There are quite a few. 'Mo Hayder's series, like 'Birdman', is set in London and is known for its dark and gritty portrayal of crime. The novels often explore the seedy underbelly of the city. 'Martina Cole's books also frequently feature London crime. Her stories are usually fast - paced and full of drama, with complex characters involved in all sorts of criminal activities in the London area.
Well, 'Silent Scream' by Angela Marsons is a great London crime novel. It's set in the city and has a really engaging plot full of twists and turns. Then there's 'Gone Girl' which, although not strictly only about London crime, has parts of the story set in London and is a very well - known crime - thriller. And 'The Cuckoo's Calling' by J.K. Rowling (writing as Robert Galbraith) is set in London and follows a private detective as he investigates a suspicious death.
One popular London crime novel is 'Sherlock Holmes' series by Arthur Conan Doyle. It features the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes solving various mysteries in London. Another is 'The Jack the Ripper Files' which delves into the infamous Jack the Ripper murders in London. 'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' by Alexander McCall Smith also has some elements set in London and involves crime - solving in an interesting way.
'A Study in Scarlet' by Arthur Conan Doyle. Although it's not solely set in London, a significant part of the story takes place there. It's a classic that introduced the brilliant Sherlock Holmes. His deductive reasoning while solving crimes in London is truly fascinating.
One popular London - based romance novel is 'Me Before You' by Jojo Moyes. It tells a poignant love story set in London. The story involves a young woman who becomes a caregiver to a wealthy man with a disability. Their relationship develops against the backdrop of London, with its various locations adding charm to the narrative.
Some London graphic novels are 'Brickman Begins'. It's a fictional story set in modern - day London that follows the adventures of a young hero in the city. Then there's 'London Calling' which is more about the music and youth culture in London. These graphic novels not only tell great stories but also give a sense of the London vibe, whether it's the architecture, the people, or the cultural events.
Moral ambiguity is another theme. The characters in these novels often have to make difficult decisions between what is right and wrong. For example, in a crime - ridden Victorian London, a character might be involved in illegal activities for a good cause, like helping a loved one. And this moral struggle can be intertwined with the romantic relationships in the story. These novels also often explore the theme of secrets. The secrets could be related to a crime, such as a hidden identity of a criminal or a past misdeed. In the context of romance, the characters may have secrets that either bring them closer or drive them apart. For instance, a character might be hiding their true family background, which could impact their relationship with their romantic interest.
The 2016 crime novel 'IQ' by Joe Ide is quite notable. It features a brilliant but unorthodox private investigator in East Long Beach. The story is filled with action, mystery, and offers a unique look at the underbelly of the city through the eyes of a very engaging protagonist.
Some of the 2020 crime novels are really great. For example, 'The Guest List' is full of secrets and lies among the wedding guests on an isolated island. It creates a really tense atmosphere. 'The Midnight Library' is a bit different as it focuses on a woman who is in a kind of limbo and has to face different versions of her life which is related to the idea of a crime against one's own potential. 'The Invisible Girl' is a classic - style crime novel with a great plot and interesting character relationships.
One popular crime novel is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It has a complex mystery and engaging characters.
One popular 2022 crime novel is 'The Maid' by Nita Prose. It features a unique protagonist who works as a maid in a hotel and gets caught up in a mystery. Another is 'The Appeal' by Janice Hallett, which has an interesting format of presenting the story through documents and emails.
One of the popular 1987 crime novels could be 'The Bonfire of the Vanities' by Tom Wolfe. It delved into the social and moral issues of the time through a crime - related plot in New York City.
In best London crime fiction, the mystery is key. There are always puzzles to be solved, whether it's a missing person or a series of murders. The city itself becomes a character. The dark alleys, the big mansions, the bustling markets all contribute to the mood of the story. And there's often a sense of danger lurking around every corner. The stories also reflect the changing times in London. From the Victorian era to modern - day London, the crime fictions show how the city has evolved and how crime has changed with it.