Talking About Detective Fiction

October 26, 2009
One of the most widely read and respected writers of detective fiction, James (The Private Patient
) explores the genre's origins (focusing primarily on Britain) and its lasting appeal. James cites Wilkie Collins's The Moonstone
, published in 1868, as the first detective novel and its hero, Sergeant Cuff, as one of the first literary examples of the professional detective (modeled after a real-life Scotland Yard inspector). As for Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories, James argues that their staying power has as much to do with the gloomy London atmosphere, “the enveloping miasma of mystery and terror,” as with the iconic sleuth. Devoting much of her time to writers in the Golden Age of British detective fiction (essentially between the two world wars), James dissects the work of four heavyweights: Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, Margery Allingham and Ngaio Marsh. Though she's more appreciative of Marsh and Allingham (declaring them “novelists, not merely fabricators of ingenious puzzles”), James acknowledges not only the undeniable boost these women gave to the genre but their continuing appeal. For crime fiction fans, this master class from one of the leading practitioners of the art will be a real treat. 9 illus.

Starred review from July 1, 2010
James, who turns 90 in August, wrote this Edgar Award-winning book on the history, development, and craft of detective fiction as a charitable contribution to the University of Oxford's Bodleian Library. Exploring the genre in great detail, she begins with Wilkie Collins's seminal 1868 novel, "The Moonstone" also discussing the Golden Age of British detective fiction that gave us the works of Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers, among others. James additionally addresses her own contributions to the genre; namely, her Adam Dalgliesh series. Throughout, her prose is as clear and precise as her readers and listeners have come to expect. Actress/writer Diana Bishop does an extraordinary job of narrating this material; her British accent is crisp and lucid, and her pacing is perfect for optimal understanding by American audiences. Highly recommended for James's fans as well as anyone interested in fiction writing and literary history. The Knopf hc was described as being "entertaining [and] approachable…an appealing read for a wide audience," "LJ"1/10.—Ed.]—Barbara Valle, El Paso P.L., TX

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