One popular Irish crime novel is 'The Likeness' by Tana French. It has a great plot with a detective who discovers a woman who looks exactly like her. Another is 'In the Woods' also by Tana French, which is full of mystery and complex characters. 'The Guard' by John Connolly is well - known too, featuring a detective with a unique personality.
Some Irish crime fiction books worth mentioning are 'Faithful Place' by Tana French. It's part of her Dublin Murder Squad series and tells a story of a detective who has to revisit his past when a case from his old neighborhood resurfaces. 'The Dramatist' by Ken Bruen is also popular. It's set in the seedy underbelly of Irish cities and involves a detective with his own set of problems trying to solve crimes. Additionally, 'The Dark I Know Well' by Arlene Hunt is a great read. It has a strong female lead who is on the hunt for a serial killer in Ireland, and the book is filled with suspense and unexpected revelations.
Tana French's 'In the Woods' is really popular. It sets the tone for her Dublin Murder Squad series. Another popular one is John Connolly's 'Every Dead Thing'. Adrian McKinty's 'The Cold, Cold Ground' has also gained a lot of fans.
Tana French is a very popular author in Irish Times crime fiction.
The moral and religious undertones were quite prevalent. Ireland in the 1960s was still a very religious society. So in crime novels, the idea of sin, redemption, and the role of the Church often played a part. A criminal's actions might not just be seen as a legal violation but also as a spiritual one. And the characters' moral compasses were often shaped by the religious beliefs of the time.
Often, top Irish crime novels have a strong sense of place. For example, they might be set in Dublin or other Irish cities and towns, and the local culture, dialects, and landscapes are vividly described. The characters are complex, not simply good or bad. They are often haunted by their pasts, like in Tana French's novels.
Many of the best Irish crime novels feature a brooding atmosphere. There's often a sense of gloom or unease that pervades the story. The relationships between the characters are complex and full of tension. And the crimes themselves are not just about the act, but about what they reveal about the human condition, the society, and the secrets that lie beneath the surface of Irish life.
One popular Irish detective novel is 'The Dublin Murder Squad' series by Tana French. It's known for its complex characters and engaging mysteries set in Dublin. Another is 'In the Woods' by Tana French as well, which is a great start to exploring the series. Also, 'The Blackwater Lightship' by Colm Tóibín has elements of mystery and family drama in an Irish setting.
One popular Irish detective novel is 'The Dublin Murder Squad' series by Tana French. It offers complex characters and intricate plots set in Dublin. Another is 'Faithful Place' which is part of that series, delving deep into the past and relationships of the characters. There's also 'In the Woods' which starts the series with a mystery that has elements of the past and present intertwined.
One popular Irish fantasy novel is 'The Book of Kells' which often features in Irish mythology - inspired fantasies. Another is 'The Chronicles of the Invaders' series by Morgan Llywelyn that blends Irish history and fantasy elements.
Some Irish romance novels that are worth mentioning are 'The Bookshop on the Corner' by Jenny Colgan. It features a young woman who starts a mobile bookshop in a small Irish village and finds love along the way. Then there's 'The Year I Met You' by Cecelia Ahern. It has a unique take on love as the main character is on a year - long sabbatical and forms unexpected relationships, with the Irish setting providing a warm and inviting backdrop.