I'd recommend 'The Eye of Jade' by Diane Wei Liang. This novel combines elements of Chinese culture and crime - solving. It has a relatively simple narrative for those new to Chinese crime novels. It tells the story of a young Chinese - American woman who gets involved in solving a mystery in Beijing.
Another good option for beginners is 'Red Mandarin Dress' by Qiu Xiaolong. It offers a taste of crime in Shanghai. The language is not overly complex, and the story is full of interesting cultural details. It's a great way to get into Chinese crime novels as it gives a good sense of the setting and the mystery - solving process.
Sure. 'Death Notice' by Zhou Haohui is a great start. It has a clear plot structure, with an exciting chase between the good and the bad. The characters are well - developed, and the mystery elements are easy to follow for beginners.
Sure. 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' is a great start. The stories are short and easy to follow, and the mysteries are engaging. Another good one is 'The Cat Who...' series by Lilian Jackson Braun. It's more light - hearted compared to some darker crime novels.
Sure. 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson is a great start. It has a gripping mystery with a strong female lead. The story is set in Sweden and involves solving a long - forgotten crime.
For beginners, 'The Woman in the Window' by A.J. Finn is a good choice. It has a simple yet engaging plot about an agoraphobic woman who witnesses something strange from her window. The writing style is easy to follow and the mystery builds up steadily.
Sure. 'The Postman Always Rings Twice' by James M. Cain is a good start. It has a straightforward yet captivating plot about a love - triangle - turned - murder - plot. The writing is accessible and it gives a great taste of the noir genre.
Sure. 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' by Arthur Conan Doyle is a great start. The short stories are easy to follow and Holmes' deductive reasoning is fascinating. You can learn how to spot clues and solve mysteries along with him.
I'd recommend 'The Westing Game' by Ellen Raskin. It's a classic among contemporary crime novels for young readers and beginners. It has a diverse cast of characters and a cleverly constructed mystery that unfolds in an apartment building. Also, 'The Name of the Star' by Maureen Johnson has a unique take on crime. It involves a girl who can see ghosts and is trying to solve a mystery related to a modern - day Jack the Ripper - like killer. It's easy to get into and full of suspense.
Another good one for beginners is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. Although it's a more modern take on the crime genre, it has all the elements of a great pulp crime novel - mystery, intrigue, and a complex protagonist in Lisbeth Salander. It's a page - turner that will introduce you well to the world of crime novels.
Sure. 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie is a great start. It's a classic with a simple yet very engaging mystery. Ten strangers are lured to an island and then start to die one by one, and you're left guessing who the killer is.
A great beginner - friendly lesbian crime novel is 'Blue is the Warmest Color' by Julie Maroh. It's a graphic novel, so it's a bit more visual and easier to digest. It tells a story of love and self - discovery within a context that has elements of social 'crime' like discrimination. Another option is 'The Butchering Art' by Lindsey Fitzharris. It combines historical facts with a crime - solving narrative and has some lesbian undertones that are not too complex for new readers to understand.
For beginners, 'The Pelican Brief' by John Grisham is a great choice. It has a straightforward plot about a law student who uncovers a political conspiracy. The writing is accessible and engaging.