From Library Journal
This is a remarkably balanced and highly entertaining collection of essays reflecting one writer's ideas about what constitutes the best in crime and mystery fiction. The two-page essays extend from Poe's Tales of Mystery and Imagination through P.D. James's A Taste for Death , forming a sort of history of the genre. Each essay contains a synopsis of the plot or theme, a critical assessment, and a list of first and recent editions. Keating, a prolific mystery writer, seems an ideal choice to compile such a work, and his wit and intelligence make these essays as much fun as they are informative.Lonnie Beene, West Texas State Univ. Lib., CanyonCopyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

FROM OUR EDITORS

The best book ever published on the subject of mystery novels is at last available again, this time in a handsome trade paperback. Crime and Mystery: The 100 Best Books by the gifted British crime novelist H.R.F. Keating is packed with lively and helpful information and opinions that will give you a wide knowledge of where the field has been and where it's going. The writing is stylish, sage, and unforgettable. In at least a few instances, Keating's reviews are more fun to read than the books he's reviewing. Absolutely indispensable mystery.

—Ed Gorman

ANNOTATION

This authoritative and hugely entertaining survey by distinguished author and critic was greeted with much critical acclaim when published.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

H.R.F.Keating, well-known as a crime writer himself and critic for The Times, has done crime and mystery fans a great service in creating this book, his choice of the hundred best of the genre.

SYNOPSIS

You may not agree with all of the author's selections, but this book will undoubtedly point you to something you haven't seen before.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal