From Edgar Allan Poe to Now
There’s nothing quite like hunkering down with a good crime thriller and a steaming cup of coffee—or, depending on your preference, perhaps a glass of wine, a stout bourbon, or a sherry.
Your crime thriller may be a relatively new author or an established writer going back decades--perhaps even centuries. I’m a big fan of crime thrillers written in years gone by. I enjoy a story typically set at the end of the 19th century and into the 1940’s.
A First Encounter with Mystery: Edgar Allan Poe
My introduction to the genre came in high school literature class, where I first encountered Edgar Allan Poe, often referred to as the father of the detective story. In 1841, he published what we now recognize as the first modern detective fiction: “The Murders in the Rue Morgue”, featuring the brilliant (and fictional) detective C. Auguste Dupin.
Poe’s story set the foundation for the detective genre, introducing a protagonist with exceptional analytical skills, tasked with unraveling a seemingly impossible crime. Without revealing too much, I’ll simply say that Dupin’s ability to think beyond conventional suspects laid the groundwork for future literary detectives—including one of the most famous of all time: Sherlock Holmes.
Pair with: Sumatra Mandheling
The deep, earthy tones of Sumatra Mandheling coffee mirror the dark and mysterious ambiance of Poe's tales. This Indonesian coffee is known for its full body and low acidity, offering flavors of dark chocolate and spices that align with the gothic elements in Poe's writing.
The Golden Age of Detective Fiction
Since my first encounter with the genre, I’ve been drawn to the masters of classic crime fiction, including:
Agatha ChristieThe queen of mystery herself, known for her Belgian detective Hercule Poirot and his meticulous crime-solving methods.
Pair with: Ethiopian Yirgacheffe
Ethiopian Yirgacheffe is celebrated for its bright acidity and floral notes, reminiscent of the intricate and lively plots in Christie's novels. The coffee's complexity and clean finish can enhance the experience of unraveling a Hercule Poirot mystery.
Dashiell HammettCreator of Sam Spade, the hard-nosed private investigator of The Maltese Falcon.
Pair with: Italian Espresso
The bold and robust flavor of a classic Italian espresso pairs well with the gritty and hard-boiled style of Hammett's narratives. An espresso's intense and concentrated taste matches the no-nonsense attitude of characters like Sam Spade.
Sir Arthur Conan DoyleCreator of Sherlock Holmes, a consulting detective whose intellect often overshadowed the police force.
Pair with: Earl Grey Tea or London Fog Latte
Given the quintessentially British setting of Sherlock Holmes' adventures, a classic Earl Grey tea—a black tea blend infused with bergamot oil—offers a refined and aromatic experience that will harmonize with the Victorian ambiance of the stories. For a modern twist, consider a London Fog Latte, which combines Earl Grey tea with steamed milk and a hint of vanilla, adding a layer of comfort to your reading session.
Raymond ChandlerPioneer of the hard-boiled detective genre, best known for Philip Marlowe, whose cases take him into the dark underbelly of society.
Pair with: Guatemalan Antigua
Guatemalan Antigua coffee offers a rich, velvety body with notes of cocoa and a hint of spice, reflecting the smooth yet complex nature of Chandler's prose. The coffee's depth and subtlety align with the atmospheric settings of Philip Marlowe's adventures.
Rex StoutKnown for his eccentric, brilliant detective Nero Wolfe and his quick-witted assistant, Archie Goodwin.
Pair with: Kenya AA
Kenya AA beans are known for their bright acidity and fruity undertones, offering a vibrant and bold flavor. This lively profile matches the dynamic between Nero Wolfe and his assistant, Archie Goodwin.
Graham GreeneWhile not a detective fiction writer per se, his stories delve into espionage, morality, and ethical dilemmas, adding a different flavor to crime fiction.
Pair with: Turkish Coffee
Graham Greene's narratives, rich with espionage, moral ambiguity, and intricate character studies, pair excellently with Turkish coffee. This traditional preparation involves finely ground coffee simmered to create a strong, unfiltered brew, offering a bold and immersive experience. The depth and complexity of Turkish coffee mirror the profound themes and ethical dilemmas explored in Greene's works, enhancing the reader's journey through his thought-provoking stories.
Dorothy L. SayersCreator of Lord Peter Wimsey, the aristocratic detective, aided by his loyal manservant Bunter.
Pair with: Colombian Geisha
The elegant and refined notes of a Colombian Geisha coffee, with its jasmine and bergamot hints, align with the sophisticated and aristocratic world of Lord Peter Wimsey. This rare varietal's complexity enhances the reading of Sayers' intricate plots.
Each of these authors left an indelible mark on the genre, shaping the way we think about mystery, crime, and justice in fiction.
Modern Crime Thrillers & Contemporary Masters
For those looking for more modern crime thrillers, my wife and friends often recommend:
David BaldacciKnown for the Amos Decker series and the Camel Club series, packed with political intrigue and high-stakes crime. Baldacci's compelling narratives often weave complex plots with layers of suspense, deep character development, and timely commentary on contemporary issues. Readers find themselves immersed in a vivid world of conspiracy and deception, making each novel both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Pair with: Dark Roast Blend
David Baldacci's novels, such as the Amos Decker and Camel Club series, are known for their intense political intrigue and high-stakes scenarios. A dark roast coffee, with its bold and robust flavors, pairs well with the suspenseful and gripping nature of his storytelling.
John GrishamMaster of the legal thriller, with bestsellers like The Firm, The Pelican Brief, and The Client.
Pair with: Classic Black Coffee
John Grisham's legal thrillers are characterized by their straightforward, intense narratives that delve into the intricacies of the legal system. A classic black coffee, appreciated for its bold and unembellished flavor, works beautifully with the serious and immersive nature of Grisham's storytelling.
Janet EvanovichCreator of Stephanie Plum, a former English teacher turned bounty hunter. Evanovich blends humor, romance, and thrilling action to craft fast-paced, light-hearted mysteries. Stephanie Plum’s relatable mishaps and quirky personality make each book a delightful escape, ensuring readers always return for her next outrageous adventure.
Pair with: Hawaiian Kona
Hawaiian Kona coffee is celebrated for its smooth, mild flavor with a hint of nuttiness and subtle fruit undertones. This approachable and pleasant profile matches the lighthearted and humorous tone of Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. The coffee's easy-drinking nature aligns with the entertaining escapades of the protagonist. Try the Kona Extra Fancy from Koa Coffee, which offers top-grade beans from Hawaii's Kona region.
Michael ConnellyThe mind behind LAPD detective Harry Bosch, known for his gritty and realistic police procedurals. Connelly’s meticulously researched narratives and authentic character portrayals immerse readers in the complexities of criminal investigations. With gripping storylines that explore both justice and moral ambiguity, his novels provide an unvarnished look at life on the streets of Los Angeles.
Pair with: Costa Rican Tarrazu
Costa Rican Tarrazu coffee is known for its bright acidity and clean, crisp profile, reflecting the sharp and precise nature of Connelly's storytelling. The coffee's balanced flavor can enhance the experience of following Detective Harry Bosch through the streets of Los Angeles.
Patricia CornwellFamous for medical examiner Kay Scarpetta, blending forensic science with gripping mysteries. Cornwell’s meticulous attention to forensic detail revolutionized the crime thriller genre, bringing cutting-edge science and investigative realism to her storytelling. Her novels are immersive, intense, and thought-provoking, offering a deep dive into the psychological and technical aspects of solving crimes.
Pair with: Espresso Macchiato
An Espresso Macchiato, with its bold espresso base "stained" with a touch of steamed milk, mirrors the blend of scientific precision and human touch in Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta series. The drink's intensity with a hint of softness is a natural fit with the forensic intricacies and personal elements in her novels.
Lee ChildThe force behind Jack Reacher, an ex-military drifter who always seems to find trouble. Reacher’s sharp intellect, unshakable moral code, and relentless pursuit of justice make him a modern-day nomadic hero. With fast-paced action, razor-sharp dialogue, and high-stakes confrontations, Child’s novels deliver adrenaline-fueled thrillers that keep readers hooked from start to finish.
Pair with: Sumatran Dark Roast
A Sumatran Dark Roast, with its earthy and robust flavor profile, aligns with the rugged and intense nature of Jack Reacher's adventures. The coffee's deep, full-bodied taste enhances the thrill of the action-packed narratives.
Ruth RendellRenowned for psychological crime fiction, including Master of the Moor, featuring the troubled Stephen Whalby. Rendell masterfully delves into the complexities of the human mind, crafting deeply unsettling and intricately plotted stories that blur the lines between guilt and innocence. Her novels explore psychological tension, social intricacies, and the hidden darkness within ordinary lives.
Pair with: Mocha Latte
A Mocha Latte, blending rich espresso with chocolate and steamed milk, reflects the psychological depth and dark themes in Rendell's novels. The drink's complexity and indulgence complement the intricate exploration of human behavior in her stories.
Each of these literary giants brings something unique to the table, from the fast-paced action of Jack Reacher to the methodical, forensic precision of Kay Scarpetta.
A Perfect Pairing: Coffee and a Classic Mystery
Whether you prefer a classic whodunit or a modern legal thriller, the joy of a well-crafted crime story is undeniable. So, pour yourself that cup of coffee, grab your favorite lap blanket, and settle in—because nothing beats a great book on a quiet evening.
