Well, there are quite a few. Peter Temple is definitely one. His works are lauded for their deep exploration of character and place. For instance, his Melbourne - based stories are very immersive. Jane Harper has made a name for herself with her outback - set crime novels. Her writing is engaging and she does a wonderful job of building suspense. Garry Disher is another. His crime fiction often has a strong social commentary element, looking at things like inequality and crime in Australian society.
There's also Alexis Wright, an indigenous Australian female author. Her work, like 'Carpentaria', is significant as it gives voice to the indigenous experience in Australia, blending elements of magic realism with stories of the land, the people, and their history.
Agatha Christie is very famous. She created characters like Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. Her stories are full of clever plots and unexpected twists. Another one is Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, a brilliant detective who has become an iconic figure in crime fiction.
Another notable author is Michael Robotham. His crime fiction set in Australia is known for its psychological depth. He delves into the minds of both the criminals and the investigators, creating a very immersive reading experience. His works often deal with themes like betrayal, redemption, and the search for truth.
Australia has Tim Winton, who writes beautifully about the Australian landscape and the people who inhabit it. His works are often full of a sense of place. In New Zealand, Alan Duff is famous for his novels that explore Maori culture and the challenges faced by Maori in modern society. There's also Janet Frame, whose works are often autobiographical in nature and are highly regarded for their exploration of mental illness and the human condition.
There's Georges Simenon. He created the character Maigret, and his works are a significant part of la crime fiction. Also, Patricia Highsmith, whose books often deal with complex psychological aspects in crime stories.
Patricia Cornwell is quite famous. Her books often feature the character Kay Scarpetta, a forensic pathologist. Another is Kathy Reichs. She writes novels with Temperance Brennan, a forensic anthropologist.
James Elroy. His works often deal with the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles and the gangs and crime that exist there. Another one is Dennis Lehane. His books like 'Mystic River' have elements of gang crime in them.
Well, Agatha Christie is a giant in this genre. Her books are known for their intricate plots and clever twists. Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories are iconic, with Holmes' brilliant deductive skills. Another great author is Patricia Cornwell. Her 'Kay Scarpetta' series is very popular. These authors have influenced the development of crime and detective fiction over the years, each bringing their own flavor to the genre.
Well, E. W. Hornung is also a significant author. He created the character Raffles, a gentleman thief. These authors were able to capture the essence of the Edwardian period in their crime fiction, with its unique social and cultural aspects. Their characters and plots were influenced by the values and mores of that time.
John Grisham is a very well - known author in this genre. His books often feature lawyers as main characters and are full of legal drama. Another one is Scott Turow. His works also delve deep into the world of law and crime. And then there's Michael Connelly, who has written some great stories involving lawyers in the context of crime and mystery.