Featured Archival Collections
Jo Bannister papers. Manuscripts, letters, and other material from popular British crime novelist Jo Bannister (1951- ), author of over thirty novels.
Leslie Charteris papers. Manuscripts, letters, publications, and other materials from popular Chinese-American author Leslie Charteris (1907-1993), best known as the creator of the adventurer Simon Templar, better known as "The Saint."
Michael Dibdin papers. Michael Dibdin (1947–2007) was a British novelist and screenwriter most noted for his crime fiction, especially his series of novels set in Italy featuring professor and crime-solver Aurelio Zen. His work is recorded in his manuscripts, letters, photographs, and other materials.
Mignon G. Eberhart papers. Mignon Eberhart (1899-1996), known as "America's Agatha Christie," was a pioneering American mystery author who created one of the first women detective protagonists, Nurse Sarah Keate, in 1929. Her manuscripts, letters, and other materials document her prolific career.
Michael Gilbert papers. British lawyer and prolific author Michael Gilbert (1912-2006) is best known for his mystery and crime fiction, though he also worked in the suspense and espionage genres. His manuscripts, notebooks, letters, research files, scrapbooks, and other materials include drafts of his novels, short fiction, screenplays, stage plays, and radio plays.
Sue Grafton papers. American novelist Sue Grafton (1940-2017) was best known as the author of the popular "alphabet series" featuring private investigator Kinsey Millhone. Her manuscripts, letters, diaries, photographs, research, and other materials also include a collection of papers from her father, C. W. Grafton (1909-1982), also a crime novelist.
Russell H. Greenan papers. Letters and manuscripts for several novels, including the 1968 novel It Happened in Boston? and four crime fiction novels, from American author Russell H. Greenan (1925-2023) whose work was rediscovered and republished in the 2000s.
Robert H. van Gulik papers. Manuscripts, letters, artwork, and other materials from Dutch diplomat, scholar of East Asia, and author Robert H. van Gulik (1910-1967), best-known for his "Judge Dee" historical mystery novel series -- set in Imperial China and incorporating elements of traditional Chinese detective fiction. More about van Gulik can be found in the papers of Janwillem van de Wetering, who published a 1988 biography of van Gulik.
Carl Hiaasen papers. The crime novels of American novelist Carl Hiaasen (1953- ) are known for their humor and satirical edge. His manuscripts and other items include drafts for his novels Tourist Season (Putnam, 1986) and Double Whammy (Putnam, 1988), as well as a sketch for an unrealized novel.
Evan Hunter papers. American author Evan Hunter (1926-2005) wrote popular works of crime and suspense under both his own name and the pseudonym Ed McBain, including the "87th Precinct" police procedural series as the latter; his writings include novels, screenplays, teleplays, stage plays, and other works. His prolific output is represented in his manuscripts, letters, and other materials, including drafts of the film The Birds (Universal, 1963) directed by Alfred Hitchcock; and Marnie (1964), also written for Hitchcock (though Hunter's version wasn't filmed).
Elizabeth Linington papers. Manuscripts and other materials from American mystery and crime novelist Elizabeth Linington (1921-1988), known as the "Queen of Procedurals."
Gregory Mcdonald papers. Manuscripts, letters, photographs, and other materials from American author Gregory Mcdonald (1937-2008), including his popular mystery series featuring investigative reporter Irwin Maurice "Fletch" Fletcher.
Ngaio Marsh papers. New Zealander novelist Ngaio Marsh (1895-1982), one of the "Queens of Crime" -- along with Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Margery Allingham -- is best known for her many novels featuring Inspector Roderick Alleyn. Her manuscripts and other materials include drafts of five novels dating from 1965 to 1974.
Robert B. Parker papers. Though American mystery and detective author Robert B. Parker (1932-2010) was best known for his popular "Spenser" novels, it was only one series among the many books he wrote between 1974 and 2009. His manuscripts, letters, photographs, and other materials also include the papers of his wife Joan H. Parker (1932-2013), a playwright, screenwriter, and co-writer on some of Robert B. Parker's novels.
Anne Perry papers. Manuscripts, letters, notebooks, and other materials from British-New Zealander novelist Anne Perry (1938-2023), best known for her historical detective fiction set in the Victorian Era.
Andrew Taylor papers. British author Andrew Taylor (1951- ) is a popular and prolific author of crime novels, mystery, and historical fiction. His manuscripts, notebooks, letters, and other materials document his writings from the 1980s through the 2000s.
Donald E. Westlake papers. The crime fiction of versatile American author Donald E. Westlake (1933-2008) ranged from dark "hardboiled" novels featuring his character Parker (written under the name Richard Stark) to more humorous tone for books featuring the character John Dinsmore; as well as other styles and genres. His manuscripts, letters, research, and other materials chronicle his prolific career.
Going Further: Additional Archival Collections
Martha Albrand papers. Manuscripts, printed material, correspondence, photographs, and other material from German-American mystery and suspense novelist Martha Albrand (1914-1981), who often set her stories before and during World War II.
Charlotte Armstrong papers. Manuscripts, letters, notebooks, and other materials from prolific American mystery author Charlotte Armstrong (1905-1969), whose papers include her novels, short stories, screenplays, teleplays -- including her scripts for Alfred Hitchcock Presents -- and her work in advertising.
Michael Avallone papers. American author Michael Avallone (1924-1999) is best known for his offbeat mystery novels featuring his signature character, Ed Noon, though he also wrote prolifically in the genres of suspense, Gothic romance, espionage fiction, westerns, television and film novelizations, and others -- over 200 books under at least seventeen different pseudonyms. His long and varied career is documented in his manuscripts, letters, and other materials.
William S. Ballinger papers. Draft of a manuscript for the novel The Corsican, by the American author, screenwriter, and educator William S. Ballinger (1912-1980).
Robert Barnard papers. Manuscripts and notebooks from British critic and crime author Robert Barnard (1936-2013), known for his traditionalist approach and his "cosy mysteries."
Richard Barth papers. Manuscripts and other materials from the American mystery author Richard Barth (1943- ), known for his "Margaret Binton" novel series.
George Baxt papers. American crime author George Baxt (1923-2003) is best known for his writings featuring an openly gay Black detective. His papers include manuscripts for novels, plays, screenplays, and teleplays, as well as letters and other materials.
Evelyn Berckman papers. American author Evelyn Berckman (1900-1978) was a composer and music teacher before starting her writing career at age 54 and moving to London, where she wrote several popular detective and Gothic horror novels. Her manuscripts, letters, photographs, research material, and other materials include this work as well as her non-fiction writings and research on the British Navy.
John and Madeleine Bingham papers. The manuscripts and other materials of British author and MI5 agent John Bingham (1908-1988) include several unpublished crime novels and other works. Also present are the papers of his wife, British author Madeleine Bingham (1912-1988), who wrote plays, histories, biographies, and in various other genres.
Sara Bowen-Judd papers. Manuscript draft for the 1966 novel Let's Choose Executioners, from British mystery author Sarah Bowen-Judd (1922-1986).
Rick Boyer papers. Manuscripts, letters, research, and other materials from popular American mystery author Rick Boyer (1943-2021), best-known for his Charlie "Doc" Adams novel series.
Herbert Brean papers. Manuscripts for novels, non-fiction, plays, and short stories from the American crime fiction author Herbert Brean (1907-1973).
Simon Brett papers. Simon Brett (1945- ) is a British author and radio producer. His manuscripts -- including novels, plays, poems, and short stories -- document his career as an author of detective fiction from the 1960s to the 1980s.
Jackson F. Burke papers. Manuscripts, letters, publications, photographs, and other items from American novelist Jackson F. Burke, including materials regarding his class "Writing Mystery Fiction," which Burke taught at the New School for Social Research from 1988 to 1992.
R. Wright Campbell papers. (1927-2000). Manuscripts, letters, and other materials from American screenwriter and novelist R. Wright Campbell,. known for his "Jimmy Flannery" mystery series.
Anna Clarke papers. Manuscripts, letters, research material, and other materials from from British novelist Anna Clarke (1919-2004), who wrote in the "cozy mystery" subgenre.
Kendell Foster Crossen papers. American pulp fiction author and editor Kendell Foster Crossen (1910-1981) was best known for his mystery, science fiction, and adventure stories; especially those stories, comics, and radio shows starring his fictional hero The Green Lama. His manuscripts, letters, and other materials document his career in print, radio, and television.
Ursula Curtiss papers. Manuscripts for several novels and short stories American mystery novelist Ursula Curtiss (1923-1984).
Mildred B. Davis papers. Manuscripts, letters, and other materials from American suspense/mystery novelist Mildred B. Davis (1930- ), including some unpublished manuscripts.
William DeAndrea papers. Manuscripts, letters, and other materials from American mystery novelist William DeAndrea (1952-1996), who wrote in various subgenres including detective mysteries, spy mysteries, Western mysteries, and others.
Thomas B. Dewey papers. Manuscripts, letters, and other materials from American novelist Thomas B. Dewey (1915-1981), known for his hardboiled crime fiction.
Doris Miles Disney papers. Manuscripts for several novels from prolific American mystery writer Doris Miles Disney (1907-1976), who wrote forty-seven novels between 1943 and 1976.
Warwick Downing papers. Manuscripts, letters, research material, and other materials from American author Warwick Downing (1931 - ), including drafts of two "Joe Reddman" mystery novels starring an Indigenous American protagonist.
Davis Dresser papers. American mystery novelist and editor Davis Dresser (1904-1977) was best known for his long-running "Michael Shayne" mystery series, published under the pen name Brett Halliday. For several years he was married to fellow mystery writer Helen McCloy. His manuscripts and other materials include drafts of novels and screenplays, as well as some unpublished material.
Jonathan Escott papers. Manuscripts, letters, and other materials from British mystery, crime, and suspense novelist Jonathan Escott (1922-2007).
Elizabeth Fenwick papers. Manuscripts for novels and other writings from American detective and suspense novelist Elizabeth Fenwick (1916-1996).
Robert L. Fish papers. Manuscripts, letters, diaries, and other materials from prolific American crime author Robert L. Fish (1912-1981), including drafts of his novels, short stories, and screenplays.
Joan Fleming papers. Manuscripts, letters, and other materials from the popular British crime and suspense novelist Joan Fleming (1908-1980).
DeLoris Stanton Forbes papers. American author DeLoris Stanton Forbes (1923-2013) began her writing career in journalism -- as a crime reporter, then editor -- before moving into writing crime and suspense novels. Her manuscripts, letters, photographs, and other materials include drafts of her novels, novelettes, short stories, essays, and writings, published under a variety of pseudonyms including Tobias Wells, Stanton Forbes, De Forbes, and Michaela Boston.
Richard Forrest papers. Manuscripts, letters, and other materials from American mystery and suspense novelist and short story writer Richard Forrest (1932-2005).
Dick Francis papers. Manuscripts for two novels from the British horse race jockey and popular crime fiction author Dick Francis (1920-2010).
Brian Freeborn papers. (1939-). Manuscripts for three novels -- one unpublished -- from British crime novelist Brian Freeborn (1939- ), known for his portraits of the London underworld.
Celia Fremlin papers. (1914-2009). Manuscripts for a novel and other pieces from British mystery novelist Celia Fremlin (1914-2009), who often used domestic settings for her crime and mystery fiction.
Rosemary Gatenby papers. Manuscripts, letters, and other materials from American mystery novelist Rosemary Gatenby (1918-2007).
Eaton K. Goldthwaite papers. Manuscripts, letters, publications, and other material from American pulp and mystery writer Eaton K. Goldthwaite (1907-1994), whose novels featured the fictional police lieutenant Joseph Dickerson.
Mildred and Gordon Gordon papers. Manuscripts, letters, other materials from the husband-and-wife crime fiction writing team of Mildred (1912-1979) and Gordon Gordon (1912-2002) including drafts of the their 1963 book The Undercover Cat, which they later adapted into the 1965 Walt Disney film That Darn Cat!.
William M. Green papers. Manuscripts, letters, journals, photographs, and other materials from American mystery author William M. Green (1929- ).
Gerald Hammond papers. Manuscripts, letters, and other items from prolific Scottish crime novelist Gerald Hammond (1926-2015), primarily drafts of his novels from the 1990s and early 2000s.
Robert P. Hansen papers. Manuscripts and other materials from American mystery novelist Robert P. Hansen.
Joseph Harrington papers. Manuscripts, letters, publications, and other materials from American author of crime fiction and non-fiction Joseph Harrington (1903-1980).
Ben Healey papers. Manuscripts and other items from British artist and crime novelist Ben Healey (1980-1993), known for his art-themed crime fiction.
Jim Henaghan [Archie O'Neill] papers. American author Jim Henaghan (1919-1984) began his writing career covering the Los Angeles film industry as a journalist and columnist before moving into screenwriting. In his later years he wrote several mystery novels; this later work is represented in his manuscripts and other materials.
Laurence Henderson papers. Manuscripts for three novels and several short stories from American mystery writer Laurence Henderson (1928-2015), including notes by Henderson regarding his stories.
Reginald Hill papers. Manuscripts and letters from the British crime novelist Reginald Hill (1936-2012), best known for his twenty-novel "Dalziel and Pascoe" series as well as his other novels written under various pseudonyms.
John Buxton Hilton papers. Manuscripts, notebooks, and other materials from British crime novelist John Buxton Hilton (1921-1986).
Dolores Hitchens papers. Manuscripts and publications from American mystery novelist Dolores Hitchens (1907-1973).
Roderic Jeffries [Jeffrey Ashford] papers. Manuscripts for several novels from British crime and mystery novelist Roderic Jeffries (1926-2017), who also wrote under the pen name Jeffrey Ashford; best known for his character Inspector Enrique Alvarez of the Spanish island resort of Mallorca.
Emil Richard Johnson papers. American author of dark, hardboiled crime and mystery fiction Emil Richard Johnson (1927-1997) was himself a criminal who spent much of his life behind bars. His manuscripts and letters were mostly composed while incarcerated in Stillwater State Prison in Minnesota.
Henry Kane papers. Correspondence and publications from author Henry Kane (1918-1988), mostly representing his mystery stories for various magazines and periodicals.
Marvin Kaye papers. Manuscripts, letters, photographs, and other materials from American writer Marvin Kaye (1938-2021), including his 1977 mystery novel My Son, The Druggist.
Harry Kemelman papers. Manuscripts, letters, notebooks, scrapbooks, and other materials from American author and scholar Harry Kemelman (1908-1996), known for his "Rabbi Small" mystery novel series.
Ed Lacy [Leonard Zinberg] papers. Manuscripts, letters, publications, and other materials from popular and prolific American crime fiction author Leonard Zinberg (1911-1968)., who published under the pen name Ed Lacy.
Charlotte MacLeod papers. Canadian-American author and advertising executive Charlotte MacLeod (1922-2005) wrote light-hearted mystery and suspense novels under a variety of pseudonyms, as well as children's books, poetry, and other writings. Her manuscripts, letters, diaries, and other materials document her varied career.
Helen McCloy papers. American mystery novelist Helen McCloy (1904-1992) -- the first woman to serve as president of the Mystery Writers of America, in 1950 -- was known for her novel series featuring fictional psychiatrist/sleuth Dr. Basil Willing. For several years she was married to fellow mystery writer Davis Dresser. Her manuscripts and letters include drafts for several of her novels and short stories.
William P. McGivern papers. American crime novelist and screenwriter William P. McGivern (1922-1982) was a prolific author who had many of his novels adapted into films, including The Big Heat (1953), Rogue Cop (1954), and Odds Against Tomorrow (1959). His manuscripts, letters, publications, and other materials document his prolific career, including his many science fiction stories.
Mark McShane papers. Manuscripts, letters, and other materials from Australian suspense and crime fiction novelist Mark McShane (1929-2013).
Anne Morice papers. Manuscripts, letters, and other material from British mystery author Felicity Shaw (1918-1989), best known for her novels published under the name Anne Morice.
Alison Neville [Edward Candy] papers. British author Alison Neville (1945-1993) was a medical doctor who published novels under the pseudonym Edward Candy after her retirement from medicine. Her manuscripts, letters, diaries, publications, and other materials include these novels as well as her writings in other genres.
Helen Nielsen papers. Manuscripts for seven novels and letters from American mystery novelist and screenwriter Helen Nielsen (1918-2002).
Shannon O'Cork papers. Manuscripts and other material from American author of mystery, suspense, and romance fiction Shannon O'Cork (1940-2018). At one point she was married to American mystery writer Hillary Waugh.
Roger Ormerod papers. Manuscripts, correspondence, scrapbooks, and other materials from Roger Ormerod (1920-2005), a popular and prolific British author of mystery novels.
Barbara Paul papers. Manuscripts, letters, and other materials from American mystery and science fiction novelist Barbara Paul (1931-2022).
Gerald Petievich papers. Manuscripts for novels and screenplays by American writer and US Secret Service Agent Gerald Petievich (1944- ), including his 1984 novel To Live and Die in L.A. adapted into the 1985 film by director William Friedkin, with Petievich and Friedkin writing the screenplay.
Maurice Procter papers. British constable and author Maurice Procter (1906-1973) began writing fiction during his long career as a police officer. His manuscripts, letters, and other materials include drafts of his popular police procedural novels and short stories.
Bill Pronzini papers. American author and editor Bill Pronzini (1943- ) is perhaps best known for compiling and editing many anthologies of genre fiction by various authors. His manuscripts, letters, and other materials feature drafts of his own novels and some works co-written with others, as well as materials about the Mystery Writers of America.
William Roos and Audrey Kelley [Kelley Roos] papers. Manuscripts, letters, and other materials from American husband-and-wife writing team William Roos (1911-1987) and Audrey Kelley (1912-1982), who published mystery novels and other writings under the joint pseudonym Kelley Roos.
Leslie Seldon-Truss papers. Manuscripts for several novels by prolific British crime and mystery author Leslie Seldon-Truss (1892-1990).
Dorothy Simpson papers. Manuscripts, letters, diaries, research files, and other materials from British crime novelist Dorothy Simpson (1933-2020).
Terrence Lore Smith papers. Manuscripts and other materials from American mystery novelist Terrence Lore Smith (1942-1988) including his best-known book, the 1969 novel The Thief Who Came to Dinner.
Bernard Taylor papers. Manuscripts and other materials from British author of mystery other genres Bernard Taylor (1934- ), who also writes under the pen name Jess Foley.
Phoebe Atwood Taylor papers. Manuscripts, letters, artwork, research, and other materials from American mystery novelist Phoebe Atwood Taylor (1909-1976), known for for her humorous New England-set mystery novels featuring Asey Mayo, the "Codfish Sherlock."
June Thomson papers. Manuscripts and other materials from British crime novelist June Thomson (1930-2022), including drafts of her novels, short stories, stage plays, radio plays, and unpublished writings.
Janice Law Trecker papers. The "Anna Peters" novel series by American mystery writer Janice Law Trecker (1941- ) was one of the first to feature a woman detective. Her manuscripts and other materials include drafts of novels, non-fiction, and other writings.
Elleston and Jonquil Trevor papers. Most of the manuscripts, notebooks, letters, and other materials in these papers are drafts from British novelist and screenwriter Elleston Trevor (1920-1995), including his many mystery, spy, and adventure novels and scripts; with some drafts included by his spouse Jonquil Trevor (1917-1986).
James Tucker papers. Prolific Welsh mystery and crime novelist James Allan Tucker (1929-2023) published many novels under several different pseudonyms, most commonly Bill James. His manuscripts, letters, and other materials present a sample of his writings from the 1960s and 1970s.
Dorothy Uhnak papers. American author Dorothy Uhnak (1930-2006) first came to literary prominence with her 1964 memoir Policewoman, which recounts her career as a New York City detective. Her manuscripts and other materials include drafts of this as well as her subsequent mystery novels and other writings.
Michael Underwood papers. Manuscripts and letters from British lawyer and author John Michael Evelyn (1916-1992), who published under the pen name Michael Underwood.
Janet Gregory Vermandel papers. Manuscripts, resesarch notes, and other materials from American mystery novelist Janet Gregory Vermandel (1922-2002).
Clarissa Watson papers. Manuscripts from American mystery writer Clarissa Watson (1918-2012), who drew on her experience as as an art collector and curator for her fiction.
Hillary Waugh papers. Manuscripts, letters, and other materials from American mystery novelist Hillary Waugh (1920-2008), considered a pioneer in the genre for his realistic style. At one point Waugh was married to American author Shannon O'Cork.
Frances Shelley Wees papers. Manuscripts, letters, scrapbooks, publications, and other materials from Canadian author Frances Shelley Wees (1902-1982), including material on her work directing Chautauqua schools in Canada and her travels.
Janwillem Van de Wetering papers. Dutch author Janwillem Van de Wetering (1931-2008), who wrote in both Dutch and English, is best known for his "Grijpstra and de Gier" mystery novel series. His manuscripts, letters, and other materials include drafts of his works as well as his extensive research material on fellow Dutch mystery writer Robert H. van Gulik.
Collin Wilcox papers. Manuscripts, letters, and other material from American mystery writer Collin Wilcox (1924-1996), best-known for his popular character Sam McCloud.
