Some excellent examples of best British crime fiction include Patricia Highsmith's 'Strangers on a Train'. It's a psychological thriller that delves deep into the minds of its characters. 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco, while the author is Italian, it's set in a medieval English abbey and has a strong British crime - like feel with all the mystery and intrigue. Also, 'Line of Duty' which started as a TV series but has a lot of elements that can be considered in the realm of great British crime fiction with its exploration of police corruption and solving of complex cases.
One of the best is 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' by Arthur Conan Doyle. It features the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes solving a mystery on the moors. Another great one is 'Rebecca' by Daphne du Maurier, which has elements of crime and mystery within its dark and brooding story. And 'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy' by John le Carré is also highly regarded, with its complex spy - related crime plot.
Tartan Noir novels like Ian Rankin's 'Rebus' series are great examples. The character of Inspector Rebus is complex and gritty. The novels often deal with the seedy underbelly of Scottish cities. Rankin's writing style is engaging, and he delves deep into the psychology of the characters, both the criminals and the investigators.
Agatha Christie's 'Murder on the Orient Express' is also a great one. It has a complex plot with a murder on a train full of suspects. Christie's ability to mislead the reader and then reveal the truth in a shocking way is masterful. There are multiple motives and alibis that keep you guessing until the end.
One of the best new British crime novels is 'The Girl on the Train' by Paula Hawkins. It has a gripping plot with unreliable narrators that keeps readers on their toes. Another great one is 'Before I Go to Sleep' by S. J. Watson. The story of a woman who loses her memory every night is both mysterious and heart - wrenching. Also, 'The Cuckoo's Calling' by Robert Galbraith (J. K. Rowling) is excellent. It features a private detective Cormoran Strike and his assistant Robin Ellacott solving complex cases.
One of the best is the 'Sherlock Holmes' series by Arthur Conan Doyle. It features the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend Dr. Watson solving complex crimes in Victorian London. The stories are full of mystery and deduction, making it a classic in the crime genre.
One of the best is 'The Chalet' by Catherine Cooper. It has a great plot full of mystery and unexpected twists. The setting in the French Alps adds to the eerie atmosphere.
Agatha Christie's works are also top - notch. For example, 'Murder on the Orient Express'. Her books are known for their intricate plots, multiple suspects, and unexpected twists. Christie is a master at creating suspense and mystery within the UK setting.
Some of the best Nordic crime fictions include 'The Keeper of Lost Causes' by Jussi Adler - Olsen. The story follows a detective who is assigned to cold cases and the mystery unfolds in an engaging way. In addition, 'Those Who Kill' by Elsebeth Egholm is a good one. It has a unique take on the crime genre, focusing on a psychologist's involvement in solving crimes. And we can't forget about Camilla Läckberg's 'Fever' which is full of suspense and family secrets in a Nordic backdrop.
One of the well - known Icelandic crime fictions is 'Jar City' by Arnaldur Indriðason. It's a great example with its complex characters and a plot that delves deep into the dark side of Icelandic society. The setting of Reykjavik also adds a unique flavor to the story.
One of the best is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. Although Larsson was Swedish, the Millennium series has had a huge impact on modern crime fiction, and it has been widely read in the British context as well. Another great one is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. It keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its complex characters and plot twists. And 'The Cuckoo's Calling' by J.K. Rowling (writing as Robert Galbraith) is also excellent. It features a private detective, Cormoran Strike, and has all the elements of a great British crime story - mystery, intrigue, and a touch of class.