Who are your favorite golden age of detection authors and why?

I have been reading Rex Stout for a few years, but have recently also started reading Dorothy Sayers, Edmund Crispin, Patricia Wentworth and Agatha Christie. Wentworth being my favorite of the newer authors.

I have also recently been wanting to read Gladys Mitchell (She wrote over 50 "Mrs. Bradley" mysteries), Dorothy Bowers and Pamela Branch. I have a Gladys Mitchell book on the way.

Any other recommendations or remarks about the authors I listed?

Dorothy Bowers first novel:

http://www.ruemorguepress.com/catalog/bowers_postscript.html

Pamela Branch's first novel:

http://www.ruemorguepress.com/catalog/branch_wooden.html

Gladys Mitchell's first novel "Speedy Death":

http://www.gladysmitchell.com/speedy.htm

My mother always read Agatha Christie and the Cat Who books, among other mysteries. When I started reading, she gave me access to all her Bobbsy Twins and Nancy Drew books from her childhood. However, for some reason, I never touched the Christie or other books. Two years ago a book club I belonged to read one of Christie's books, and I was hooked. I have been slowly trying to read all the books in the POirot series, buying them as I find them.  THere are over 30 in just that series, and I have read about 20 of them now.

I also like the sherlock holmes mysteries.

I havent read any of the others you named.

Believe it or not my grandmother handed me a Charlie Chan book when I was about 6 or seven.  She had the set then and let me have one a week.  I couldn't get enough of Charlie and #1 son

Wow!  I haven't thought of that for years.  I think I've got to get those books out and reread.  Yes, grandma left the books to me.

What lovely memories! It makes me feel lonesome that I discovered these books as an adult.  My dad introduced me to Tolkein, Asprin, and Gregory McDonald ("Fletch"). But I don't think this makes me sentimental. Maybe the Fletch books do... Tolkein just makes me dreamy!

Ngaio Marsh's books are wonderful. Entire series about Inspector Alleyn written over a period of 50 years. Some of her books are hard to get hold of, it took me years to find some.   http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/M_Authors/Marsh_Ngaio.html

I also enjoy Patricia Moyes Inspector Tibbett books. They take place in the late 50's & 60's.  His crime solving is very cerebreal - before the days of gadgets & computers.   http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/M_Authors/Moyes_Patricia.html

My all-time favorite Golden Age author is Edmund Crispin.  Thanks for the link to Rue Morgue...used to go to their bookshop when I had a chance to get to Boulder.  My favorite thing about the shop was the newsletter they sent out each month...hundreds of books listed, with a brief description.  It became my "bible" for books I wanted to look for...even tho I didn't go to Boulder that often.

I like Edmund Cripsin, too.

I am trying to find other GA authors to try, and appreciate this ongoing list!

I started reading my mom's copies of Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden (the ones she had had since she was about 10) when I was around 8 or 9. I still have those books too. I grew up watching the Charlie Chan movies with Sidney Toler (whom I adore!) and for the reading challenge I decided to read a Charlie Chan book. I hope I love it too. I loved the Thin Man movies too but have never read the books.

Same with Agatha christie movies and Perry Mason (Gardner's books I've never read).

Reading this I realize I was born too late LOL. I'm only 37 and I know all these old movies and actors from them when most people my age or a little younger (at least the ones i know) have never heard of them. Wonder what that says about my friends LOL.

Michelle, I am much the same way, and the same age as you, too!

I just started reading "The Innocense of Father Brown" by G.K. Chesterton. This is a compilation of short stories written in the "Sherlock Holmes Style" (perfect excentric infalliable detective). I am loving these. They are full of the "wit and wisdom" of a short little Catholic Priest, who is out to save souls as much as he is to solve mysteries. I think this would especially appeal to cozy readers who like light mysteries, and who enjoyed Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I have been reading one of the short stories every night at bedtime, and am loving them!

I just finished up one of America's "Agatha Christie" authors books. Mary Roberts Rinehart's "The Yellow Room". Picture Patricia Wentworth books sans Miss Silver. This one was a little long and could be dull in parts, but, I have to say I enjoyed it. Its considered one of her lesser mysteries, so the fact I did enjoy it turns me on to reading more by her.

I also finished up another Gladys Mitchell "Mrs. Bradley Mystery" last week. This one was called "When Last I Died". A very interesting and enjoyable mystery, but for some reason Mrs. Bradley lacks the warmth of Lord Peter, Miss Silver, Poirot, and Miss Marple. I can't put my finger on it, but I am going to continue to read her works.

My dad introduced me to his Agatha Christie collection when I was 9 or 10. I had read just about all of them before I was even a teenager.  I've re-read quite a few as an adult and I am still stumped almost every time on who dunnit. She's still my favorite author of all time. And Poirot my favorite detective.

It always makes me feel close to my dad when I read one these days, and he's been dead 24 years this Valentine's day. I credit him with my love of reading, and mysteries in particular.

Patricia Moyes is an often-overlooked British author--a bit late for Golden Age, maybe, as I believe she wrote in the 50s, but very good.