Raymond Chandler's thoughts on the subject[1][2] make a nice contrast with this list. I haven't read any S.S. Van Dine, but in general I strongly prefer Chandle

Raymond Chandler's thoughts on the subject[1][2] make a nice contrast with this list. I haven't read any S.S. Van Dine, but in general I strongly prefer Chandler's approach over other mystery authors of the time. [1]"Ten Commandments for the Detective Novel" http://www.thrillingdetective.com/trivia/triv116.html http://www.thrillingdetective.com/trivia/triv116.html [2]"The Simple Art of Murder" http://www.en.utexas.edu/amlit/amlitprivate/scans/chandlerart.html http://www.en.utexas.edu/amlit/amlitprivate/scans/chandlerar...