14 best mystery stories of the centuries

"Mystery Stories of the Centuries" is not a specific book or category of literature that we can provide information about. However, we can tell you that mystery stories, as a genre, have been a part of literature for centuries and have encompassed a wide range of themes, settings, and time periods, including those related to the United States and the Americas.

Mystery stories typically revolve around the investigation of a puzzling event, crime, or situation. They often involve detectives, amateur sleuths, or ordinary individuals who attempt to unravel the mysteries presented in the narrative. These stories can be set in various historical contexts, including different centuries and locations.

Some notable mystery authors and works related to the United States and the Americas include:

1. Edgar Allan Poe: Known as the father of the detective story, Poe wrote "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" (1841) featuring C. Auguste Dupin, one of the earliest fictional detectives.

2. Arthur Conan Doyle: While Doyle was a Scottish author, his famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, is often associated with solving mysteries in England and other locations. "The Hound of the Baskervilles" (1902) is a classic example.

3. Dashiell Hammett: His hard-boiled detective stories, including "The Maltese Falcon" (1930), are set in the United States and are known for their gritty realism.

4. Agatha Christie: Although she was British, Christie's novels often feature American characters or settings. "Murder on the Orient Express" (1934) is a well-known example.

5. Raymond Chandler: His detective, Philip Marlowe, navigates the mean streets of Los Angeles in novels like "The Big Sleep" (1939).

6. Tony Hillerman: Hillerman's Navajo Tribal Police series, set in the American Southwest, explores mysteries within Native American communities.

7. Louise Penny: Her Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series is set in the fictional village of Three Pines in Quebec, Canada, and has gained international acclaim.

Mystery stories of the centuries encompass a wide array of subgenres, from traditional whodunits to psychological thrillers and historical mysteries. These stories continue to captivate readers with their intriguing plots, memorable characters, and exploration of human nature and justice.