A fascinating glimpse of the way styles and influences echo through generations, begetting seemingly endless variations on what is simple formula. * Observer *<br />This volume challenges a few myths and is worth reading for that pleasure alone. * <i>Sunday Times</i> *<br />Burke and Connolly's hefty compendium is no mere kill list but something subtler; a way of discovering great crime novels from the past through essays by more than 120 modern masters who have picked their favourites. While their selection is more quirky than definitive, they act as excellent guides . . . a strong and surprising selection * <i>FT</i> *<br />Indispensable * <i>Sunday Telegraph</i> *<br />A richly rewarding read from beginning to end * <i>Irish Catholic</i> *<br />This collection of essays on the kings and queens of crime, past and present, is the perfect stocking filler for all crime-lit junkies - wisdom, wit and candour from the likes of Christie, Conan Doyle and Highsmith. * <i>Saga</i> *