The Lineup is a gem of a book for mystery fans. Edited by Otto Penzler, it features the World's greatest crime writers telling in their own words how they created their famous detectives. There is a wide range of detective styles represented, and I found it interesting to read about the ones I knew, as well as discover new authors. Even hearing from some authors I don't like was interesting. Didn't make me want to read them again (!) but I respect their process.
Featured are: Ken Braun, Lee Child, Lincoln Child, Michael Connelly, John Connelly, Robert Crais, Jeffery Deaver, Colin Dexter, John Harvey, Stephen Hunter, Faye Kellerman, Jonathan Kellerman, John Lescroart, Laura Lippman, David Morrell, Carol O'Connell, Robert B. Parker, Ridley Pearson, Anne Perry, Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, Ian Rankin, and Alexander McCall-Smith.
Each section is prefaced by a brief biography of the writer by Otto and then the writer takes over, each in their own style. I found it fascinating as a mystery fan to hear how long they had been gestating the character before beginning, all the nuances they added or deleted.
One of the surprises was hearing from David Morrell, a name I didn't recognize. He writes about the 36 year history of his novel First Blood, and his character John Rambo. The journey from his original intention, the success of the book and then the films, and the cultural effects of it all. The name Rambo is now in the Oxford English Dictionary.
Mystery and Crime Fiction fans are devoted and if you like an author, you tend to read every book in the series. The Linup is a great way to add to your favourite characters history and each section is a quick read, just right.
Penzler is the editor of the Best American Mystery Stories series, as well as collections from Black Lizard and Black Mask, the Best American Crime Writing series, and many other compilations. He has won the Ellery Queen Award and the Raven Award.
2009 / Hardcover / 406 pages
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