Where is Michael Connolly?
My top 5
1-Elmore Leonard -His criminals talk and act like real criminals
2-Georges Simenon - Not just for the Maigrets
3-George Pelecanos - Novels to equal his work on The Wire.
4-Ed McBain - Gave crime back to the cops
5-Dashiell Hammett - Made crime nasty again

steve beardsmore, Dudley, West Midlands

Publishers tend to equate sales and money with success, and that being the case, Ellery Queen and Mickey Spillane should be on the list. In the real world of books and buyers, simoleons talk and subjectivity walks.

Donald Webster, Thornton, USa

I agree that Jonathan Kellerman should be on the list.

Dana Perez, Fort Worth, TX, USA

Where is James Hadley Chase???

Neeru, Delhi, India

Jonathan Kellerman needs to be on the list.

Silva Melkonian, LaGrange Highlands, USA

Jo Nesbo fully deserves to be on the list,a true gem.

ciaran caughey, dundrum, ireland

How can you leave out Elizabeth George?

Sally Pouslhock, Philadelphia, USA

A really impossible task. Generally I agree with the names - not necessarily the order. Main omission Robert Crais

Tony Posner, Sutton,

What about Ellis Peters? Her medieval mysteries are historically compelling and her Welsh protagonist, Bother Cadfael, unbeatable. Several of her books have been brought to life on the small screen by the BBC, staring Derek Jacobi.

Charlotte Colesberry, Toronto, Canada

Ellery Queen is missing as well. Not one of my favourites (that would be John Dickson Carr, who has the most clever puzzles) but should not be missing on a list like this.

Machiel Kolstein, Barcelona,

Where is Robert van Gulik and Iain Levison (Tiburn)

Jakschik,Gerhard, Bochum, Germany

Detroit didn't only spawn Elmore Leonard. There's also Jon A. Jackson with his protagonist Fang Mulheissen. And perhaps not technically a mystery/crime writer Sicilia's Leonardo Sciascia who wrote "Open Doors" could "outwrite" all the English tea parlor mystery writers on your list in his sleep.

Enzo Baker, San Francisco,

The order is totally outta whack. And where for G-d's sake are the great Mexican writer Paco Ignacio Taibo II, Mario Puzo who merely wrote "The Godfather" and "The Sicilian", political mystery cats like the great Richard Condon and Ross Thomas, and Marseilles' late great Jean Claude Izzo.

Enzo Baker, San Francisco,

Since I could not find some of my favorites such as Michael Connelly, Elizabeth George, Lawrence Sanders, Jeffery Deaver and others that others commenters have listed, would it not be a good idea to let us know what the bases were for your own choices?

Michel Douesnard, Montreal QC, Canada

Did I miss Jonathan Kellerman on the list?

Charles Casler, River Falls, Wisconsin, United States

Agreed with a few commenters above: Durrenmatt is among the finest. I would include Ken Bruen on the list as well. Too many of the living authors on this list write books which read like television shows.

Ken Miller, Asheville, USA

I'd place Reginald Hill at the top of the list. His humor, the ever developing relations between Diehl, Pascoe, Ellie, and Wield, the baffling and intricate plots. . . he's the best.

Jonathan Beggs, Los Angeles, U.S.

Tony Hillerman and Nicholas Freeling would certainly be candidates. Leaving off Michael Connelly is unforgivable. Generally, I like the list and all the suggested improvements. I'll bookmark it and use it for a reference when headed for the library. Some of the selections are a bit unfamiliar to me.

Paul Kempin, West Union, SC, USA

I can't believe Colin Dexter is so low down the list. If there are 46 better crime writers I have a lot of good reading ahead catching up the many I have yet to read.

Sue Webster, Worlaby, Brigg,

Michael Connelly should be in the top ten. The work of modern Brits -- Rankin, Robinson -- is over written, with unconvincing dialogue. Connelly's novels are spare and feature one of the memorable, uncliched protagonists, Harry Bosch.

Richard Hughes, Hale, UK

I'm shocked about George Pelecanos being behind charles willeford, Jim Thompson, Val McDermid etc. with all do respect, Pelecanos is better than all these writers. I guess someone should read "the night gandner"

Abdul Noor, Burnsville, MN, U.S.A.

How can you leave Anne Perry off the list ? And I agree that Agatha Christie should be No. 1 ,and that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle should be a close second. The rest of these authors are all disciples, in one way or another, of these absolute masters. Except Edgar Allan Poe who should be third.

Ron, Bartlesville, Oklahoma, United States of America

Why no modern historical stuff? CJ Sansom's Matthew Shardlake - what scholarship! Ellis Peters' Cadfael - influenced so many writers. Alexander McCall Smith's Precious Ramotswe - beautifully convey Africa. But John Harvey's Resnick? Michael Connolly's Harry Bosch novels are a million times better.

C, London,

How can you have a top 50 without Robert B. Parker? He is the most entertaining of all the "easy-read" detective novelists. His wise-cracking, testosterone-filled, renaissance man "Spenser" novels fill any male's passion for sleuth fiction.

Jeff Fegely, Bernville, USA

Colin Watson
Arthur Upfield

kalliste, Exeter, Devon

What happened to Travis McGee and the dear old "Busted Flush"? OK some of his other stuff can be a bit tedious but those 21 novels alone should put John D Macdonald into the top fifty if not a top ten.

Malcolm Clarke, Brentwood (the english one), UK

I also feel that Peter Robinson and Martha Grimes should be on this list.

Dani Keller, Concrete, WA, USA

I think you missed two worthy authors Erle Stanley Gardner (Perry Mason, Cool and Lam) and Earl Derr Biggers (Charlie Chan). They certainly should make anyone list !

Philip Neale, Jamestown, USA

I can't believe you didn't put in MIchael Connelly, Ron Handberg, Tess Gerritsen, Robert B. Parker, John Sandford and a few others I can think of.

Colleen Morse, White Bear Lake, MN, USA

Reginald Hill should be in the top 10 as should the following brilliant writers who didn't make the list at all: Peter Robinson, Peter James, Mark Billingham, Kathy Reichs, Elizabeth George and Tess Gerritson.

Pam Styman, Harrow, Middlesex

the best crime writer for me is Stewart Macbride ,i have read al his books they are gripping and funny ,down to earth writer cant wait for his next one . I'm looking for another crime writer like him does anyone have any ideas

Denny, Stevenage, england

Michael Innes, Catherine Aird and Dorothy Simpson should all be there

Ann Fearnhill, Faversham, England

Michael Connolly, Jeffrey Deaver, Tess Gerritson, Robert Crais and Michael Robotham - totally unfair that these great authors are missing from this list. Those who are unfamiliar with James Lee Burke are missing a great author. Deserves to be on it!

Laurette King, Encinitas, CA, USA

Agatha Christie should have been number 1, by far.
Patricia Highsmith is not that good. Her characters and plots are terribly childish and shallow . Poor choice for number 1.

By the way ...Gaston Leroux, where art thou?

Andrés, Buenos Aires, Argentina

I`ll join the chorus: Indeed a strange list. I would also like to comment on the distinction on crime from other novels; in many socalled crime books the crime is just a setting for what is on the authors mind. Nonetheless they are a good read.

Kai, Fredrikstad, Norway

How about making two lists: Classics and Contemporaries? Then add Martha Grimes, Deborah Crombie, Jonh Dunning, Daniel Silva, Elizabeth George, and Anne Perry to the latter.

Joyce Whitby, East Hampton, USA

Is Michael Innes forgotten so soon? John Appleby and his wife are my favourite mystery characters. And as so many of your correspondents has noted, peter Robinson should not only be on the list, but belongs in the first quartile!

Bob Lowe, London, Canada

Great list. I am so glad to have discovered Fossum. I would add Ross Thomas - I have loved all his books - good period pieces.

Amy, Washington, D.C.,

I really miss Lawrence Block from the list!

Csaba, Budapest, Hungary

Disappointed that Arthur Upfield didnt make the list. Detective Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte is able to solve a murder when the only clue is a matchstick and a puddle in the outback .

Margaret Mary Rowling, Scarborough, UK

Hard to believe Peter Robinson, Caroline Graham, and Elizabeth George didnt make the list. Is it based on the compiler's personal favorites? I thought Wilke Collins, the Moonstone, was THE original mystery bk

The comments regarding the list have put me onto some authors I haven't read. Thanks

Gilly Tunnell, Minneapolis,

Hakan Nesser from Sweden needs to be on the list.

If you haven't read Karin Fossum (see list) or John Hughes read them - they need to be higher up on the list beside Ian Rankin.

Jean, Winnipeg , Canada

Boris Akunin.
Michael Connelly.
Margaret Millar.
Colin Dexter should be higher up the list and Patricia Cornwell's inclusion is highly debatable.
What happened to historical crime writers?

Cat, Southampton,

Another vote for Peter Robinson and what about Peter James and Graham Hurley?

Michael Yates, Glastonbury, Uk

Mt vote is for Peter Robinson. He is great!

Martha, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Anne Perry, Reginald Hill and MC Beaton

Martha, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Dear me, as Peter Ustinov would have said.
Where are ANDREW TAYLOR, FRANCES FYFIELD, MARGARET MILLAR. I'm sad not to see them on your list.
Theres Kocher, Lucerne, Switzerland

theres kocher, Lucerne, Switzerland

Your list is a crime in itself. Where are the greats like Michael Connelly, Robert Crais and Lawrence Block?

Pierre, Hove, UK

I think following writers should be included.
1. R. Austin Freeman-- Dr. Thorndyke
2. G.K. Chesterton--Father Brown
3.Ellery Queen--Ellery Queen
4.Rex Stout-- Nero Wolfe

Sumit Dutta, Kokata, India

How about Ken Bruen, Jason Starr, Peter Blauner, Vicki Hendricks? Bruen certainly has the output and originality to be on this list. Pelecanos should be higher, in my opinion. Michael Connelly and Lee Child also deserve inclusion.

Chris Callahan, Rochester, NY

Another Ross -- Ross Thomas -- wrote superb political crime novels and is worthy of a place at least half-way up that list

Stephen Bloomfield, Chelmsford, UK

How about Rex Stout of Nero Wolfe fame? If Scott Turow makes the list then why not John Grisham and Steve Martini who both belong to the same genre as Turow?

Biran Lynch, Yutan, Nebraska, U.S.A.

What about Nicolas Freeling?

Ishani Majumdar, New Delhi, India

What about Kathy Reichs. She is as good if not better than Patricia Cornwell.

Patricia Barnes, Gravesend,

What about Michael Connelly???

Caitlin Rother, San Diego, CA , USA

Hmm, been reading Donald E. Westlake for 45 years now. Varies plotlines (unlike Patricia D. Cornwell...). Started with hard-boiled crime and now mostly writes comedic capers. Won many awards, nominated for screenplay oscar, etc. 'Don't Ask' will tickle your sense of humour.

Russell, Sydney, Australia

George V Higgins

corruption and culpability

Rod, Harrow,

No Ellery Queen?? He is one of the "big three" of the golden age, and had contributed so much to the development of mystery...He should be on the list!

Ellery, Chaiyi, Taiwan

Where is Bill James? The Harpur and Iles series is a great achievement

Alan Rubin, Edgware, UK

I agree with Siobhan, what about Tami Hoag? They're also missing Kathy Reichs. Patricia Cornwell either needs a new main character or a break from Scarpetta. Her last few books have not been that great.

Jennifer, Kenosha, USA

TAMI HOAG!! anyone???

Siobhan De Doncker, oxford, England

Agree Connelly and Block are crucial omissions, but so is Denise Mina, whose Garnethill trilogy put her in the top ranks.
Tom Edsall, Washington, D.C.

Thomas Edsall, Washington, USA

What criteria compilators of this four lists used? Their own tastes?
And I'm fully agreed about Friedrich Dürrenmatt: he is the great writer.

Mikle, Moscow, Russia

Friedrich Dürrenmatt's exclusion is a joke!

Alec, Derby , England

Just cant believe that Michael Connelly is not there in the list!
I'm not sure what exactly are the factors deciding the writer's worth in this list but if someone like Patricia Cornwell can make it, Connelly should be placed at least 20 places above her!

Abhishek Nandi, Mumbai, India

Why are Tony Hillerman and Martin Cruz Smith not on the list?
Is the former too ethnic and the latter's books set in the "wrong" countries?

Roland Reinert, Luxembourg, Luxembourg

One who in my opinion should be on the list is C.J. Sansom .The Shardlake stories are masterful and need to be visited by your correspondents.There are four books and they are best to read in order i.e. 1. Dissolution 2. Dark Fire ( a masterpiece and my favourite) 3. Sovereign and 4. Revelation .
W

john moulds, Kidderminster,

Unbelievable that Michael Connelly is not included on this list. Another string candidate is Robert Crais although maybe his books are thrillers not crime. Harry Bosch is the archtypal outcast detective

Alex Willis, LONDON,

And what about Jerry Raine ? His novels on low life losers always aiming high but never succeeding are gems - Raine is one of the Englands most neglected crime writers.

Mark, Emsworth, England

I have 2 lists now for my summer reading, the official and more interestingly the one from the crime afficenados who are submitting their comments.
I think Henning Mankell is top 5 & agree that Mark Billingham needs to be on there & what about jeff Lindsay & his character Dexter ..

janet Ramjeet, Norwich, Norfolk

Michael Connolly should be in there without any doubt whatsoever. He would be closely followed by Peter Robinson.

Crime writing has moved on a long way, and some of the older writers should be losing their places.

David Swarbrick, Brighouse, england

I willingly admit that the English, US-American and Scandinavian Authors rule. But at least our only national treasure of crime literature should be in this list: Friedrich Dürrenmatt. If you should have none of his brilliant novels translated, take a look at Sean Penn`s adaptation "The Pledge".

Volker Pietsch, Berlin, Germany

This is a great idea as it's thrown out names I haven't yet tried like Rex Stout even if that was through people complaining that he was excluded from the list.
The two names I think should have been there are Michael Connelly and Robert Crais but you're never going to make everyone happy!

Anne Stevens, Hampton Wick,

And what about Jerry Raine ? His books offer an unsparing look at low life losers trying but failing to make something out of life

Mark, Emsworth, England

I willingly admit, that there isn`t so much convincing crime literature in German, but at I miss Friedrich Dürrenmatt on the list. If you don`t have translated versions of his brilliant - and, in a cynical way funny - novels, check out "The Pledge", Sean Penn`s adaptation for the screen.

Volker Pietsch, Berlin,

Your list is very relevant but very Anglo-Saxon. You should also consider the French duo Boileau-Narcejac (e.g. "Diabolique") and Sébastien Japrisot. "The Lady in the Car with Glasses and a Gun" won him the CWA Silver Dagger for the best crime novel published in the UK in 1968 by a foreign writer.

Jean-Luc Janot, Liège, Belgium

No Michael Connelly? He's such a wonderful writer.

Lisa Greig, Alexandria, USA

I agree with all of Robert B. Parker fans as well as Michael Connelly 's fans and did I miss Daniel Silva? Charlotte Chester, Phoenix, AZ

Charlotte Chester, Phoenix, USA

another vote here for Peter Robinson. delighted with the list and the comments. have kept all for future reference.

sandra macrory, newtownards, ireland

No Michael Connelly, no Robert Goddard and no T. Jefferson Parker (winner of not just one but two Edgar Awards)? Without any of these three the list looks more like a list of someone's favorites, not what it's purported to be.

Michael Lane, Alexandria, VA, USA

Lisa Scottoline
Deborah Crombie
Laurie R King
Elizabeth Peters
(and noticing Bert Coules further up this comment list, would include his excellent Sherlock Holmes stories and BBC radio adaptations of the Conan Doyle canon - often aired on BBC7)

Jane, Oxford, UK

No Gladys Mitchell?

Mary, Salford, UK

I think you should add Simon Beckett to this list. He is an exciting new Scotish auhor with two books translated into English, He is a master atof red hrrring clues and unexpected endings.

barbara broberg, Chaska, minnesota, united states

Frances Fyfield??

Ottoline Dudley, New Plymouth, New Zealand

Loren D Estleman; where is he? Gritty stories set in Detroit featuring Amos Walker. Read 'Retro' and weep.

Allen Stevens, Oxford, UK

Another vote here for Peter Robinson. He should definitely be in the top half of the list . Also Elizabeth George and Anne Perry should be there, especially if Sara Paretzky made it.

Pauline, Winnipeg, Canada

Colin Dexter number 47 - surely at least in the top twenty!

Mark Macklam, Edmonton, Canada

Where is Peter Robinson. Rebus's only rival Inspector Banks

Tony Francis, BUXTON Derbyshire, Great Britain

Peter Robinson. Consistently excellent for 20 years.

Mark , London,

Michael Connelly?

clarke ching, Linlithgow Bridge,

Where are the representatives of historical crime fiction? Ellis Peters, Lindsey Davis and Steven Saylor would all be on my list.

Juliette, Birmingham, UK,

James Ellory should be first.
David Peace's yorkshire quartet is asatonishing.
Where are Michael Connelly? James Sallis?
While we are on the subject, almost anything published by No Exit Press is worth a look.

Chris, London,

One of the earliest example's of detective fiction has to be Voltaire's "Zadig"(1748), whose main character performs feats of analysis. The first detective to feature in British literature, using what could be regarded today as modern day techniques, is Inspector Bucket in Charles Dicken's "Bleak House" (1853). This novel predates Wilkie Collins "The Woman in White" and "The Moonstone."

Raymond Nemo, Kingston, UK

Michael Connelly - excellent but strangely missing here. Harry Bosch is a legend! I am surprised, too, that Cruz Smith's Renko series is not considered good enough for him to make the list.

Otherwise, thank you. Some great recommendations that I'm sure I'll follow...

Mick, Bielefeld, Germany

Can't believe you left Kathy Reichs out!

Stephanie, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Ruth Rendell, who is admittedly prolific, but still from the School of Anglo Bores, IS on the list, Kerrie, at #18.

Of course the list is created to provoke controversy, but a 'top fifty' that includes the anodyne Sarah Paretsky (albeit at #50), yet gives no place at all to John D. McDonald??

Ron McMillan, Thailand
www.myspace.com/betweenweathers

Ron McMillan, Bangkok, Thailand

Hard choice.
How about Martin Cruz Smith´s Arkadi Renko books,
Yasmina Khadra´s Algerian investigator Llob,
Jean-Claude Izzo` s Marseille trilogie with Fabio Montale or
Janwillem van de Wetering with his hilarious stories from Amsterdam?
Next time you should do a list of the 500 Greatest Crime Writers.

Gisela Gehrmann, Cologne, Germany

What about Lee Child and Peter Robinson.Am reading one of his books .He definetly belongs up there

Vidya, Dubai, UAE

Ian Rankin and Reginald Hill are surely pretty close to level pegging; Ipersonally 'd give Hill the edge - just. How on earth are they separated by 25 places and what on earth is Minette Walters (whose books I have very much enjoyed) doing ahead of Hill. She really is not in the same class - very few are.

Martin Eveleigh, George Town, Cayman Islands

Chester Himes anyone?

Anyone?

Will, London, UK

No William Reilly Burnett?

tom mccabe, dublin , ireland

A very weak list including some poor writers and missing out many better ones such as John D. Macdonald, Philip Macdonald and Lawrence block. I assume Wilkie Collins is not regarded as a crime writer for these purposes otherwise his omission is inexcusable.

a mcculloch, london, uk

Cannot believe the number 1 choice!!!!! Has this person read The Talented Mr Ripley - it is awful. Also where is Peter Robinson?
List is the real mystery!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Russell White, Doagh, Ireland

A.E.W. MASON - one of the best, Where he? Well done Richard Creasey for being analytical - stats always have more impact than opinion - not often a family member gets stuck in that way. What an amazing output. So absolutely his Dad belongs as proven contributor to the genre. My 4 Toffs await me.

Roger Douglas, Alicante, Spain

I'm so pleased to see Andrea Camilleri in the list, (I'm Italian) his books are extroardinary. I bought them in english for my husbands that loves them, but, as good as the translation really is, the original sicilian writting makes you feel as you were there and so something is "lost in translation".
On the other hand, I would have expected Fred Vargas to be included as well. Probably not so well know in England yet, (only few of her books translated and not in the right order !!!), but she is considered the French Patricia Cornwell (sorry for the obvious punt!). Try one of her books, the three evangelist is a good start as much it does not included the famous adamsberg inspector, but characters that will be met in the following books.

Marcella, Bristol,

Dick Francis?! Seriously? Carl Hiaasen - why? And yet no Peter Robinson or Mark Billingham. Oh dear.

Charlotte, Worcester,

Kate Atkinson is wonderful - and missing from your list.

Charlotte, Miami, FL

Where are Old Masters of the genre such as Robert B. Parker and Richard Stark/Donald Westlake and new, accomplished and richly promising writers such as Australia's Peter Temple, France's Fred Vargas and Ireland's Declan Hughes?..these last three just a few books in , but so much to look forward to.

Derek Topliss, Greystones, Ireland

Ruth Rendell is no. 18 on the list as I read it.

Harold Tucker, LUDLOW, Kentucky USA

No William Reilly Burnett?

tom mccabe, dublin , ireland

Come on, get real. How could you miss out Robert Parker?? Every one's a winner.

Joan Stonham, Witney, UK

Robert B. Parker is not on the list. Having met him, I'd wager his colossal ego will compel him to dismiss this list all together and/or argue that he IS on the list due to his retention by the Chandler Family Trust to ghost Poodle Springs and the sequel to The Big Sleep. Ah well, better luck next time Mr. Parker.

Carl Lehman PI, Los Angeles, CA

He's won every major international crime fiction-writing award going, including the Edgar and Dagger. He's created four very different character based series - Scudder, Tanner, Rhodenbarr and Keller - and in the Scudder series surely what has developed into one of the most descriptive and noir of modern American writing. Lawrence Block doesn't make your list? Amazing! Perhaps Keller will be set loose next in the journo world of London!

Rob White, London, UK

Lists are always very relative.The one certainty is that you will get nobody to agree.I personally would have Michael Connelly,Robert Crais and Peter Robinson in my list and Laurence Block must be considered for his Matt Scudder character alone.Still what do I know!

David Kellett, Drogheda, Co.Louth Ireland

Misplaced

Dorothy Sayers should be near the top, bracketed with Agatha Christie and Ngaio Marsh [see below]

Missing?
1 R Austin Freeman - author of medico-legal specialist Dr John Thorndike, including his inverted stories, where you are told exactly what has happened, and then see how Thorndike solves the case.
2 Dornford Yates - his Chandos stories and others
3 Patricia Weatcroft - Miss Silver
4 Michael Innes - Appleby
5 Ngaio Marsh - Alleyn. She, Agatha and Dorothy were the top three in the golden age
6 Freeman Wills Croft - Inspector French
7 Rex Stout - Nero Wolf and Archie Goodman, in New York
8 GDH and M Cole
9 Simon Brett - e.g the Fethering Mysteries
10 Christine Aird

Placing creative workers, such as writers, in rank order will always be a thankless task, but not to include Austin Freeman nor any of the others ... !!

P H Borcherds, Birmingham, England

Tess Gerritsen - Richard Montanari - Lisa Gardner - Tami Hoag

Gordijn, Weert, Netherlands

John D. McDonald and "Richard Stark"/Donald E. Westlake

David N Cook, Oxnard, CA USA

Leaving Nero Wolfe off the list (he's so big he's truly difficult to overlook) merits one big PFUI! (And there's no John D. MacDonald either.)

Faterson, Bratislava, Slovakia

Ngaio Marsh is surely rated as one of the "golden age" women writers.

Sally Floyd, Edinburgh,

What about Patricia Wentworth from the "Golden Age" and Peter Lovesey still writing great stuff. For plots as meticulous as a Rolls Royce engine who could beat Freeman Wills Crofts? Edgar Wallace and John Creasy both prolific and consistantly entertaining although perhaps a bit too "down market" for the Sunday Times. How about Anne Perry, Carola Dunn and Jacqueline Winspear? I could go on but that will do for now.

Ian Turner, Wolverhampton, England

My Goodness, who made this list? Obviously someone who's never read crime stories in their life! Colin Dexter should be on top of it. And please: Where's Martha Grimes??? Caroline Graham?? Never heard of them? No wonder...
A list unworthy of the Times, that's for sure!!!

Annette, Munich, Bavaria

No John Creasey or Edgar Wallace? I expected these to top the list, not be omitted.

Ian Sampson, Kendal, Carlisle, U.K.

Interesting list. I'd rank them differently, and find a spot for
Elizabeth Daly. Who? She's the often-out-of-print author of the Henry Gamadge novels. Agatha Christie thought she was wonderful. Gamadge's stories of book forgeries and corpses set c. 1940's Upper East Side New York evoke a vanished world.

sedahlinger, HIghland, New York

Please consider: Elizabeth George. Peter Robinson.
On a good day : Mo Hayder.

And I agree with one of the other readers: It's all very Sgt Pepper in Abbey Road with a white revolver. Let it be. Lists never work.

David Rea, Denver, USA

Dick Francis above Colin Dexter? Good grief.

Bert Coules, Hythe, Kent

Christie above Chandler??

Hammett not in the top TEN??

Sayers above Raymond or Thompson?

No Block?

And where was the white album, or revolver?

Jay, Glasgow,

Michael Connelly, Peter Robinson, Lawrence Block - and personally I'd rate Allingham far higher than Sayers....
What an impossible task you've set yourselves!!

Patrick, Newton Abbot, Devon

Michael Connelly and Marcia Muller are definite omissions, Laurie King and Sue Grafton are possibles.

Chris, Thousand Oaks, California

Barry Eisler gets my vote - creator of the assassin John Rain. Sheer brilliance!

Mags, FoD, Gloucestershire

Good list, but very upset not to see Michael Connelly anywhere on the list. Surely an oversight...?

Danielle Vella, Ta L'Ibragg, Malta

Peter Robinson a must on this list. Banks is well up there as a great british detective. I'm astonished he is not on the list.

No Michael Connelly? Truely amazing.

Otherwise, hugely enjoyable article. Great for debate.

MDJ, Dublin, Ireland

A thoughtful list - it covers many writers whose originality led to new ideas and directions. I was a little surprised not to find Michael Connelly somewhere in the lower half of the catalogue.

HMJ, Bushey, UK

I'm clearly prejudiced because John Creasey was my Dad. Born in 1908 he's become the forgotten writer: Click http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/brunel/A610886 and tell me what you think:
Simple facts:
John Creasey published over 600 books (no one is sure exactly how many!) following 743 rejection slips, with worldwide sales of over 80 million copies in at least 5000 different editions in 28 different languages . There are 11 different series, four of them (Roger West, the Toff, the Baron and Patrick Dawlish) with either 50 titles reached or very close, two series (Dr Palfrey and Department Z) with over 30 titles, and the great Gideon with 21. A further 50-odd titles have been published as written by Michael Halliday. In 1955 John Ford used Gideon's Day to inspire a feature film. In the sixties Lew Grade based two television series: The Baron and Gideon's Way.

Richard Creasey, London,

No Donald E. Westlake/Richard Stark? And what about Mickey Spillane?

John DuMond, Albany, NY

"Archie" would be annoyed -- Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe, for oh so many reasons!!

ed, asbury park, nj

Dexter should be ranked closer to the top of the list....well above Francis and Smith.....and Martha Grimes should have made the list.

Betty Mullins, Pinson, Alabama.....USA

What about Ruth Rendell? How could you leave her off?

Kerrie, Paradise, South Australia

What about Ruth Rendell? Surely Britain's modern queen of crime

Kerrie, Paradise, South Australia

I had to read his list several times as i couldn't believe that Michael Connelly and Robert Crais are missing. At least you have Willeford and Pelecanos!

Malcolm, Theoule, France

Kathy Reichs and Peter Robinson?

Sarah Billings, Alford, Lincs

Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

Stephen Monaghan, Hancock, MA