Some new Australian crime fiction that stands out is that which focuses on the seedy underbelly of big cities like Sydney or Melbourne. Authors are exploring the criminal networks that operate in these urban landscapes.
One great example in best new Australian crime fiction is 'The Dry' by Jane Harper. It's a gripping tale set in a drought - stricken town with a complex mystery at its core. The character development is excellent, making readers truly care about the protagonist as he delves into the secrets of the small community.
A new Scandinavian crime novel that stands out is 'Before the Frost' by Henning Mankell. It has an interesting take on the detective story, with a focus on the detective's personal life as well as the crime. Another good one is 'The Savage Altar' by Åsa Larsson. The setting in the far north of Sweden adds a sense of isolation and danger to the story.
Julie Smith's Skip Langdon series is also excellent. In 'Huck Finn's Blood', Skip has to deal with a mystery that involves family secrets and the unique cultural aspects of New Orleans. Smith does a great job of making the city a character in itself. The reader gets a sense of the local traditions, the food, and the different types of people who call New Orleans home, all while following Skip's investigation.
Then there's 'Resurrection Bay' by Emma Viskic. It features a deaf PI named Caleb Zelic. The story is set in Melbourne and has a great blend of mystery, action, and character development. Caleb's disability adds an interesting dimension to the story as he uses his other senses and skills to solve the mystery, which involves organized crime and personal vendettas.
New Australian crime fiction is notable for its exploration of contemporary Australian society. It may touch on issues like social inequality, indigenous rights, and the impact of globalization on the country. The plots are full of twists and turns. Some works might focus on the investigation process, with detailed descriptions of forensic science and detective work. And many new Australian crime fiction authors bring fresh voices and perspectives, challenging the traditional norms of the crime fiction genre.
To find out the new releases in Australian crime fiction, you can check out local bookstores. They usually have a section dedicated to Australian literature and will often highlight new crime fiction releases. Additionally, online book platforms like Amazon Australia or Booktopia can be great resources. They categorize books by genre and release date, making it easy to spot the latest Australian crime fiction. Some indie publishers in Australia also focus on crime fiction and may have new and exciting releases that are not as widely known but are definitely worth exploring.
The best Australian crime fiction often features complex relationships. This could be between the characters themselves, or between the characters and the Australian environment. The environment can be both a hindrance and a help in solving the crimes. For instance, in 'Mystery Road', the Aboriginal connection to the land is an important part of the story. Also, these stories are not afraid to show the darker side of Australian life, from small - town secrets to big - city crime. And they usually have a well - crafted mystery that keeps the readers guessing until the very end.
In 2014, 'The Miniaturist' was also quite popular. It's set in 17th - century Amsterdam. The story is full of mystery as a young bride receives miniatures from an unknown miniaturist that seem to predict the future. It has elements of historical fiction, mystery, and female empowerment.
A great new historical fiction book is 'The Song of Achilles'. It's a beautiful retelling of the story of Achilles and Patroclus from Greek mythology. The writing is so vivid that it really makes the ancient world come alive.
A top German crime novel is 'Tatort Berlin' which offers a gritty look at crime in Berlin. It has interesting detective characters who have to navigate the complex cityscape and its underworld. The stories are often based on real - life issues in the city, making it very relatable.