More than 7000 crime novels were published in Britain in 2001, making crime fiction the second-most loved genre of book-buyers. It is also a fast-moving genre with new authors emerging constantly to challenge perennial best selling authors such as John Grisham and Patricia Cornwell. this book will help readers to navigate their way through this plethora of great writing. 220 of the best crime fiction writers are included with a description of the themes, characters, styles and locations of the author concerned, along with a listing of his or her best books.