Ellery Queen

Ellery Queen was the shared pen name of American cousins Frederic Dannay and Manfred B. Lee, who began writing together in the late 1920s. They used the name not only as a byline but also for their brilliant amateur sleuth, creating one of the most recognizable identities in mystery fiction.

Their breakthrough came with The Roman Hat Mystery, and they went on to write dozens of novels and stories known for intricate clues, locked-room puzzles, and the classic “challenge to the reader” style. Beyond the novels, the Ellery Queen name spread widely through anthologies, radio, television, and especially Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine, which helped shape crime and suspense reading for generations.

What makes Ellery Queen especially memorable is the blend of clever plotting and showmanship: these stories are not just whodunits, but invitations to play along. For listeners who enjoy classic mysteries with brains, atmosphere, and a strong sense of fair play, Ellery Queen remains a landmark name.