When it comes to detective novels, the names Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie often come to mind. But there are many other talented English writers who have contributed to the genre. Here are five must-read detective novels by English writers that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
1. “The Moonstone” by Wilkie Collins
Considered the first modern detective novel, “The Moonstone” follows the investigation of a valuable diamond stolen from a wealthy young woman’s bedroom. This complex mystery introduces a cast of diverse characters and keeps the reader guessing until the very end.
2. “The Big Sleep” by Raymond Chandler
Set in 1930s Los Angeles, “The Big Sleep” features private investigator Philip Marlowe who is hired to investigate the blackmail of a wealthy family’s daughter. The novel is known for its sharp wit and atmospheric portrayal of the city.
3. “Gaudy Night” by Dorothy L. Sayers
This novel is part of Sayers’ Lord Peter Wimsey series but can be read as a standalone. In “Gaudy Night,” the brilliant detective teams up with his love interest, mystery novelist Harriet Vane, to solve a series of crimes at Oxford University.
4. “The Secret Agent” by Joseph Conrad
This novel explores the seedy underworld of London in the late 19th century. A spy for an unnamed foreign country becomes entangled in a plot to blow up the Greenwich Observatory. Conrad’s writing is gripping and his portrayal of characters is nuanced and thought-provoking.
5. “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy” by John le Carré
This spy thriller delves into the world of British intelligence during the Cold War. Retired spy George Smiley is brought back to root out a Soviet mole within the agency. The novel is a masterclass in suspense and features complex, morally ambiguous characters.
These five detective novels by English writers offer something for every reader – from intricate mysteries to thrilling spy thrillers. They are sure to leave you captivated until the very end. You may also interested in Top Ten Detective Films of All Time: From Classic Noir to Modern Thrillers.
