The forbidden aspect plays a huge role. Love in the context of organised crime is often forbidden. Society frowns upon relationships with criminals. So, when two characters in a novel fall in love despite these barriers, it creates a sense of drama and tension. It's like Romeo and Juliet but in a more modern and criminal context. The power dynamics within organised crime groups also add to the intrigue. The male lead might be a powerful crime boss, and seeing how his relationship with the female lead unfolds, whether he uses his power for good or bad in the relationship, makes for a captivating read.
The danger factor. In organised crime romance novels, the presence of danger adds an exciting edge to the love story. It's the idea that the characters are in a world where the stakes are high, and yet they find love. For example, in a mafia - based story, the hero might be a mobster who has to navigate his criminal life while falling for a woman. This contrast between the violent and often immoral world of crime and the pure emotion of love is very appealing.
The complex characters. Organised crime settings usually have characters that are not one - dimensional. They have layers of personality. In a romance within this genre, these complex characters bring more depth to the relationship. For instance, a female lead might be attracted to a man involved in organised crime because he has a certain charm and protectiveness, but she also has to grapple with his illegal activities. It creates a tug - of - war of emotions that readers find interesting. Also, the settings in these novels are often different from our normal world, like the seedy underworld of drug cartels or the hierarchical structure of the mafia, which adds a sense of novelty.
The unpredictability is a major factor. Take 'American Psycho'. The way the story unfolds and the actions of the main character are so far from the norm that it keeps you guessing. And in many quirky crime novels, the writing style is also distinct. It could be very detailed and almost obsessive like in 'The Name of the Rose', which makes the reading experience more immersive and the mystery more alluring.
The mystery aspect. In medical crime novels, the crimes are often complex and intertwined with medical knowledge. It's like a double mystery - the crime itself and how it relates to medicine.
The suspense. In amazing crime novels, you're always on the edge of your seat, waiting to find out who the culprit is. For example, in 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie, the mystery builds up gradually and keeps you guessing.
The contrast. Love is about positive emotions like passion and care, while crime is about negative actions. When combined, it creates a very interesting dynamic.
The suspense. In interesting crime novels, you are constantly on the edge of your seat wondering who the culprit is.
The atmosphere. Vintage crime novels often create a very distinct mood, like the smoky, seedy bars in a Raymond Chandler novel. It draws you into a different time and place.
One factor is the intricate plots. These novels often have multiple layers of mystery, like in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'. There are hidden secrets and unexpected revelations. Also, the exploration of the criminal mind is fascinating. In 'The Silence of the Lambs', the insights into Hannibal Lecter's mind are both terrifying and captivating. Moreover, the settings can add to the allure. A gritty urban setting or a spooky small town can enhance the mood of the crime story.
Well, it's also about the complex characters. In crime writer novels, you often get to see different personalities, from the detective with his quirks to the criminal with his motives. For instance, in many of the noir - style crime novels, the characters are morally ambiguous, which adds depth. And then there's the setting. Whether it's a gloomy city street or a small, idyllic town with a dark secret, the setting can create a great atmosphere for the story.
Well, the allure of romantic crime novels lies in their ability to create a multi - faceted narrative. The crime part creates a sense of urgency and mystery, making readers eager to find out what happened. Meanwhile, the romance adds a human element. It makes the characters more relatable as they experience love and longing. In many of these novels, the romantic relationship can also be a key factor in solving the crime or understanding the motives behind it. This interplay between two strong elements - crime and romance - makes these novels stand out and be highly appealing to a wide range of readers.
I would also recommend 'L.A. Confidential' by James Ellroy. Set in 1950s Los Angeles, it weaves together multiple storylines involving police corruption and organised crime. The noir - style writing and complex plot make it a must - read for crime novel fans.