Perfect Murder: A Study in Detection

by David Lehman

Investigates the continual appeal of the mystery novel and the popularity of its most successful purveyors, from Agatha Christie to Ed McBain, drawing on a selection of the best of the genre

Genres: Nonfiction, Literary Criticism

242 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

David Lehman is a poet and the series editor for The Best American Poetry series. He teaches at The New School in New York City.

Reviews

[Robert]

An interesting, though somewhat repetious, analysis of the genesis and development of the mystery genre from Poe through the 1980s. All the usual suspects are discussed, related, and evaluated. It helped me understand the conventions of the different types of mysteries. Of course, it is dated and has no mention of the subgenres and authors who have come along since 1990.

[Gail Kennon]

should be subtitled a study in detection written primarily by males.

[Mike]

Among the critiques I've read of the genre, I found this to be the best and most interesting analysis of the development and meaning of the detective novel. Well written and intellectually entertaining. Out of print, of course (published in 1989), but copies should be available from the usual suspects of used book dealers.