Well, 'In the dead of night, a scream shattered the silence of the old mansion.' This opening grabs your attention as it creates an atmosphere of danger and mystery. It makes you curious about who screamed and why. Also, it gives a sense of place with the 'old mansion' which often implies secrets and a history that could be related to the crime.
Some great opening words could be 'The body lay sprawled on the cold, damp alley floor, a pool of blood spreading beneath it.' It immediately sets a dark and mysterious scene, making the reader wonder what happened.
They can also set a mood. Like 'Darkness enveloped the city as the first victim was discovered.' The 'darkness' sets a somber and slightly scary mood, and the mention of the 'first victim' makes you want to know more about the crime and the potential killer. These opening words draw readers in by making them curious about the story that's about to unfold.
In the realm of 'awesome crime novels', 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote is a notable one. It's a non - fictional novel that tells the story of a real - life murder in a very detailed and engaging way. It's almost like you're right there in Kansas witnessing the events unfold. 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler is also great. The hard - boiled detective Philip Marlowe is an iconic character, and the noir - style writing makes the crime - solving process really exciting.
One of the great crime thriller novels is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It has a complex mystery involving a journalist and a hacker girl as they investigate a decades - old disappearance. Another is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn, which keeps readers on the edge with its twisted plot about a missing wife. And 'Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris is also a classic, with the terrifying character of Hannibal Lecter.
One of the great British crime novels is 'Sherlock Holmes' series by Arthur Conan Doyle. It features the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend Dr. Watson, solving complex mysteries in Victorian London.
Well, 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil' is a great true crime novel. It combines a murder mystery with the unique charm and eccentricity of Savannah. 'The Devil in the White City' is also notable. It weaves together the story of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and a serial killer who preyed on the fairgoers. And then there's 'I'll Be Gone in the Dark' by Michelle McNamara, which is about the hunt for the Golden State Killer.
Great crime novels typically have a strong sense of suspense. This makes the reader eager to turn the pages to find out what happens next. They also tend to have a moral or ethical dimension, exploring the nature of right and wrong. And many great crime novels are set in gritty urban environments, which gives a sense of realism.
Well, 'The Silent Patient' is a great modern crime novel. It's about a woman who stops speaking after shooting her husband. The story is full of psychological depth and suspense. 'Big Little Lies' is also a good one. It deals with a murder mystery in a seemingly idyllic community, exploring the secrets and lies beneath the surface. Then there's 'Sharp Objects' which is dark and gritty, delving into a journalist's investigation into a series of murders in her hometown.
One great opening line is from 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen: 'It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.' This line immediately sets the stage for the story's focus on marriage and social status in the society of that time.
Beginning with an action - for example, 'He ran through the dark forest, branches whipping at his face, not daring to look back at the howling that chased him.' This creates a sense of urgency and mystery. The reader wants to know who he is, what he's running from, and will keep reading to find out.
One great opening is from 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen: 'It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.' This immediately sets the stage for a story about marriage and society's expectations.