The complex characters in British crime fiction are also a draw. Detectives are often flawed yet brilliant, like Sherlock Holmes. His idiosyncrasies and his deductive powers make him one of the most iconic characters in crime fiction. And the criminals are also well - crafted, with their own motives and backstories.
They often have unique and memorable characters. Take Sherlock Holmes. His intelligence, eccentricity, and his ability to solve the most baffling cases make him one of the most beloved characters in literature. Readers are drawn to these characters and their adventures.
The atmosphere. British cities, with their old buildings, narrow alleys, and often gloomy weather, create a perfect backdrop for gritty crime stories. It gives a sense of mystery and danger.
The settings in these novels also play a big role. Think of the fog - covered London streets in Sherlock Holmes stories. The atmosphere created by these settings adds to the mystery and suspense. It gives a sense of something lurking in the shadows. Moreover, British mystery novels often have a strong sense of propriety and social norms which, when broken, add to the intrigue.
The settings also play a role. Whether it's a gritty urban landscape like in 'The Wire' (which could be considered a crime novel in a way, if you think of it as a long - form narrative), or a small - town mystery like in many classic crime novels, the setting helps to create the mood and atmosphere. It can be a character in itself, influencing the actions and motives of the people in the story. These elements combined make the top 100 crime novels very popular.
P. D. James is also a significant figure in this genre. Her books are known for their psychological depth. For example, 'A Taste for Death' delves deep into the minds of the characters, both the criminals and the investigators. Her writing style is elegant and her stories are full of suspense.
Well, one factor is the element of mystery. British detective novels are masters at building suspense. The detectives themselves are often complex individuals with their own backstories. Take Inspector Morse for instance. His love for opera and his own personal demons make him an interesting character. And the cultural context of Britain, with its class system and history, provides a rich backdrop for the stories which can range from Victorian era crimes to modern - day mysteries.
The unique settings contribute a lot. The cold, often desolate Scandinavian landscapes add an eerie backdrop to the dark and mysterious stories.
The unique settings contribute a lot. Nordic countries have harsh and beautiful landscapes which add to the atmosphere. For example, the cold and desolate Icelandic scenery in Arnaldur IndriĆ°ason's novels. Also, the complex characters are a big draw. They are often flawed and multi - dimensional, like Lisbeth Salander in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'.
The suspense. In top crime and mystery novels like 'Gone Girl', the constant state of not knowing what will happen next keeps readers hooked. They create a sense of anticipation that makes you keep turning the pages.
The characters in humorous crime fiction are usually very distinct and often have some sort of quirk. For example, in 'The Thursday Next' series by Jasper Fforde, the main character has a really unique job and personality. These characters draw readers in and make the story more engaging. Also, the unexpected twists and turns in the plot, combined with the humor, keep readers on their toes.