If the whole romance genre was Jane Austen, the world would be a much better place. I think romance as a whole suffers because, more than any other genre aimed at adults, the worst of it is churned off a production line according to standardized plots and rules.

For mysteries, Chandler and Hammett are both very good and well-respected. Indeed, I think if you haven't read Chandler, you're wasting your ability to read English.