The unique plots. Each story has a different mystery to solve, from murders to missing items, which keeps readers hooked.
The characters are often very well - developed. Detectives with distinct personalities, like the logical Sherlock Holmes or the tough - as - nails Sam Spade, and the villains they face. These characters create interesting dynamics and conflicts that drive the stories forward. Also, the settings in these stories range from the foggy streets of London in Holmes' stories to the seedy underworld of American cities in some noir detective tales. This variety of settings adds to the overall charm and allure of the 'world's best 100 detective stories' as it gives a different backdrop for each mystery to unfold.
The unique plots. Each story has a distinct mystery that keeps the readers on their toes. For example, in many of them, the detective has to solve a crime with very limited evidence, like in 'The Speckled Band' where Sherlock Holmes has to figure out how a woman was killed in a locked room situation.
The mystery element. In these stories, there are always puzzles to be solved. The readers are kept on their toes, trying to figure out who the culprit is or what really happened. For example, in 'And Then There Were None' from the collection, the mystery of who the killer on the isolated island is keeps readers guessing until the end.
The writing style is engaging. The authors use vivid descriptions that draw you into the story. They describe the crime scenes in detail, making you feel like you are right there with the detective. Also, the dialogues are well - written, revealing the personalities of the characters. The stories often deal with deeper themes like justice, morality, and human nature, which makes them more than just simple whodunits.
The'summer' setting could be the key. Summer is associated with warmth, freedom, and a sense of relaxation. 'Summer World's Best Story' might be special because it captures all these feelings. It could tell a story of love that blossoms under the summer sun or a story of self - discovery during a long summer vacation.
It could be the character development of the engineer in the story. If the engineer is well - written, readers can really get into their mindset and see how they approach problems. For example, if the engineer has to build something from scratch in a difficult situation, seeing their thought process can be really engaging. Also, it might be special because of the world - building. If it's set in a fictional world, the engineering aspects could be what makes that world function in an interesting way.
Well, it might have a really unique and engaging plot. Maybe it has a complex assassin character with a deep backstory that draws readers in.
Ihimaera's use of vivid language also stands out. For example, in his descriptions of the New Zealand landscape, he makes it almost a character in itself. His stories are not just about people, but also about the place they inhabit. He also often tackles important social issues within the framework of his cultural stories, which gives them an added depth.
Shakespeare's use of language is extraordinary. His plays are filled with beautiful and powerful lines. In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', the language creates a magical and dreamy atmosphere. The flowery descriptions and the rhyming couplets add to the charm of the story, making it a delight to read and watch.
Perhaps the stories in 'best 2017 stories' were special due to their timeliness. In 2017, there were many events happening around the world. If these stories were related to those events in some way, whether it was a political upheaval, a technological breakthrough, or a cultural shift, they would have been relevant and thus special. They could have provided different perspectives on the events, making readers more aware of the world around them.
The mystery aspect. We love trying to figure out the solution before the detective does. In the best detective stories, there are always clues and red herrings that keep us engaged.