📖 Overview
A New Omnibus of Crime presents a collection of mystery and crime short stories spanning from the early 1900s through the modern era. The anthology, edited by Tony Hillerman and Rosemary Herbert, brings together works from both classic mystery authors and contemporary crime writers.
The collection features stories from notable contributors including Dorothy L. Sayers, P.D. James, Ruth Rendell, and Lawrence Block. Each story represents a different approach to the crime and mystery genre, from traditional detective tales to psychological suspense narratives.
The selections showcase the evolution of crime fiction over the decades, with stories addressing social issues, human psychology, and changes in investigative methods. Through diverse storylines and varied writing styles, this anthology demonstrates the enduring appeal and adaptability of crime fiction as a literary form.
👀 Reviews
Readers describe this anthology as a comprehensive update to Dorothy L. Sayers' 1929 crime collection. The selections span from 1920s to early 2000s.
Liked:
- Inclusion of diverse crime writing styles from multiple decades
- Mix of well-known and lesser-known authors
- Strong focus on psychological crime stories over procedurals
- Clear organization by crime type and era
Disliked:
- Some readers found earlier stories dated and slow-paced
- A few noted redundant story themes in middle sections
- Several mentioned wanting more international authors
Ratings:
Goodreads: 3.7/5 (32 ratings)
Amazon: 4.1/5 (11 reviews)
"The editors struck a good balance between classic and contemporary," noted one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads reader commented that "the historical context provided for each selection adds value." Multiple reviews mentioned the anthology works well as a reference for crime fiction development over time.
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The Oxford Book of American Detective Stories by Tony Hillerman, Rosemary Herbert. The collection traces detective fiction from its American roots through modern times with works from Edgar Allan Poe to Sara Paretsky.
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The Black Lizard Big Book of Pulps by Otto Penzler. This compilation presents crime fiction from the pulp magazine era with stories from Dashiell Hammett, Raymond Chandler, and Cornell Woolrich.
Murder on the Menu by Nancy Pickard. This anthology combines crime stories with recipes, linking culinary themes to mysteries from authors like Sue Grafton and Joan Hess.
The Oxford Book of American Detective Stories by Tony Hillerman, Rosemary Herbert. The collection traces detective fiction from its American roots through modern times with works from Edgar Allan Poe to Sara Paretsky.
The World's Finest Mystery and Crime Stories by Ed Gorman. This annual collection features contemporary crime fiction from international authors alongside established mystery writers.
The Black Lizard Big Book of Pulps by Otto Penzler. This compilation presents crime fiction from the pulp magazine era with stories from Dashiell Hammett, Raymond Chandler, and Cornell Woolrich.
🤔 Interesting facts
📚 This anthology features crime fiction spanning from the 1920s through the early 2000s, showcasing the evolution of the genre over nearly a century.
🕵️ Tony Hillerman, one of the editors, was famous for his Navajo Tribal Police mystery novels and brought a unique perspective on incorporating cultural elements into crime fiction.
✍️ The collection includes works from both classic masters like Raymond Chandler and contemporary authors, demonstrating how crime fiction techniques and themes have changed over time.
🌟 The book's title pays homage to Dorothy L. Sayers' classic 1929 anthology "The Omnibus of Crime," acknowledging the genre's rich history while presenting modern contributions.
🔍 Several stories in the collection were selected specifically to showcase how crime fiction has expanded beyond traditional "whodunit" plots to explore deeper psychological and social themes.