Many long-standing reference guides to fiction are no longer being updated. However, the following list provides a worthwhile selection of reference books which can be used alongside Who Else Writes Like ...?. The Bloomsbury and Rough Guides have generally not be updated for a few years, but are still well worth seeking out.
100 Must-read Classic Novels
by Nick Rennison, A & C Black, 2006
A selection of writing that has made an everlasting impression on our literary heritage. 100 of the best titles are fully reviewed and a further 500 recommended.
100 Must-read Crime Novels
by Nick Rennison and Richard Shephard, A & C Black, 2006
Following the same format as the Classic Novels it also includes a browsing by theme approach as well as listing the top ten crime characters and their creators.
100 Must-read Science Fiction Novels
by Stephen E Andrews and Nick Rennison, A & C Black, 2006
It is arranged by theme including a reader's fast guide to the world of science fiction as well as listing award winners of prizes and book club recommendations. Also included is a special category covering science fiction and film adaptations.
1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die
by Peter Boxall, Universe, 2022
1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die: A Life Changing List
by James Mustich, Workman Adultl, 2018
Crime Fiction: A Reader’s Guide
by Barry Forshaw, Oldcastle Books, 2019
Crime Fiction Since 1800
by Stephen Knight, Palgrave MacMillan, 2010
Death in a Cold Climate: a guide to Scandinavian crime fiction
by Barry Forshaw, Palgrave MacMillan, 2012
Euro Noir: The Pocket Essential Guide to European Crime Fiction, Film and TV
by Barry Forshaw, Pocket Essentials, 2014
How To Be Well Read: A Guide to 500 great novels and a handful of literary curiosities
by John Sutherland, Penguin 2022
Irish Crime Fiction
by Brian Cliff, Palgrave Macmillan 2020
A Little History of Literature (Little Histories)
by John Sutherland, Yale University Press, 2013
Nordic Noir: The Pocket Essential Guide to Scandinavian Crime Fiction, Film and TV
by Barry Forshaw, Pocket Essentials, 2013
The Reader's Advisory Guide to Mystery
by John Charles et al, ALA editions, 2nd rev. edition, 2011
A Reference Guide to Crime Fiction
by Gabrielle Dantz, Webster's Digital Services, 2012
Snobbery with Violence: English crime stories and their audience
by Collin Watson, Faber Find, 2009
Who Next...? A Guide to Children's Authors
Edited by Viv Warren and Mary Yardley, LISU, Loughborough University, 4th edition, 2011.
Who's Who of Twentieth Century Novelists
Edited by Tim Woods, Routledge, 2001