Often, the best ones have a great sense of atmosphere. 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris creates a really creepy and tense atmosphere as FBI agent Clarice Starling tries to get into the mind of the brilliant but deranged psychiatrist - murderer Hannibal Lecter to solve a series of murders. And they usually have well - crafted mysteries that are not too easy to solve, which makes the reading experience more exciting.
Foreign Jewish detective novels often have a strong sense of place. Whether it's the crowded streets of a Jewish ghetto in an Eastern European city or the modern - day neighborhoods in Israel or the United States with a large Jewish population. This sense of place not only sets the scene but also influences the plot and the characters' actions. The detective work is sometimes intertwined with the exploration of the Jewish community's secrets, traditions, and relationships.
One characteristic is their universality. For example, in 'Pride and Prejudice', the themes of love, pride, and social status are relevant across different cultures and times. Another is their ability to create memorable characters. Like Jay Gatsby in 'The Great Gatsby', who has become an iconic figure representing the pursuit of an elusive dream. Also, many best foreign novels often have complex and engaging plots. 'War and Peace' has a vast web of storylines that keep readers hooked as they follow the fates of various characters during a significant historical period.
Well, often they have a strong sense of atmosphere. For example, in 'Dracula', the misty and foreboding Transylvanian setting really sets the mood. Another characteristic is the creation of memorable and terrifying characters like Hannibal Lecter in 'The Silence of the Lambs'. They also play with psychological fears, such as in 'The Shining' where the main character's slow mental breakdown is a big part of the horror. And many of them use elements of the unknown, like the strange and unholy in 'The Exorcist'.
The best foreign mystery novels often have complex plots. For example, in 'The Da Vinci Code' by Dan Brown, there are multiple layers of mystery involving historical secrets, religious symbols, and a race against time. Another characteristic is the presence of interesting characters like the detective or the villain. In 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris, the character of Hannibal Lecter is both terrifying and fascinating.
They often feature an intelligent detective figure. Just like Poirot in Agatha Christie's novels, who uses his 'little grey cells' to solve the most baffling cases. These detectives usually have unique personalities that draw readers in.
The plot is crucial. In the best ones, there are multiple layers of mystery. Consider 'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' by Alexander McCall Smith. Mma Ramotswe's investigations are filled with small mysteries within the larger one. Also, strong themes are common. Female detective novels might explore themes like justice, family, and female empowerment. In Marcia Muller's Sharon McCone series, Sharon often has to fight against male - dominated workplaces while solving cases.
Well, often they have a strong sense of place. For example, many are set in the vibrant cities of Spain like Madrid or Barcelona, which adds to the atmosphere. The characters are usually complex, not just the detectives but also the suspects and victims. They might have deep - seated motives or secrets.
They usually have intricate plots. These plots are filled with mystery and often have multiple layers. Such as in some novels where the initial mystery leads to even deeper and more complex problems that need to be unravelled. The settings in Tamil detective novels are also quite important. They are often set in Tamil Nadu, which gives a unique cultural flavor to the stories. This can be seen in the way the characters interact, the local customs and traditions that are incorporated into the mystery and the detective's work.
Well, they often have unreliable narrators. For example, in 'The Turn of the Screw' by Henry James, the narrator's perception might be distorted, making the readers constantly question what is real and what is in the character's mind. This adds to the sense of psychological unease.
One characteristic is complex characters. For example, Sherlock Holmes is a complex character with his brilliant mind and eccentricities. Another is the intricate plot. In 'Murder on the Orient Express', the plot is full of twists. There are also the elements of mystery and suspense. The readers are always kept guessing until the end.