean? The secrets of the past are slowly beginning to unravel. An intricate detective story in the best traditions of Agatha Christie, an incomparable style of presentation - this book is loved by readers around the world, so it can be called one of the best detective stories of all time.

3 The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

This book forever changed the laws of action literature, quickly became a cult, like its two film adaptations. The work has its own special style, intricate plot - the intrigue is preserved until the last pages. The style is complex, mixed - a detective story with elements of noir and thriller, socio-psychological drama.

The aging industrial tycoon lost a young relative forty years ago. Her disappearance had haunted him all these years. He makes one last attempt - entrusts the investigation to a shrewd journalist. Attempts to shed light on long-standing events lead the journalist to a living hell in a peaceful town.

2 Pelagia and white bulldog

The first novel from the trilogy "The Adventures of Sister Pelageya" immediately after the release of the book became popular and readable. Readers fell in love with the restless nun, who has a heightened intuition that helps her investigate complicated crimes.She knows that there are no hopeless situations, and with amazing tenacity she continues to unravel lead after lead.

Some compare Pelageya with Agatha Christie's Miss Marple, and Boris Akunin is recognized as one of the best writers of our time. The alternation of a monotonous and dynamic narrative, a peculiar language, an unexpected denouement - the author finally captivated his readers. The book has just been published, but it has already been translated into many languages.

1 Let's all kill Constance

Ray Bradbury's books are always something new and interesting. His detective novel Let's All Kill Constance was the last book in the Venetian Trilogy. A Hollywood actress receives a strange package - a notebook with the numbers of people who have already died. Those few of the living that are on the list are marked with crosses, including her.

All the people on the list die in turn, Constance realizes that she will suffer the same fate. Or is she the real killer? The book can be read on its own or you can start with the previous works "Death is a Lonely Business" and "A Cemetery for Madmen". One thing is for sure - you won't be able to stop reading until you turn the last page.

Popular vote - which detective of all time do you think is the best?
Vote!

Murder in the Rue Morgue

Moonstone

Tales of Sherlock Holmes

The Mystery of Edwin Drood

Drama on the hunt

Father Brown's Mystery

Ten blacks

glass key

My friend Maigret

Meet Nero Wolfe

Let's all kill Constance

Pelagia and white bulldog

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

dead swell

The Da Vinci Code

Total voted: 38

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