Well, 'The Maltese Falcon' is a top - notch pulp crime fiction. Written by Dashiell Hammett, it features Sam Spade, a private detective. His character is so well - drawn. Then there's 'The Postman Always Rings Twice' by James M. Cain. It has a really engaging and somewhat sordid story of love and crime. And 'True Detective' - like novels such as 'The Killer Inside Me' by Jim Thompson can be considered great pulp crime fictions.
Well, 'Pale Kings and Princes' by Robert B. Parker is among the top ones. Spenser, the detective in the story, is a very interesting character. The novel deals with issues of power, corruption, and justice in a way that is both thought - provoking and exciting. The way Parker weaves the plot and develops the characters makes it a must - read in the pulp fiction crime genre.
One of the best is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It has a complex mystery and a unique protagonist. Another great one is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn which has a really twisted plot. And 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote is also among them, as it's a non - fictional crime story that reads like a thriller.
Agatha Christie's 'Murder on the Orient Express' is also a classic. It's set on a train and has a brilliant detective, Hercule Poirot. Christie weaves a web of lies and clues among the diverse group of passengers, making it a must - read for crime fiction lovers. The way she reveals the solution at the end is both surprising and satisfying.
One of the best is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It has a complex plot full of mystery and dark secrets. The character of Lisbeth Salander is extremely captivating.
Arnaldur Indriðason's 'Reykjavík Murder Mystery' series is among the top. Set in Iceland, it provides a unique backdrop with its cold and sometimes desolate landscapes, adding to the overall mood of the crime stories.
Agatha Christie's 'Murder on the Orient Express' is also a classic. It features the famous detective Hercule Poirot. The confined setting of the train and the numerous suspects create an intricate web of mystery that Christie expertly unravels.
Well, 'An American Marriage' by Tayari Jones also had elements of crime fiction in it. It dealt with the unjust imprisonment of a man, which is like a crime in itself in the context of the story. It explored the relationship between the man, his wife, and how their lives were turned upside down by this unjust situation.
James M. Cain is well - known for his pulp crime works. 'Double Indemnity' is one of his most famous novels. Mickey Spillane is also quite famous. His detective character Mike Hammer is very iconic in pulp crime fiction. And then there's Patricia Highsmith, who wrote 'Strangers on a Train', which has that classic pulp crime feel.
One of the best fiction gangster books is 'A Rage in Harlem' by Chester Himes. It has a great blend of humor and the dark world of gangsters in Harlem. 'True Grit' by Charles Portis also has elements of the old - west gangster - like outlaws. And 'The Getaway' by Jim Thompson is a tense and exciting read about a criminal couple on the run from the law and their gangster associates.
If you're just starting out, 'The Cat Who...' series by Lilian Jackson Braun is quite nice. It has a cozy mystery feel, with a journalist and his cat solving crimes in a small town. It's not overly intense. 'Encyclopedia Brown' books are also great for beginners. These short stories feature a boy detective solving simple mysteries, which can help you get used to the genre. 'The Body in the Library' by Agatha Christie is a good pick too. It has a classic Christie mystery setup with a dead body and a bunch of suspects, and the plot is easy to follow.