Walter Mosley's 'Devil in a Blue Dress' is also an important first black detective novel. It features Easy Rawlins, an African - American private investigator in 1940s Los Angeles. Mosley's work not only presents a great detective story but also explores themes like race relations, class differences, and the African - American struggle during that era. His writing style is engaging, and the character of Easy Rawlins has become quite iconic in detective fiction.
One of the early and notable first black detective novels is Chester Himes' 'Cotton Comes to Harlem'. It introduced black detectives Coffin Ed Johnson and Grave Digger Jones, and it was a significant work that delved into the African - American experience in Harlem, with its unique blend of crime, mystery, and social commentary.
The characters in 'Black Cat Classic Detective Stories' are probably well - developed. Detectives might have unique personalities and methods of investigation. They could be shrewd, observant, and have a knack for solving difficult cases. And the antagonists would be equally interesting, with their own motives and secrets.
Another is 'Brother Cadfael' series by Ellis Peters. These novels follow the adventures of a Benedictine monk in 12th - century Shrewsbury. Brother Cadfael uses his knowledge of herbs, human nature, and the ways of the world to solve various mysteries, often involving murder and intrigue in the small town.
Well, the strong use of suspense is a key feature. The author keeps you guessing throughout the book about who the real culprit is. The detective in 'a is for alibi' novels is often very intelligent and observant. They notice details that others miss, which helps them solve the case. And there's often a bit of a backstory for the mystery, like past relationships or events that are tied to the present crime.
Some German detective novels from the WW2 period might not be as well - known globally as their counterparts from other countries. This is due in part to the post - war stigma associated with German literature from that era. But there were surely works that delved into the darker aspects of society during the war, using detective - style plots to uncover secrets and crimes. Authors may have used these stories as a way to comment on the chaos and moral ambiguity of the times, but much of this literature remains relatively unexplored in the international literary community.
One well - known 'detective in prewar Berlin novel' is Bernhard Gunther in Philip Kerr's series. Gunther is a complex character navigating the seedy and politically charged underworld of pre - war Berlin.
One well - known Charlie Parker detective novel could be 'The Reapers'. It's filled with suspense and complex characters. The story weaves a dark and thrilling tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Well, 'Sula' by Toni Morrison is a great black feminist novel. It examines the complex friendship between two black women, Sula and Nel, and how they navigate society's expectations. 'The Bluest Eye' by Morrison too. It shows how the beauty standards influenced by white culture impact a young black girl. Also, 'Quicksand' by Nella Larsen looks at the experiences of a black woman trying to find her place in different social settings.
In 2014, 'The Kind Worth Killing' by Peter Swanson was also quite popular. It has a complex plot with a web of lies and secrets that keep the reader guessing. The characters are well - drawn and the story unfolds in a very engaging way.
One example could be novels that tell the story of the First Fleet's journey to Australia. These might include historical fiction works that focus on the experiences of the convicts, officers, and settlers during that voyage. For instance, some novels might explore the hardships they faced on the ships, like cramped living conditions and limited supplies.
Some formac first novels might include works that are known for their unique storytelling. For example, 'The Kite Runner' was a debut novel that became extremely popular. It told a story of friendship and redemption against the backdrop of Afghanistan's complex history.