Crime Reads » Essays

Reviving the Traditional Mystery for a 21st Century Audience

Reviving the Traditional Mystery for a 21st Century Audience

Traditional mysteries used to be all about restoring the status quo. Now, they're just about good people, striving.

By Sulari Gentill | January 8, 2020

Fiction's Most Manipulative Masterminds

Fiction's Most Manipulative Masterminds

12 Machiavellian Schemers You'll Find Endlessly Fascinating

By Adam Hamdy | January 7, 2020

Why Writers Love Villains

Why Writers Love Villains

From the Book of Genesis to contemporary crime writing, a look at why "trouble is always the most interesting element in any story."

By Sterling Watson | January 7, 2020

Justice for <em>Serenity</em>

Justice for Serenity

One year later, revisiting the strangest noir in recent memory.

By Zach Vasquez | January 7, 2020

Saint Petersburg: City of Revolution...and Crime Fiction

Saint Petersburg: City of Revolution...and Crime Fiction

The world's most northerly big city has a reputation for chilly noirs.

By Paul French | January 6, 2020

A Brief History of Strong Women in Mystery

A Brief History of Strong Women in Mystery

From Rebecca to Kinsey Millhone, a look at women characters who buck tradition and leave their mark.

By Charles Todd | January 6, 2020

Best Reviewed
Books of the Week

The New York City Subway System Is About to Become the Perfect Spot for Cybercrime

By Jerome Preisler | January 6, 2020

How 'The Godfather' Became an Unlikely Holiday Classic

By Halley Sutton | December 20, 2019

Forget 'Die Hard'—
This Christmas, Watch
'The Silent Partner'

By Zach Vasquez | December 20, 2019

The Rising Stars of Crime Fiction in the 2010s: International Edition

The Rising Stars of Crime Fiction in the 2010s: International Edition

Crime fiction has officially gone global.

By Paul French | December 19, 2019

Why We Can't Stop Reading Conspiracy Fiction

Why We Can't Stop Reading Conspiracy Fiction

Plus, a look ahead at 5 new conspiracy thrillers coming out in 2020, the very contentious year-to-come.

By L.C. Shaw | December 19, 2019

The Role of the Spiritual in African Crime Fiction

The Role of the Spiritual in African Crime Fiction

"The importance of curses, the ancestors, and the gods in African daily life cannot be overstated."

By Kwei Quartey | December 18, 2019

Soldier of (Mis)fortune

Soldier of (Mis)fortune

Searching for purpose and excitement, I answered an ad to become a mercenary—and unwittingly became wrapped up in an attempted prison break.

By Anthony Karen | December 17, 2019

How Dr. Seuss Gave Us One of the Most Complex, Socially Important Heist Stories Ever

How Dr. Seuss Gave Us One of the Most Complex, Socially Important Heist Stories Ever

And other hidden readings of a holiday classic.

By Olivia Rutigliano | December 17, 2019

How to Power Your Novel Through the All-Important Second Act

How to Power Your Novel Through the All-Important Second Act

A thriller author breaks down a tried-and-true plotting tradition.

By Wendy Heard | December 17, 2019

I've Written Superheroes, Legends, and My Own Characters. Here's What I've Learned—Every Story Is a Journey

I've Written Superheroes, Legends, and My Own Characters. Here's What I've Learned—Every Story Is a Journey

With great stories come great responsibilities.

By Charles Soule | December 16, 2019

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