10 best-paid American mystery writers

It's no secret that, in the realm of literature, crime pays – big time. And, according to a study cited in The Guardian, American mystery writers receive a particularly staggering payoff for their work. (Totals include book sales, box office returns, license fees, and company accounts.)

Here are America's top-ten best compensated mystery writers.

1. John Grisham, $600 million

Former attorney and Mississippi legislator John Grisham is ranked as America's top-earning mystery writer. As of 2008, his books are estimated to have sold over 250 million copies worldwide.

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