Directory of Mysteries by Black Authors
Have you ever wondered where you could find mysteries written by black authors? Would you like to browse a diverse collection of mysteries authored by black people from around the world? Do you want to read mysteries that center black people as the sleuth? Well, you have found the right place. Here you will find an ever-growing collection of black authors who create crime fiction. From cozies to afro-futurism, welcome to the rich and wonderful world of literature.
IMPORTANT NOTE: I am in the process of rebuilding the directory. I have to create new pages for all of the 800+ books. This will take some time but I will be adding some each week. I currently have over 650 books in the directory.
Also, please go to the Crime Writers of Color website and Frankie’s List on the Sisters in Crime website.
Learn more about the history of the directory here.
Help Expand the Directory
If you know of or are a black mystery author, please email me at curtis@ifoundthisgreatbook.com or use my contact form.
You should also subscribe to my podcast for weekly episodes where I feature mystery novels and short stories I have read. I will also bring you news about new books, and keep you informed of additions and changes to the directory. Besides featuring authors, I occasionally I get the honor to interview authors you will find in this directory.
History of the Directory
I have always been a fan of mysteries. I grew up reading Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie and P.D. James. In the late 70’s and early 80’s, I discovered the world of black literature. This discovery brought great joy to my reading life because now I had books that told stories of people who looked like the people I knew. These books exposed me to the stories of black people from around the world and expanded my awareness. However, I did not find mysteries by black authors. That all changed when I read my first Walter Mosley novel. His works filled a great need in my reading life, and I have been a rabid fan ever since. When I discovered the works of Chester Himes, I again was thrilled by each book, but I was still left with the question of where I can find other black authors who write mysteries.
One day I came across an article on the Sisters in Crime website that talked about a list of diverse mystery authors. Frankie’s List gave me a world of black authors I never knew existed. This list was initially complied by the mystery writer and scholar Dr. Frankie Y. Bailey. The list has expanded to include other diverse groups of mystery writers. Another major source of information on mystery authors of color is the Crime Writers of Color website. The members of Crime Writers of Color have recently started a podcast that features interviews with members of the group. Check it out here.
Frankie’s List inspired me to create a directory designed for readers of mysteries who want to read books that center black people. A place on the web that would answer the question: Where can I find mysteries written by Black authors?