I'd also recommend 'The Black Dahlia' by James Ellroy. It delves deep into the dark world of crime in Los Angeles. Ellroy's writing style is unique and he weaves a complex web of mystery and corruption that is characteristic of urban crime novels.
Another great one is 'The Pelican Brief'. It has a fast - paced plot full of twists and turns. A young law student discovers a connection between the assassinations of two Supreme Court justices and finds herself in a dangerous web of conspiracy as she tries to expose the truth through legal means.
Well, 'Big Little Lies' by Liane Moriarty can also be considered a great crime thriller. It has a web of secrets among its characters. And 'Sharp Objects' by Gillian Flynn is also good. Flynn is really good at creating dark and twisty plots.
Definitely start with 'The Rats'. It's his most well - known work. It sets the tone for his brand of horror. It's fast - paced and full of gory and scary moments.
One must - read xianxia novel is 'A Record of Mortal's Cultivation to Immortality'. It has a great story of an ordinary man's journey to immortality. The protagonist, Han Li, faces numerous challenges and grows gradually. Another good one is 'Coiling Dragon'. It features a vivid world - building and an exciting adventure of the main character, Linley. And 'Stellar Transformations' is also worth reading. It tells about Qin Yu's path to becoming a powerful being.
You could start with 'Early Autumn'. It's a great introduction to the Spencer series. It sets the tone for the character's development and the kind of detective work he does.
You could start with 'Relic'. It's a great introduction to the Pendergast series. It sets the tone with its mystery and unique characters, especially Pendergast himself. The story takes place in a museum, which adds an interesting backdrop to the whole mystery.
You could start with 'The Godwulf Manuscript'. It's the first in the series and gives a great introduction to the character of Spenser. It sets the tone for his tough, yet intelligent and somewhat cynical personality, as well as introducing the world he inhabits, which often involves the seedy underbelly of crime in Boston.
I'd recommend starting with 'The Book of the New Sun'. It's a classic of Wolfe's work and gives a great introduction to his complex and imaginative writing style.
You could start with 'Faithful Place'. It delves deep into the character's past and the Dublin setting is vividly portrayed. Tana French's ability to create a sense of place and character is on full display in this novel.
You could start with 'Killing Floor'. It's the first in the Jack Reacher series. It really sets the tone for the character and the type of action - packed, mystery - filled stories that Lee Child is known for.