by James Crumley

Rolling Stone labelled it, “The last good mystery.” The owner of a New York bookstore devoted wholly to mystery novels considers it the best mystery ever written.

There’s ample reason for all the praise: a quintessential hard-boiled but soft-hearted detective, two remarkable clients—one barely solvent, the other with apparently limitless wealth—who seem to be pulling in opposite directions, a twisty, turn-y plot, and an alcoholic bulldog.

We’ll get to decide for ourselves whether it’s the best mystery ever as well as discuss what each of us looks for in a mystery and make our own nominations for “best ever.”