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Best Mystery Novels of All Time

(Mystery Writers of America)

Trent's Last Case
by Bentley, E. C.

Considered by many to be the first modern mystery novel, Trent's Last Case introduces the gentleman sleuth Philip Trent, a freelance reporter and investigator. Trent becomes involved in the case of the murder of millionaire American financier Sigsbee Manderson, slain while on holiday in England. During the course of his investigation, Trent falls in love with one of the primary suspects. And while he collects evidence and becomes convinced that he has cracked the case, he turns out to be well off the mark.

Call Number:
PR6003 .E7247 T73 1978

Publication Date:
1912

Postman Always Rings Twice
by Cain, James M.

An amoral young tramp. A beautiful, sullen woman with an inconvenient husband. A problem that has only one grisly solution--a solution that only creates other problems that no one can ever solve. First published in 1934 and banned in Boston for its explosive mixture of violence and eroticism, The Postman Always Rings Twice is a classic of the roman noir. It established James M. Cain as a major novelist with an unsparing vision of America's bleak underside. [Random House]

Call Number:
PS648 .D4 C697 1997

Publication Date:
1934

In Cold Blood
by Capote, Truman

With the publication of this book, Capote permanently ripped through the barrier separating crime reportage from serious literature. As he reconstructs the 1959 murder of a Kansas farm family and the investigation that led to the capture, trial, and execution of the killers, Capote generates suspense and empathy. [Amazon / Product Description]

Call Number:
HV6533.K3 C3

Publication Date:
1966

Big Sleep, The
by Chandler, Raymond

Link to record for more information.

Call Number:
PS3505 .H3224 B5 1992

Farewell, My Lovely
by Chandler, Raymond

Marlowe's about to give up on a completely routine case when he finds himself in the wrong place at the right time to get caught up in a murder that leads to a ring of jewel thieves, another murder, a fortune-teller, a couple more murders, and more corruption than your average graveyard. [Amazon / Product Description]

Call Number:
PS3505 .H3224 A6

Publication Date:
1940

Lady in the Lake
by Chandler, Raymond

Call Number:
PS3505.H3224 A6 1995C

Publication Date:
1943

Long Goodbye, The
by Chandler, Raymond

Link to record for more information.

Call Number:
PS3505 .H3224 .A6

Witness for the Prosecution
by Christie, Agatha

A murder trial takes a diabolical turn when the wife of the accused takes a stand...A woman's sixth--and a loaded revolver--signal premonitions of doom...A stranded motorist seeks refuge in a remote mansion, and is greeted with a dire warning...Detective Hercule Poirot faces his greatest challenge when his services are enlisted--by the victim--in a bizarre locked-room murder. From the stunning title story (which inspired the classic film thriller) to the rarest gems in detective fiction, these 11 tales of baffling rime and brilliant deduction showcase Agatha Christie at her dazzling best. [Barnes and Noble / Publisher]

Call Number:
PR6005 .H748 W5

Publication Date:
1957