100 Masters of Mystery and Detective Fiction

This two-volume set profiles 100 important mystery writers, with entries ranging in length from 2,500 to 6,000 words. Entries contain information on authors' births and deaths, pseudonyms, and types of plot; list the authors' principal series; and describe principal characters. They evaluate each author's contribution to the genre, overview the author's life, and examine the author's most representative works. A bibliography at the end of each entry lists the author's mystery/detective works chronologically by series and lists nonmystery works chronologically by genre. B&w portraits, film stills, and book jackets are included. Many of the essays originally appeared in Critical Survey of Mystery and Detective Fiction, Salem Press, 1988. Annotation Book News, Inc., Portland, OR