In New York crime novels, the sense of community and the breakdown of it are important aspects. The different neighborhoods in New York can be like little worlds of their own, and crime can disrupt or be a product of the relationships within them. The novels often explore themes of justice and the gray areas in between right and wrong. There's also a lot of description of the city's nightlife, the seedy bars, and the dark corners where illegal activities take place.
One characteristic is the setting. New York provides a backdrop of a large, diverse, and often gritty urban environment. There's a lot of ethnic and cultural diversity which is reflected in the characters and the crimes. Another is the complex characters. You'll often find anti - heroes, detectives with their own demons, and criminals with motives that are not always straightforward.
New York crime novels usually have a fast - paced plot. With so much going on in the city, the action has to keep moving. There's also a sense of realism. They depict real - life issues like poverty, corruption, and the struggle for power. The city's architecture also plays a role. The skyscrapers, alleys, and different neighborhoods add to the atmosphere of mystery and danger.
Well, a key characteristic is the setting. The city of New York itself becomes a character. The crowded streets, the diverse neighborhoods like Harlem or the Lower East Side, all add to the atmosphere. For example, in many novels, the mean streets of Brooklyn are often the backdrop for violent crimes.
Definitely 'The Black Dahlia' by James Ellroy. Although it's based on a real - life crime in Los Angeles, Ellroy's writing style and the dark, seedy nature of the story can be compared to the gritty New York crime novels. 'Mystic River' by Dennis Lehane is also a great pick. Set in Boston, but with themes of crime, guilt, and redemption that are very relevant to the New York crime novel genre. And 'In the Woods' by Tana French is a psychological thriller that has some of the elements of a crime novel set in an urban environment like New York.
Some of the well - known ones could be 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'. It has a complex mystery and a very unique protagonist. The story is filled with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
They often feature a blend of Japanese and American cultures. You can expect to see Japanese values and aesthetics juxtaposed with the fast - paced, diverse New York lifestyle.
Top New York novels often capture the energy of the city. For example, they might describe the hustle and bustle of the streets, like in 'The Bonfire of the Vanities'. They also tend to explore the diverse social classes, from the wealthy in 'The Age of Innocence' to the working - class in 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn'.
New York historical novels usually capture the changing times. They might show how immigration has shaped the city. For instance, how different ethnic groups brought their cultures and how they interacted. Also, these novels often have a sense of the city's energy, like the hustle and bustle of the markets and the busy streets.
The 'Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' series by Stieg Larsson is also highly regarded. These novels blend crime investigation with elements of social commentary. Lisbeth Salander, the main character, is a fascinating and complex figure who helps solve a series of dark and disturbing crimes. The books are set in Sweden but have gained international acclaim and have often been on the New York Times bestseller list for crime novels.
One popular New York City crime novel is 'The Godfather' by Mario Puzo. It delves into the criminal underworld in New York, with complex characters and a captivating story of power, family, and crime. Another is 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. His hard - boiled detective stories set in the city are full of mystery and intrigue. And 'Gone Baby Gone' by Dennis Lehane is also well - known. It shows the seedy side of the city and the moral dilemmas that come with crime - solving in New York.
The great writing styles. The authors use vivid language to create a sense of place and mood. Whether it's a gritty urban setting or a small - town mystery, they can make you feel like you're right there in the story. Also, the pacing is usually well - done, building up suspense and leading to a satisfying climax.
New British crime novels often feature complex characters. For example, the protagonists are not always the typical 'good guys' but may have their own moral ambiguities. They also tend to have intricate plots. The settings in these novels are usually very vivid, like the gloomy streets of London or the quiet countryside villages, which add to the overall atmosphere of mystery and suspense.