# Who is the best author of detective novels?

> Dive into a world of mystery where literary giants clash, from the creators of timeless detectives to innovative modern storytellers, each bringing their own flavor—from classic whodunits to edgy psychological thrillers. Which of these esteemed authors will capture your vote and rise to the top?

*By YouPickBest · Published December 12, 2025 · https://youpick.best/ranking/who-is-the-best-author-of-detective-novels*

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## Current results (170 votes)

1. **Agatha Christie**
   Known for creating iconic detective Hercule Poirot
2. **Arthur Conan Doyle**
   Created Sherlock Holmes, the quintessential detective character
3. **Raymond Chandler**
   Pioneer of hard-boiled detective fiction, known for Philip Marlowe
4. **Dashiell Hammett**
   Wrote The Maltese Falcon, influential in noir fiction
5. **Georges Simenon**
   Famous for the Maigret series featuring Inspector Jules Amedee Francois Maigret
6. **Dorothy L. Sayers**
   Known for the Lord Peter Wimsey detective series
7. **Rex Stout**
   Created the Nero Wolfe series, featuring a brilliant detective
8. **Henning Mankell**
   Known for the Kurt Wallander series set in Sweden
9. **Stieg Larsson**
   Authored the Millennium series, including The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
10. **Jo Nesbø**
   Known for the Harry Hole detective series set in Norway
11. **Michael Connelly**
   Famous for the Harry Bosch series of detective novels
12. **James Patterson**
   Prolific author known for the Alex Cross series
13. **Lee Child**
   Created the Jack Reacher series featuring a former military policeman
14. **Gillian Flynn**
   Known for psychological thrillers, including Gone Girl
15. **Tana French**
   Known for her Dublin Murder Squad series with psychological depth
16. **Louise Penny**
   Famous for the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series set in Quebec

Tags: books