Yes, I know, I know. “Where’s the Detroit angle,” you kvetch. Well, there isn’t one today. Indulge me.

Something…unexpected…and different popped up during my rabbit-hole research for BHM. I’ll let author Greg Levin do the talking…

So, without much further ado, I’m honored to share with you a list of 33 [sic] black authors of crime fiction everyone needs to read. Mind you, this is by no means an exhaustive list. Nor is it simply my list. While I have read and immensely enjoyed works by each of the featured authors, they are widely considered to be amongst the most influential and talented writers of their respective generation. Point is, each author listed is an outstanding writer (not just an outstanding black writer). I’ll leave it to you to explore each and discover some new favorite authors/books—and revisit some old ones.

Wherever possible, I’ve provided links to the authors’ official websites so that readers may learn more about each writer and check out their books (and hopefully BUY some!). For the authors who don’t have a formal website, I’ve provided a link either to their Amazon page or to their profile page on the African American Literature Book Club’s website.

Wait, wait! There is a Detroit connection! Two, actually! The first is Detroit’s own Stephen Mack Jones, prize-winning novelist and creator of P.I. August Snow! If you’re not already a fan, read the free excerpt! The second is Detroit native and DC emigre Cheryl A. Head, a woman who has a list of successful careers like I got empty Wild Turkey bottles^[1], writer, television producer, filmmaker, broadcast executive, media funder and presently Director of Inclusion for the board of the Golden Crown Literary Society. You gotta ask: does Ms Head ever sleep?

Happy reading, crime fiction fans!