annotated
by Otto PenzlerThe Crown Crime Companion
The Top 100 Mystery Novels of All Time
annotated
by Otto Penzler
Compiled by Mickey Friedman
Crown Trade Paperbacks, New York. 1995. Trade paperback. 190 pages. (5˝ X 8). Introduction by Mickey Friedman. A questionnaire was sent to members of the Mystery Writers of America asking them to pick their fifty favorite mystery stories–five in each of ten categories. The categories selected were Classics, Suspense, Hard-boiled/Private Eye, Police Procedural, Espionage/Thriller, Criminal, Cozy/Traditional, Historical, Humorous, and Legal/Courtroom. The top hundred are listed and each title is reviewed to show its importance in the field. All of the categories are examined showing the different winners. The last section is a listing of the Edgar nominees and winners. A fun book to read.
Scan and Commentary by Bob Gaines