If you love police procedural fiction, you’re probably familiar with LJ Ross, the bestselling author whose DCI Ryan series has sold over 12 million copies worldwide.
She’s the master of writing fast-paced whodunnits, but where does she find her own inspiration? To find out, we asked the author to name her five favourite thrillers of all time and to explain why each title has earned its place on her list. We’re definitely adding the following to our reading pile…
The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan
The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan
‘First published in 1915, The Thirty-Nine Steps is widely considered to be a precursor to the spy thriller genre. The novel, which I read shortly after enjoying the 1935 film, boasts a fast-paced narrative that feels very ‘modern’, considering it is now almost a hundred years since it was first released. Hannay’s relentless pursuit by the authorities as well as the shadowy spy figures behind it all contributes to a real page-turning experience, but its real success lies in the timeless appeal of a lone protagonist who faces overwhelming odds in a high-stakes battle between ‘good’ and ‘evil’. It’s a classic for very good reason!’
The IPCRESS File by Len Deighton
The Ipcress File by Len Deighton
‘The thing I love most about Deighton’s style has to be his irreverence; not only does he have a natural flair for dry comedy, but he imbues his protagonist with the same. The result is a working-class secret agent who’d rather be doing something—anything—else with his life, and whose apathy serves as a complete counterfoil to the other great fictional spy of that era – namely, James Bond. The Ipcress File seems to have been a deliberate attempt to subvert the genre. It’s a fantastic read for a rainy day, and the flavour of the sixties oozes from every page.’
The Hollow Man by John Dickson Carr
The Hollow Man by John Dickson Carr
‘No self-respecting reader (or author) of crime fiction should overlook this towering classic, which is both atmospheric and cleverly constructed, immersing the reader in a wintry London setting replete with snow and shadowy alleyways. The plot is layered and offers a fair challenge to armchair detectives while never feeling contrived. Dr. Fell’s famous “locked room lecture” is an inspired addition to the narrative, providing an erudite explanation of the various ways such crimes can be committed, a perfect foundation for what follows. However, what really sets The Hollow Man apart is Carr’s flair for drama, and his ability to keep the reader guessing until the final pages. It’s a must-read.’
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie
‘Aside from its ingenious plot structure, the beauty of this novel lies in Christie’s ability to challenge the reader’s assumptions – particularly, through her use of a locked-room narrative, which was highly original at the time of the book’s publication and represented a pivotal moment in the redefinition of the crime fiction genre. Christie’s writing is crisp, engaging, and laced with humour. The characters are vividly drawn, and suspicion is cast widely so the reader is kept guessing throughout. In short, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is an excellent read, for lovers of the crime fiction genre and beyond.’
Our Man in Havana by Graham Greene
Our Man in Havana by Graham Greene
‘It is notoriously difficult to write comedy, but, as with so many things, Graham Greene managed to create a darkly comedic world of farcical espionage, blended seamlessly with reality so that both reader and fictional character alike seem never to know which carries the prevailing wind in any given chapter. His stories are always a joy to read because they require very little effort to fall into; the prose is flowing and graceful, but, more than this, Greene’s unparalleled ability to observe humanity and detail its foibles with compassion is what sets him apart from others of his genre.’
Have you read any of L J Ross’ favourite books? Let us know in the comments below…
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