Two Brighton authors have been included in a readers’ poll of the best crime writers of all time – with one topping the list.
Peter James, whose novels featuring Brighton detective Roy Grace regularly top the bestseller list, was voted to the top spot of the WHSmith poll.
He beat acknowledged masters of the genre, including Agatha Christie, PD James and Ian Rankin.
And fellow author Bill Todd, whose Danny Lancaster novels are also set in the city, came in at number 93.
Mr James thanked readers via his Facebook page, saying: “Well, it’s not yet sunk in, and I still can’t quite believe it but I won!
“Thanks so much to all of you who so kindly voted for me. This is a truly massive accolade.
“To celebrate I shall raise a glass of something seriously alcoholic and raise a toast to you all, my fabulous and incredibly kind readers!”
Mr Todd said: “I’m startled and delighted to find myself at number 93 in the poll.
“I’d also like to offer my warmest congratulations to Peter James for his well-deserved No 1 win.”
Last week, Mr James revealed his next Roy Grace novel will feature Fat Boy Slim’s Big Beach Cafe, next to which a body will be dug up.
These advertorials are just getting silly now.
What next, “Grubbs Burgers voted Best Culinary Experience in History”?
His last book was dreadful. The series started well, exciting and original, but now the name dropping, obsession with money, crude stereotyping and passages which seem to be cut-and-pasted from one book to another have made the readers’ experience quite excruciating. I, for one, will not be reading any more.